Numbers 3:11

3:11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 3:44

3:44 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 4:21

The Service of the Gershonites

4:21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 5:1

Separation of the Unclean

5:1 1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 5:5

Restitution for Sin

5:5 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 6:1

The Nazirite Vow

6:1 2 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 7:4

The Distribution of the Gifts

7:4 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 8:5

The Separation of the Levites

8:5 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 8:23

The Work of the Levites

8:23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 14:26

14:26 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron:

Numbers 16:20

The Judgment on the Rebels

16:20 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron:

Numbers 16:23

16:23 So the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 19:1

The Red Heifer Ritual

19:1 3 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron:

Numbers 20:7

20:7 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 25:16

25:16 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 26:52

26:52 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 27:15

27:15 Then Moses spoke to the Lord:

Numbers 31:25

The Distribution of Spoils

31:25 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 34:1

The Southern Border of the Land

34:1 4 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 35:9

The Cities of Refuge

35:9 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

1 sn The fifth chapter falls into four main parts: separation of the unclean (vv. 1-4), restitution for sin (vv. 5-10), the jealousy ordeal (vv. 11-28), and the summary (vv. 29-31). There is a good deal of literature on the biblical theme of holiness (for which see the notes on Leviticus primarily). But with regard to this chapter, see (with caution), Mary Douglas, Purity and Danger; J. Neusner, The Idea of Purity in Ancient Judaism; and K. Milgrom, “Two Kinds of h£at£t£a„át,” VT 26 (1976): 333-37.

2 sn This chapter can be divided into five sections: The vow is described in vv. 1-8, then the contingencies for defilement are enumerated in vv. 9-12, then there is a discussion of discharging the vows in vv. 13-20, and then a summary in v. 21; after this is the high priestly blessing (vv. 22-27). For information on the vow, see G. B. Gray, “The Nazirite,” JTS 1 (1899-1900): 201-11; Z. Weisman, “The Biblical Nazirite, Its Types and Roots,” Tarbiz 36 (1967): 207-20; and W. Eichrodt, Theology of the Old Testament (OTL), 1:303-6.

3 sn In the last chapter the needs of the priests and Levites were addressed. Now the concern is for the people. This provision from the sacrifice of the red heifer is a precaution to ensure that the purity of the tabernacle was not violated by pollutions of impurity or death. This chapter has two main parts, both dealing with ceremonial purity: the ritual of the red heifer (vv. 1-10), and the purification from uncleanness (vv. 11-22). For further study see J. Milgrom, “The Paradox of the Red Cow (Num 19),” VT 31 (1981): 62-72.

4 sn This chapter falls into several sections: the south (vv. 1-5), the west (v. 6), the north (vv. 7-9), the east (vv. 10-15), and then a list of appointed officials (vv. 16-29).