Numbers

Numbers

In the second year, in the second month, on the first day,

YHWH spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting:

“Take a census of all the congregation of Israel,

every male twenty years old and up—able to go to war.”

Moses and Aaron were to list them tribe by tribe,

with one leader from each tribe assisting.

The Tribal Leaders Appointed:

Reuben: Elizur son of Shedeur

Simeon: Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

Judah: Nahshon son of Amminadab

Issachar: Nethanel son of Zuar

Zebulun: Eliab son of Helon

Ephraim: Elishama son of Ammihud

Manasseh: Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

Benjamin: Abidan son of Gideoni

Dan: Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

Asher: Pagiel son of Ochran

Gad: Eliasaph son of Deuel

Naphtali: Ahira son of Enan

Total Count (excluding Levi):

603,550 men of war age.

———

“Each tribe shall camp by its own banner.”

East (front of the Tabernacle)

Judah (lead): 74,600

Issachar: 54,400

Zebulun: 57,400

Total: 186,400

South

Reuben (lead): 46,500

Simeon: 59,300

Gad: 45,650

Total: 151,450

Center: The Levites camp around the Tabernacle.

West

Ephraim (lead): 40,500

Manasseh: 32,200

Benjamin: 35,400

Total: 108,100

North

Dan (lead): 62,700

Asher: 41,500

Naphtali: 53,400

Total: 157,600

Grand Total of Israel's armies:

603,550 (again confirmed)

———

YHWH said:

“Bring the tribe of Levi near—

to serve Aaron and the Tabernacle.”

The Sons of Levi:

Gershon

Kohath

Merari

Gershonites: west of Tabernacle

Duties: curtains, tent coverings

Kohathites: south of Tabernacle

Duties: Ark, table, lampstand, altars, veil

Merarites: north of Tabernacle

Duties: frames, crossbars, bases

Aaron and his sons camped to the east—guarding the sanctuary.

Levites in place of the Firstborn

YHWH said:

“I have taken the Levites instead of the firstborn of all Israel.”

Total firstborn of Israel: 22,273

Total Levites: 22,000

The 273 excess firstborn were redeemed—

each for 5 shekels, given to Aaron.

———

YHWH spoke:

“Count the Levites aged 30 to 50—those able to serve.”

Kohathites (Amram’s line):

Responsible for the most sacred things

When camp sets out, Aaron’s sons cover the Ark, table, lampstand, etc.

Gershonites:

Carry tent curtains and coverings

Assigned under Ithamar

Merarites:

Carry frames, crossbars, posts

Also under Ithamar

———

“Command the people to send out of the camp anyone with skin disease,

a discharge, or contact with the dead.”

Restitution for Wrongdoing

“If one sins against another,

they must confess, return what was taken,

and add one-fifth to it.”

If no relative to repay, it goes to YHWH.

The Test for Adultery (The Bitter Waters)

If a husband suspects his wife of unfaithfulness:

She is brought to the priest

Given the holy water mixed with dust

If guilty: womb shrivels, thigh wastes away

If innocent: she is cleared and may conceive

“This is the law of jealousy:

The husband shall be free from guilt—

but the woman shall bear her iniquity.”

———

The Vow of a Nazirite

YHWH said:

“If a man or woman desires to set themselves apart to Me with a Nazirite vow:

They shall:

Abstain from wine and fermented drink

Not eat grapes or raisins

Not cut their hair during the vow

Not go near a dead body—even for family

If defiled by sudden death:

Shave the head on the seventh day

Bring two birds for purification

When the time is complete:

Bring offerings: a year-old lamb for ascent, ewe lamb for sin, ram for peace

Grain and drink offerings

Shave the consecrated hair and place it in the fire under the peace offering

“This is the Torah for the Nazirite who vows,

whether for a set time or longer.”

The Blessing of Aaron

YHWH said:

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and say:

This is how you shall bless the children of Israel—say to them:

YHWH bless you and keep you.

YHWH make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

YHWH lift up His face to you and give you peace.”

“So they shall place My Name upon My people—

and I will bless them.”

———

On the day Moses finished setting up the Tabernacle,

each tribal leader brought gifts:

6 covered carts

12 oxen

Given to the Levites according to their service

Dedication Offerings — One Leader per Day for 12 Days

Each brought:

1 silver dish (130 shekels)

1 silver bowl (70 shekels)

Both filled with fine flour and oil

1 gold pan with incense

1 bull, 1 ram, 1 lamb for ascent

1 male goat for sin

2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats, 5 year-old lambs for peace

Each tribe offered in order:

Judah

Issachar

Zebulun

Reuben

Simeon

Gad

Ephraim

Manasseh

Benjamin

Dan

Asher

Naphtali

Grand Totals:

12 silver dishes, 12 silver bowls = 2,400 shekels

12 gold pans = 120 shekels

36 animals for ascent, 12 for sin, 60 for peace

———

YHWH said:

“Speak to Aaron: Set up the seven lamps of the lampstand

so that they give light forward.”

Bezalel made the lampstand as YHWH commanded—beaten from one piece of gold.

The Levites Consecrated

YHWH said:

“Take the Levites from among the people and purify them:

Sprinkle them with water

Shave their bodies

Wash their clothes

They are to be presented before the Tent of Meeting

as a wave offering from Israel.”

“I have taken the Levites in place of every firstborn.

They are wholly Mine.”

Age of Service

From 25 to 50 years old

Afterward, they may assist, but not serve directly

———

Keeping the Passover

In the first month of the second year,

YHWH said:

“Let the people keep the Passover at its appointed time.”

But some were defiled by contact with the dead and could not keep it.

They asked Moses, and YHWH answered:

“If anyone is unclean or on a journey,

they may keep the Passover on the 14th day of the second month,

with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.”

“But if someone is clean and not away—yet fails to keep it—

that person shall be cut off.”

The Cloud and the Fire

“On the day the Tabernacle was raised,

the cloud covered it by day, and fire by night.

Whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.

Wherever it settled, they stayed.”

Whether for a day, a week, or longer—

they moved only at YHWH’s command.

———

The Silver Trumpets

“Make two trumpets of hammered silver:

For calling the congregation and setting out:

Blow both = whole assembly

Blow one = leaders only

For movement:

East camp moves first

Then the south

For war:

Sound the alarm

On your feast days:

Blow the trumpets over your offerings”

“They will be a memorial before your God—

I am YHWH your God.”

Setting Out from Sinai

In the second year, second month, twentieth day,

the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle.

Judah’s camp went first

Gershon and Merari carried the Tabernacle

Then Reuben’s camp

Kohath carried the holy objects

Then Ephraim

Then Dan, the rear guard

Moses invited Hobab, his Midianite relative, to journey with them:

“Come with us—we will treat you well,

for YHWH has spoken good concerning Israel.”

The Ark Set Out

When the Ark set out, Moses said:

“Arise, YHWH! Let Your enemies be scattered,

and those who hate You flee before You!”

When it rested, he said:

“Return, YHWH, to the countless thousands of Israel.”

———

The people complained in the hearing of YHWH,

and His fire burned among them.

Moses cried out, and the fire was quenched.

He named the place Taberah (“Burning”).

The Craving for Meat

“Who will give us meat to eat?” they cried.

“We remember Egypt: fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, garlic.

But now our strength is dried up—nothing but this manna.”

Moses said to YHWH:

“Why have You laid the burden of this people on me alone?

I am not able to carry them.”

YHWH Answers

“Gather seventy elders.

I will take of the Spirit upon you and place it upon them.”

“Say to the people: ‘Tomorrow, you shall eat meat—

not one day or two, but a full month—

until it comes out your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you.’”

The Spirit Falls

Seventy elders stood, and the Spirit rested upon them.

They prophesied.

Two remained in the camp—Eldad and Medad—and they also prophesied.

Joshua said, “Stop them!”

But Moses answered:

“Are you jealous for my sake?

Would that all YHWH’s people were prophets!”

The Quail and the Plague

A wind from YHWH brought quail from the sea.

They fell around the camp, a day’s journey in every direction.

As the people gorged themselves,

YHWH’s anger burned, and a severe plague struck them.

He named the place Kibroth-hattaavah (“Graves of Craving”).

———

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife.

They said:

“Has YHWH spoken only through Moses? Has He not also spoken through us?”

And YHWH heard it.

Now Moses was very humble, more than all the people on earth.

YHWH said:

“Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting.”

He came down in the pillar of cloud:

“If there is a prophet among you, I make Myself known in visions...

But not so with My servant Moses—

he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face.”

When the cloud lifted, Miriam was leprous—white as snow.

Aaron pleaded:

“Do not let her be as one dead.”

Moses cried:

“O God, please heal her!”

YHWH said:

“Let her be shut outside the camp seven days—then she may return.”

The people did not move until she was restored.

———

YHWH said:

“Send men to spy out the land I am giving to the children of Israel.”

One leader from each tribe went, including:

Caleb son of Jephunneh (Judah)

Hoshea son of Nun (Ephraim), renamed Joshua

They searched the land for forty days:

From the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob

They saw the descendants of Anak

In the Valley of Eshcol they cut a single cluster of grapes—so large it took two men to carry

———

The people wept and said:

“Why has YHWH brought us to this land to die by the sword?”

They said to one another:

“Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”

Joshua and Caleb tore their garments:

“Do not fear! YHWH is with us!”

But the people threatened to stone them.

YHWH’s Glory Appears

YHWH said:

“How long will they despise Me?

I will strike them down and raise up a greater nation.”

Moses interceded:

“If You destroy them, the nations will say You could not bring them in.

Please pardon, according to Your great mercy.”

The Judgment

“I have pardoned.

But as surely as I live, none who saw My glory and still tested Me ten times

shall enter the land—except Caleb and Joshua.”

“Your children will wander forty years—one year for each day you spied the land.”

The ten spies died by plague.

Caleb and Joshua lived.

In defiance, some tried to go up to the hill country—

but were struck down by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

———

YHWH said:

“When you come into the land I give you,

bring grain and drink offerings with your burnt offerings.”

“If the whole congregation sins unintentionally:

bring a bull, grain, and goat—then it will be forgiven.”

“If an individual sins unintentionally:

bring a female goat for atonement.”

But if one acts defiantly:

“He has despised the word of YHWH—he shall be cut off.”

A Sabbath-Breaker Stoned

A man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath.

YHWH said: “He shall be put to death.”

The community stoned him, as commanded.

The Tassels (Tzitzit)

“Make fringes on the corners of your garments—

with a blue thread among them.

Look at them, and remember to keep My commands,

and not follow the desires of your heart and eyes.

Be holy to Me—

for I am YHWH who brought you out of Egypt,

to be your God.”

———

Korah, a Levite from Kohath, with Dathan and Abiram of Reuben, rose up:

“You take too much upon yourselves!

All the congregation is holy—why do you exalt yourselves over YHWH’s assembly?”

Moses fell on his face and said:

“Tomorrow, YHWH will show who is His.

You, Korah and all your company, take censers, put fire and incense, and stand before YHWH.”

A Call to the Levites

“Is it too small a thing that YHWH has set you apart to serve in His Tabernacle?

Must you also seek the priesthood?”

Dathan and Abiram refused to come, accusing Moses of failing to deliver them into a land of promise.

The Judgment Fire

Korah and 250 men stood with censers at the entrance.

YHWH’s glory appeared.

Moses cried:

“If these men die a natural death, YHWH has not sent me.

But if the earth opens its mouth…”

At that moment, the ground split open—

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, their households, and all that was theirs were swallowed alive.

Fire came from YHWH and consumed the 250 men with incense.

The Memorial

Eleazar the priest hammered their bronze censers into a covering for the altar:

“As a sign to Israel that no outsider may offer incense before YHWH.”

———

The people still grumbled:

“You have killed YHWH’s people!”

A plague began—14,700 died before Aaron ran with incense and stood between the dead and the living.

The Test of the Staffs

YHWH said:

“Take a staff from each tribe—twelve total.

Write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi.

I will make the man I choose blossom.”

The next day, Aaron’s staff had budded, blossomed, and produced almonds.

YHWH said:

“Put it before the Ark as a sign for the rebellious,

so their grumbling may cease.”

———

YHWH said to Aaron:

“You and your sons shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary and the priesthood.

Only the Levites may assist you,

but they shall not come near the holy furnishings or altar.”

Portion and Inheritance

“I give you all the holy offerings of Israel.

Every grain offering, sin offering, and guilt offering is most holy—yours to eat in a holy place.”

“The firstfruits, the best oil, wine, and grain—these are yours.”

“But you shall have no inheritance in the land.

I am your portion and inheritance.”

Tithes for the Levites

“To the Levites I give the tithe of Israel.

In return, they serve the Tent of Meeting.”

The Levites, in turn, must give a tithe of the tithe to the priests.

———

YHWH said:

“Bring a red heifer without blemish, never yoked.

Elazar the priest shall slaughter it outside the camp.

Burn the entire animal—its hide, flesh, blood, and dung.

Cast cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn into the fire.

Gather the ashes for the water of purification—

for cleansing from sin and death.”

Laws of Defilement

“Anyone who touches a corpse is unclean for seven days.

On the third and seventh day, he shall be sprinkled with the water.

Whoever fails to purify shall be cut off—

for he has defiled YHWH’s dwelling.”

———

The Death of Miriam

In the first month, the people arrived at Kadesh.

Miriam died and was buried there.

The Waters of Meribah

There was no water. The people quarreled:

“Why did you bring us to this desert to die?”

YHWH said to Moses:

“Take the staff. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and water will flow.”

Moses took the staff, gathered the people, and said:

“Must we bring water from this rock?”

He struck the rock twice—and water flowed abundantly.

YHWH said:

“Because you did not trust Me to uphold My holiness,

you shall not bring this assembly into the land.”

He called the place Meribah (“Quarreling”).

Edom Refuses Passage

Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom:

“Please let us pass through your land.”

Edom refused—coming out with a large force.

Israel turned away.

The Death of Aaron

At Mount Hor, YHWH said:

“Aaron shall be gathered to his people.

Take him up the mountain with Eleazar.

Strip him of his garments and place them on Eleazar.”

Aaron died there.

All Israel mourned him thirty days.

———

The Defeat of Arad

When the king of Arad in the Negev heard Israel was coming,

he fought against them and took some captive.

Israel vowed to YHWH:

“If You give them into our hand, we will destroy their cities.”

YHWH listened. They defeated them and named the place Hormah (“Devotion to Destruction”).

The Bronze Serpent

On the way to Edom, the people again grew impatient:

“Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?”

YHWH sent fiery serpents—many were bitten and died.

The people cried out:

“We have sinned!”

YHWH said:

“Make a fiery serpent. Set it on a pole.

Whoever looks upon it will live.”

Moses made a bronze serpent and raised it.

Those who looked upon it were healed.

From Oboth to Moab

Israel moved:

From Oboth to Iye-abarim

To Zered Valley

To Arnon, the border of Moab

(It is said in the Book of the Wars of YHWH:

“…Waheb in Suphah… the ravines of Arnon…”)

The Well of Song

At Beer, YHWH said:

“Gather the people and I will give them water.”

Then Israel sang:

“Spring up, O well—sing to it!”

Victory over Sihon and Og

Sihon king of the Amorites refused Israel passage.

He fought against them—Israel struck him with the sword and took his land.

They dwelled in his cities—Heshbon became theirs.

Then Og king of Bashan came out to fight at Edrei.

YHWH said:

“Do not fear him. I have given him into your hand.”

They struck him and all his people—none survived.

———

Balak, king of Moab, saw all Israel had done.

Terrified, he sent messengers to Balaam, a diviner from Pethor:

“Come, curse this people for me—they are too mighty.”

YHWH said to Balaam:

“Do not go with them. You shall not curse this people—they are blessed.”

Balak sent princes again, offering great honor.

YHWH said:

“Go with them, but only speak what I tell you.”

The Angel Blocks the Path

As Balaam rode, YHWH’s messenger stood in the way.

The donkey saw the angel and turned aside three times.

Balaam struck her. Then YHWH opened the donkey’s mouth:

“What have I done to you?”

Then YHWH opened Balaam’s eyes—he saw the messenger with sword drawn.

“If the donkey had not turned, I would have killed you.”

Arrival in Moab

Balak came out to meet Balaam:

“Why didn’t you come the first time?”

Balaam replied:

“I can only speak the words YHWH puts in my mouth.”

———

First Oracle (Bamoth-baal)

Balak offered sacrifices—seven altars with rams and bulls.

Balaam spoke:

“How can I curse whom God has not cursed?

From the heights I see them—

a people dwelling apart, not numbered among the nations.

Let me die the death of the upright—let my end be like theirs.”

Balak said:

“What have you done?!”

Second Oracle (Field of Zophim)

Again, seven altars—sacrifices made.

Balaam said:

“God is not a man, that He should lie…

Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill?

I have received a blessing—I cannot reverse it.

The shout of a king is among them!”

———

Third Oracle (Peor)

“How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!

Like gardens beside a river…

God brings him out of Egypt like a wild ox…

Blessed are those who bless you, cursed those who curse you!”

Balak was furious:

“I summoned you to curse, but you have blessed them three times!”

Final Prophecy

Balaam said:

“I see him, but not now—

a star shall rise out of Jacob,

a scepter shall come from Israel.

He shall crush Moab and subdue all sons of tumult.”

“Amalek shall perish.

Asshur shall be taken captive.

Ships shall come from Kittim…”

Then Balaam rose and went home.

———

While Israel camped at Shittim, the people began to commit harlotry with Moabite women.

They invited them to the sacrifices of their gods—

Israel bowed to Baal of Peor.

YHWH’s anger burned.

Moses said:

“Slay every man who yoked himself to Baal.”

A man brought a Midianite woman into the camp—before everyone.

Phinehas, son of Eleazar, rose with a spear—

He pierced them both through.

And the plague stopped.

But 24,000 had died.

———

After the plague, YHWH spoke:

“Take a census of the entire congregation—every man twenty years and older, able to go to war.”

Tribe by Tribe:

Reuben: 43,730

Simeon: 22,200

Gad: 40,500

Judah: 76,500

Issachar: 64,300

Zebulun: 60,500

Manasseh: 52,700

Ephraim: 32,500

Benjamin: 45,600

Dan: 64,400

Asher: 53,400

Naphtali: 45,400

Total: 601,730

“To these shall the land be divided as an inheritance, by lot.”

Levites (from a separate count): 23,000 males one month and older.

Note: Not one was left from the first generation, except Caleb and Joshua.

———

The Daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) came forward:

“Our father died in the wilderness with no sons.

Why should his name be removed? Give us an inheritance.”

YHWH said:

“The daughters speak rightly.

You shall give them an inheritance among their father’s relatives.”

Laws of Inheritance Established:

Son

Daughter

Brothers

Father’s brothers

Nearest family in the clan

Moses’ Departure Foretold

YHWH said:

“Go up Mount Abarim and see the land.

You shall be gathered to your people,

for you did not honor Me at the waters of Meribah.”

Moses said:

“Let YHWH, the God of breath in all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation.”

Joshua Chosen

YHWH said:

“Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit.

Lay your hand on him.”

Moses laid hands on Joshua before the entire congregation—

to commission him in YHWH’s presence.

———

YHWH said:

“Command My people to present offerings in their due season—My food for My fire.”

Daily Offering

Morning and evening: one-year-old lamb

Accompanied by fine flour and oil, and a drink offering

Sabbath Offering

Two lambs, flour, and drink—in addition to daily offerings

Monthly (New Moon) Offering

Two bulls, one ram, seven lambs—each with grain and drink

One male goat for sin offering

Passover (14th of first month)

Unleavened bread for seven days

Each day: two bulls, one ram, seven lambs + grain, drink, and one male goat

———

Feast of Trumpets (1st day, 7th month)

One bull, one ram, seven lambs, one male goat

Sacred assembly; no work

Day of Atonement (10th day, 7th month)

One bull, one ram, seven lambs, one goat

Fast and present offerings

Feast of Booths (Sukkot)

Day 1: 13 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs

Day 2: 12 bulls…

Down to Day 7: 7 bulls

Day 8 (assembly): 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs

Each day included appropriate grain, drink, and sin offerings.

———

YHWH said:

“If a man makes a vow to YHWH or swears an oath,

he shall not break it. He shall do all that he said.”

Vows by Women

Unmarried woman in father’s house:

If the father hears and says nothing, her vow stands.

If he forbids it, it is void.

Married woman:

If husband hears and says nothing, vow stands.

If he forbids, it is null.

Widow or divorced woman:

Her vow stands.

“If a husband annuls a vow after hearing it and saying nothing,

he shall bear her guilt.”

———

YHWH said to Moses:

“Avenge the children of Israel on Midian. Afterward, you shall be gathered to your people.”

Moses sent 12,000 warriors—1,000 from each tribe—led by Phinehas with the sacred vessels and trumpets.

Victory

They struck down:

The five kings of Midian

Balaam son of Beor (with the sword)

They captured women, children, livestock, and spoils.

Moses was angry:

“Why have you kept the women alive?

They were the ones who led Israel to unfaithfulness through Balaam’s counsel.”

“Kill every male child, and every woman who has lain with a man.

Keep only the young girls alive.”

Purification

Those who killed must remain outside the camp seven days

Purify with water on the third and seventh days

Burn what can withstand fire; wash the rest

Dividing the Plunder

Total:

675,000 sheep

72,000 cattle

61,000 donkeys

32,000 girls

Divided in half:

Half to warriors

Half to the community

From the warriors’ half: 1 in 500 given to YHWH

From the people’s half: 1 in 50 given to the Levites

Offering of Gratitude

The officers said:

“Not one of us is missing.”

They brought gold as atonement—16,750 shekels.

———

They saw the land east of the Jordan was suitable for livestock.

“Let this land be given to us. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”

Moses responded:

“Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

This is the same rebellion that caused 40 years in the wilderness!”

They replied:

“We will build sheepfolds and cities for our families,

but we will cross armed and lead the fight until the land is subdued.”

Moses agreed.

So Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh received:

Gilead

Bashan

Cities of the Amorites

———

“These are the stages by which the children of Israel journeyed from Egypt,

under the hand of Moses and Aaron.”

From Rameses to the plains of Moab, they camped 42 times.

Each place is listed: Succoth, Etham, Pi-hahiroth, Marah, Elim, Rephidim, Sinai, and onward…

Instructions for Possession

YHWH said:

“When you cross the Jordan into Canaan:

Drive out all the inhabitants

Destroy their carved images

Dispossess them and settle in their land

If you do not drive them out—

they will become thorns in your sides,

and I will do to you what I intended to do to them.”

———

YHWH said:

“This is the land that shall fall to you by lot.”

Southern border: from the Dead Sea to Kadesh to the Brook of Egypt

Western border: the Great Sea

Northern border: Mount Hor to Hamath

Eastern border: Sea of Galilee to Dead Sea

Tribal Leaders Appointed to Divide the Land

Eleazar the priest

Joshua son of Nun

One leader from each tribe (e.g., Caleb for Judah)

———

YHWH said:

“Give the Levites 48 cities from the inheritance of Israel—

including pastureland.

Six of these shall be cities of refuge,

where one who kills another unintentionally may flee.”

Rules of Refuge

“If the killing was without enmity or lying in wait—he may flee there.

But if it was premeditated—he shall be put to death.

No ransom is accepted for a murderer.”

“Only in the death of the high priest may the manslayer return to his land.”

“Do not pollute the land with bloodshed—

blood defiles the land, and atonement can only be made by the blood of the one who shed it.”

———

The leaders of Manasseh came to Moses:

“What if the daughters of Zelophehad marry outside the tribe?

Their land would pass to other tribes.”

Moses ruled:

“They may marry whom they wish—but only within their own tribe,

so that inheritance is not transferred.”

The daughters obeyed, and the land remained within Manasseh.

“These are the commands and judgments that YHWH gave

to the children of Israel through Moses

on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.”