Definition: The word "Numbers" does not have a commonly recognized or well-defined meaning in the English language as it was coined by Josephus, which may be due to its antiquity rather than any particular historical context. However, it has been used in various ways throughout history and can often refer to:
The 6th century BC Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) of the biblical text that contains much material about the Israelites' migration from Canaan into the land of Palestine.
A Babylonian tablet dating to the 10th century AD used in the archaeological excavation at Ur, which is believed to contain many detailed records of the history of ancient Mesopotamia.
The 8th century AD text by the Persian scholar and philosopher Eusebius that is known as "the Book of Numbers," containing instructions for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The exact meaning or origin of the word "Numbers" may not be universally recognized, but it seems likely to have had a significant influence on the historical narrative surrounding the Israelites' journey from Canaan into Palestine.

(in the Bible) Numbers

Definition: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short verse from Numbers 10:1. It's a really important and fascinating beginning to a story about a plague! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying…” This is essentially God telling Moses that He has decided to intervene in a situation. Let’s unpack it further: “The LORD spake” : This means “God spoke” or “God addressed.” It's a formal way of saying God is communicating with Moses. “unto Moses” : This refers to Moses, who was the leader and witness of the Israelite people at that time. He was tasked with leading them out of Egypt and into the wilderness. “saying…” : This indicates that God is about to give Moses a message or instruction. So, the verse basically means: "God has decided to speak to Moses, and he's going to tell him something important." What’s coming next? The verse sets up a story of a severe plague affecting a group of people in Egypt. God is going to use this message to bring relief and deliverance. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant (like the reason it's part of the story)? Give you a little more context about what’s happening before this verse?

Definition: Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:10. It's a pretty serious warning, but we can understand it in its core meaning. Here’s what it says, explained simply: The Basic Message: This verse is telling us to be very careful about how we offer things to God – specifically sacrifices and burnt offerings. It warns against offering these things when people are happy or peaceful, and emphasizes that the offering needs to have a sense of remembrance and respect for God. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Also in the day of your gladness…” – This means when you're feeling joyful, happy, or excited , don’t offer sacrifices. “…and in your solemn days…” – This is about times when people are grieving, mourning, or reflecting on loss. It’s a time to be quiet and respectful. “…and in the beginnings of your months…” – This refers to the beginning of a new month, signifying a fresh start and opportunity for giving. “ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings…” - This is the key part. “Blow with the trumpets” means to make loud, prominent displays of offering. “…and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings;” – This refers to sacrifices made for peace and contentment. “that they may be to you for a memorial before your God.” - This is the most important part. It means that these offerings need to represent a remembrance of God, a connection with Him, and a feeling of reverence. It’s not just about giving something; it's about showing respect and acknowledging God’s presence. “I [am] the LORD your God.” – This is a direct declaration from God, emphasizing that only He is the Lord. Putting it all together: God is telling us to be mindful of our offerings when we're feeling good and peaceful. It’s a reminder that these acts of worship should be meaningful and reflect a deep connection with Him. It suggests a need for reflection and gratitude, rather than just empty gestures. Why is this important? This verse was likely written during a time of hardship or crisis, where people were struggling. God wanted to remind the Israelites that their faith needed to be grounded in reverence and remembrance – not just celebration. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle might apply in a specific situation?

Definition: And it came to pass on the twentieth [day] of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 10:11. It’s a really important story about a plague and a miraculous cleansing. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “In the second year of the second month, on the twenty-first day of the second month, God took a cloud away from the tabernacle – which is essentially the Ark of the Covenant – to cleanse something that was causing trouble.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Numbers 10:11” : This is the specific verse we're talking about. “On the twentieth [day] of the second month…” : This tells us when it happened – the twenty-first day of the second month, which was a specific date in the Jewish calendar. “…in the second year…” : This clarifies that we’re talking about a period of time after the beginning of the second year of the previous year. “…that the cloud was taken up…” : The "cloud" wasn't just any cloud; it was a symbol of God’s presence and power, and it was being taken away. "...from off the tabernacle of the testimony." : This is the really key part. The “tabernacle” was a special place where the Jewish people kept the law and the Ark of the Covenant – a holy object containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. So, God was removing something from that place to make it clean. What's the big deal? This story is about a plague affecting the Israelites (the Jewish people). It’s a powerful example of God’s judgment and his ability to cleanse things through his presence. It highlights the importance of God’s faithfulness and his protection of his people. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story in the Bible that involves a plague, and it's often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a spiritual affliction affecting Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of Numbers 10:11?

Definition: And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:12. It’s a pretty fascinating story about a plague that afflicted the Israelites! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is sending a divine punishment to the people of Israel for disobeying him. Let’s unpack it further: “Numbers 10:12” : This is a specific part of the story. It tells us exactly what happened. “And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai…” : This refers to the Israelites being in a place called the Wilderness of Sinai, which was where they had been camped for many years. They were living a difficult and troubled time. “…and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.” This is the key part. The Bible describes the clouds as falling down to cover the Israelites. They were covered by a brilliant, white cloud! This cloud was a sign of God’s presence and power. So, what does this mean? It's like God is saying, "I'm going to show you something amazing." He's using the clouds as a visual representation of his divine protection and his judgment. The fact that the cloud rested in the wilderness suggests that God was nearby, even though they were in a difficult place. Why is this important? This story highlights several things: God’s Sovereignty: He's in control, even when things seem bad. Divine Intervention: He’s actively working to protect his people. A Warning: It’s a warning to the Israelites to be more obedient to God and listen to his guidance. In short, this verse tells us that God is sending a punishment – a plague – to punish the Israelites for their disobedience, and he's using a visible sign of his power to remind them of his presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Give you some context about what was happening at the time?

Definition: And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:13. It’s a really important part of understanding how the Israelites got the law and instructions for entering into a new land – Canaan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they started their journey with God’s direct guidance – specifically, Moses’ instructions. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Numbers 10”: This refers to a specific story within the larger book of Numbers. It tells about a plague and a group of people who were afflicted by illness and death. “And they first took their journey…” – This means they started traveling, possibly following Moses' instructions or guidance. “…according to the commandment of the LORD”: This is crucial. “Commandment” means a rule or law given by God. "Lord" refers to God Himself. So, it means they were following God’s rules and guidelines. “by the hand of Moses.” – This identifies Moses as the person who gave these instructions. He was a very important leader in the Israelites' history. Putting it all together: The verse says that the Israelites began their journey with God’s help, specifically under the direction of Moses. It highlights that they were receiving divine guidance and instruction for this significant event – moving into a new land. Why is this important? This story shows that God was actively involved in guiding and leading the Israelites, even when they were facing challenges. It emphasizes that their journey wasn't just about wandering; it was guided by divine purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Numbers 10? Discuss a specific aspect of this story (like the plague)?

Definition: In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:14. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation involving a leader of the Jewish camp of Judah and a specific warrior named Nahshon. Let’s unpack each part: “Numbers 10:14” : This is the title of the passage – it's a section in the Book of Numbers that focuses on a specific event. “In the first [place]…” : This tells us where this happened. It refers to a particular location, likely a campsite or gathering place for Jewish people. The word "place" is kept as is, which can be interpreted as a physical location. “…went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah…” : This means a leader – possibly a high-ranking warrior – from the tribe of Judah was leading a group of people. “Children of Judah” refers to a specific branch of Jewish history and tradition. “…according to their armies:” This is a key part. The leader was leading a group of warriors with the intention of fighting . “Armies” means large groups of soldiers or warriors. “…and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.” : This identifies the specific warrior leader. "Nahshon" is a Hebrew name, and "the son of Amminadab" refers to him as a particular descendant of an important family within the tribe of Judah. It’s telling us this person was a very prominent and powerful warrior. In simpler terms: This verse describes a situation where a leader from a specific Jewish group – the tribe of Judah – was leading a group of warriors with the goal of fighting. This particular leader was named Nahshon, who was connected to an important family line within that tribe. What's it about? Historically, this verse is often interpreted as a warning about potential conflict or rebellion among Jewish tribes. It suggests a leadership dynamic that could lead to trouble. --- Important Note: Biblical interpretation can be complex and sometimes debated. This explanation provides a generally accepted understanding based on context and historical analysis. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of Nahshon? Discuss how this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?

Definition: And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar [was] Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:15. It's a really important story about a plague and a desperate situation! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Plague is Happening: The Israelites were facing a terrible plague – a sickness that was devastating their community. They were losing people, and the situation was very serious. Nethaneel is Involved: A man named Nethaneel was involved in this plague. He was a member of the tribe of Issachar. He’s Being Forced to Perform a Ritual: The Bible says that Nethaneel was being forced by God to perform a specific ritual – essentially, he had to do something very unpleasant and symbolic. What’s the Symbolism? This verse is about a symbolic act of repentance. The “host” in this context refers to the entire community of Issachar. Nethaneel was being asked to do something that represented a deep wrong – perhaps a betrayal or a shameful act. The Key Point - It’s About Forgiveness: The verse is essentially saying, "God wants you to forgive and repent for your mistakes." It's a plea for forgiveness from God. In short, it’s about the Israelites needing to acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek reconciliation with God. Important Note: This story is often interpreted as a reminder that even when we make mistakes, God is willing to forgive us if we show sincere remorse and seek to right our wrongs. It's a powerful message of hope and redemption! --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was important in the Old Testament? Give you some context about the story of the plague itself? Or perhaps explore another Bible verse that’s similar in theme?

Definition: And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun [was] Eliab the son of Helon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:16. It’s a little tricky, but it tells us about a situation in the story of Moses and his delegation to Canaan. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes that Eliab, a member of the tribe of Zebulun, was present at a meeting with Moses. It’s important to understand that Eliab wasn’t in charge of the meeting. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Numbers 10:16" : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. It’s a passage in the Book of Numbers. “And over the host…” : This means "at the head of the group." Think of it like a line or column of people. “…of the tribe of the children of Zebulun” : This identifies which tribe is involved – the Zebulun tribe, known for their importance in Jewish religious life and leadership. “[was] Eliab the son of Helon.” : This tells us who was present: Eliab, a son of Zebulun. The name "Helon" is a bit obscure – it likely refers to a specific person who was involved in this event. So, what's happening? It seems like there was a disagreement among the leaders of the Zebulun tribe about what to do. Perhaps they disagreed on a particular religious ritual or task. This verse suggests that Eliab was present during this discussion and potentially contributed to it. Important Note: This verse is often debated and interpreted in different ways. It's a complex passage that highlights the tensions and disagreements within the Jewish community of that time. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Connect it to other stories or events in the Bible? Give you a more detailed explanation of the context surrounding this passage?

Definition: And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Numbers 10:17. It’s a really important story about how the Israelites prepared for their next major event – the Passover festival! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were cleaning and preparing the Tabernacle. “Numbers 10:17” is the exact wording of the verse. It's telling us exactly what happened. “Took down” – This refers to dismantling or removing something. Think of it like taking down a building or a piece of furniture. “The tabernacle was taken down…” - The Tabernacle was a special, portable house for God’s people, built in Jerusalem. It was incredibly important because it housed the divine presence and was a place of worship. “…and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward…” – This is where it gets interesting. The story tells us that two families – Gershon and Merari – were chosen to carry the Tabernacle. They weren't just cleaning; they were leading the process. So, what was happening? They were responsible for taking the Tabernacle out of Jerusalem and moving it to a different location. This is important because it shows that the Israelites were preparing for a significant event – Passover! It’s like they were getting ready for a big celebration or a special moment in their history. Why was this important? The Tabernacle symbolized God's presence with his people. It was a reminder of His power and holiness. By taking it out of Jerusalem and moving it, they were symbolically removing any potential problem or offense and focusing on the divine. In short, the verse tells us that the Israelites were diligently preparing for Passover by carefully transporting the sacred Tabernacle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you a little more context about why this was important in Jewish history?