Final Chapters of the Book of Numbers

Okay, so let’s try and wrap up the book of Numbers today. We left off at chapter 33 last week, so chapter 34 ENDS with

Summary of Numbers Chapter 34-36

Numbers Chapter 34-36
End of Numbers
(Introduction to Deuteronomy)

Number 34:29 These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

Why start here? Because chapter 34 describes the way the Promise Land would be divided up among the people and the tribes. Not gonna cover it even though it is interesting and does speak to future events but well speak to the at the right time. Chapter 35 opens with YAHAVAH teaching the Nation how He wanted them to support the Levites and because of some interesting concepts here why don’t we skip-read through it together.

The Inheritance of the Levites

So, we read at verse 2 where YAHAVAH says,

2 Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.
3 And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
4 And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.
5 And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

In chapter 34 the nations received their land. Here YAHAVAH speaks to the inheritance of the Levites, who received little land and the land that they got was all around the tabernacle and then in little outposts – which intrigue me to no end. Commentators have been much puzzled with the account due to some numerical inconsistencies. In verse 4 the measure is said to be 1,000 cubits from the wall but in chapter 35:5 the measure is said to be 2,000 from them. It is likely these two measures mean the same thing described in different ways – at least that is what the Septuagint and Coptic translations lead to, which say, 2,000 cubits, in the fourth, as well as in the fifth verses. But this reading of the Septuagint and Coptic is not acknowledged by any other of the ancient versions, nor by any other manuscripts. How do we reconcile this? Maimonides, if we can fully trust him, wrote that there was first 1000 cubit span from point a to b, then 2000 cubits from B to C for the land, allowing for both descriptions to be correct. Don’t care – just saying.

Cities of Refuge

But a verse 6 we start to get into some interesting stuff about . . . cities of refuge, which we touched on back in Exodus.

6 And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.
7 So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
8 And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.
9 And YAHAVAH spake unto Moses, saying,
10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

So, these cities were for people to seek sanctuary if they ACCIDENTALLY killed someone.

In Roman and Greek cultures

The Concept of Cities of Refuge

The Hebrew practice of maintaining cities of refuge was necessary due to the existing patriarchal law. This law allowed the nearest kin to avenge a family member's deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. by slaying the murderer, as referenced in Genesis 9:5:

Genesis 9:5: "And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man."
6: "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."

Because rash executions of this law could occur by emotionally driven people who didn't account for accidents or intentions, YAHAVAH judged the establishment of these cities as necessary to maintain order among the tribes and to prevent such reactions.

Historical Context

Isn’t it interesting how God works with human beings according to their own revelations? He is loving and just, mitigating the paths humans take under certain circumstances. He protected Cain from being killed, implying that Cain’s act was impulsive rather than premeditated. Subsequently, the nation was instructed to execute those guilty of murder, but an advanced system of cities of refuge was introduced — a fascinating development.

The reasoning against shedding blood without justification will become apparent later (verse 12):

12: "And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment."

Refuge was temporary, permitting an individual to reside until rightfully judged based on the evidence. According to Joshua 20:4-6, such trials occurred near the crime scene. Deuteronomy 19:12 explains that a convicted murderer would be handed over to the “avenger” to face death. If innocent, they returned to the city of refuge until the “death of the High Priest.”

Designation of Cities of Refuge

Interestingly, Exodus 21:13-14 originally described the altar as a sanctuary until cities of refuge were established in the Promised Land:

13: "And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge."
14: "Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge."

Thus, three cities were placed outside of the Promised Land and three within it. This arrangement reflected the spiritual realm where safe zones could exist for travelers to the New JerusalemThe spiritual reality of God's fulfilled presence with humanity—replacing Sheol after 70 A.D., beyond the reach of justified avenging spirits.

This was further explained in verse 15:

15: "These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that everyone that killeth any person unawares may flee thither."

The distinction between "killing unawares" and "murder" emphasizes the difference in intention, as noted by YAHAVAH:

16: "And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so…"

Examining Biblical Teachings on Murder and Justice

that he die, he is a ”murderer:” (and God speaks plainly about such saying,) the murderer shall surely be put to death.

17 And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

18 Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

The Severity of the Attack

You know what just fascinates the living crust out of me? That YAHAVAH seems to leave the actual “dying of the person” up to the severity of the attack by the murderer. Do you see it? If that wasn’t the case, why would he say, three times, “And if he is smitten by iron, a thrown rock or a weapon of wood “so that he die,” or “and he die (twice) the label of murderer is assigned to the offender and the line is repeated three times, The murder shall surely be put to death.

The freedom to murder, therefore, appears to be in the hands and intention of the murderer, meaning how much drive they put toward enacting their evil! What I mean is God could certainly protect people from all attacks of iron, stone, or wood, but here we seem to see that the severity of the hate behind the act is left up to the murderer AND the results!

19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: (which was defined above) when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

Freewill and Its Consequences

This is gnarly stuff folks, but it was probably the only way for YAHAVAH to manage a world filled with violence, with Satan reigning before Yeshua arrived and introduced spiritual victory for the world. Now the freewill actions are under the governance of the Victory respecting still, each person's freewill choices as before.

But listen to verses 20 where the heart of the person, revealed by their actions, is presented.

20 But (YAHAVAH SAYS) if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; 21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

This is plainly describing 1st degree from the heart of the murder. Now listen to verse 22

22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him anything without laying of wait, 23 Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm: 24 Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: 25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

Now listen to what the Living God says beginning at verse 26:

Statutes of Judgment

26 But if the slayer (found guilty of manslaughter without intent) shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; 27 And the revenger of blood find him without (outside) the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: 28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession. 29 So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Understanding the Principle of Justice and Change

In this, we discover another fascinating principle – that as free will creations, if we error and then break the laws put in place to protect us, the fallout will land on us. And in God’s eyes, this is just. There is a question here as to the line “these things” in verse 29 and whether they speak to what was said or what is about to be said, or both. I am just going to assume that all of it is meant, including the rest of the chapter starting at verse 30 where YAHAVAH says,

30 Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Obviously, one witness may be mistaken, or so prejudiced that he speaks untruths. It is less likely that two or more should be of this mindset, but even if collusion was done discerning judges would usually discover the treachery by them being either TOO consistent or not consistent enough. YAHAVAH continues and says something interesting,

31 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. Now, it would be really easy to take this in the English and cite it as is and give it personal application which would be, “you shall not rejoice in the life of the murderer being taken.” But the words here in Hebrew better mean, “you will not allow for any kind of payment or atonement to be made for the guilty party – the murderer will die. This was the Law of God, it was good and it was right – then – in that age. That said, I am going to tweak the passage and its original intention in that day and speak to it in our day and age of fulfillment. I am taking this liberty because things have changed, and therefore we might see the change in context of Christ and the Apostolic Record and use it to better ourselves and the world around us.

Biblical Changes of Law Through Time

We see the change headed toward the day of Christ in Proverbs 16:18-19. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Then the change began to literally unfold when Yeshua walked the earth. We remember a few instances from the apostolic record where He started to explain it, like in Luke 9:51-56, where Yeshua and His disciples were in Samaria and we read

51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Principles of Humility and Patience

Paul wrote in Romans 12:3. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” James wrote some general advice that orbits around these things, saying in chapter 1 beginning at verses 19-25

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able

Attitudes Towards Justice and Punishment

to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

I think that this passage here in Numbers, though we understand the meaning in that day to be different, should now reflect the heart of all people who seek justice in the face of injustice – that when the justice is meted out, we reject the attitude that rejoices in it but humbly respond in love.

To read that the scripture, which means, no atonement, but to see it as meaning in our day, “no rejoicing,” shows how the Spirit can work in us when we are reading the scripture assigned at a different time and place. What a merciful sentiment this becomes which stands so counter to Good Christian people rejoicing outside prisons where people are going to be executed or love it when a fleshly person gets aids or an STD or some unfortunate result.

I am not saying that this mindset is easy – and I am not suggesting that painful results are to be avoided in the lives of people who do harm – not at all – but to see the painful results humbly and in love and with compassion as restorative instead of punitive and to pray for the results rather than to rejoice in the punishment. This is easy to teach and say, much harder to live and I pray none of us have to face our heart-condition relative to someone who has abused our children or loved ones. But I can say we can all begin to change our attitudes in preparation for such a day but praying for those who do evil and never rejoicing in their punishment because it will be painful.

Reflecting on Biblical Teachings Today

Again, I maintain that this teaching, by the Spirit, even all the way back here, illustrates His Heart of Love for all and how the Spirit works when reading the scripture today. It is actually a fantastic lesson on how Paul took the Old Testament and used it in his day and it is an example that SLAYS critics like Bart Ehrman and other scholars who intellectually approach the Bible instead of by and through the Spirit. Just personally, I am often misunderstood when I hope for suffering of willful souls headed into the Dark – no matter who – my children included – myself included, for the simple reason I truly believe it serves to re-direct us rightly when we refuse to allow mercy and love to govern us.

Interpretations of Refuge and Atonement

Moving back-into the mindset in that day verse 32 echoes the same sentiments and says

32 And ye shall take no satisfaction (Again, meaning, allow not atonement) for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

I’m not sure if this passage was intended the way I am going to respond but aren’t these words true relative to the finished work of Christ, our High Priest and how the world too sat “in refuge cities” protected until He died? I tend to think so and will again take liberty to use it as a type for “all sinners being banished from the Promised Land until His victorious death, resurrection and ascension as our High Priest.

Then we come to an interesting conclusion here as we read at verse 33

33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Herein lies the standard for justifying capital punishment for murder for many Christians and it is the prooftext for the

The Concept of Shed Blood and Land Defilement

LDS in this state who used to literally put such to death (and by firing squad) so that their blood may actually be shed to bring both the murderer and the land forgiven. I think Gary Gilmore was the last to die by firing squad here in Utah. It is interesting to me, however, this Old Testament idea that shed blood defiles the land, and see perhaps the beginning of it all the way back to the murder of Abel when God said,

Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

It seems – could be wrong – but perhaps the murder of Abel by Cain defiled the land of the earth, which could, preflood, have been one united piece (known as a super continent Pangea) before the flood, which both washed and broke or divided the land up into separate pieces. From there, perhaps God carved out this Promised Land for His Nation and self and will sanctify it upon the Nation entering therein. Lots of holes in that but it makes me wonder about the power of shed blood in places where the Dark abides and can’t help but think of this, Utah and Mountains Meadows Massacre. Just a thought.

The Cities of Refuge and Hebraic Concepts

And God ends chapter 35 with

34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel. These cities of refuge have been considered, not merely as civil institutions of mercy and justice, but as types or representations of what the writer of Hebrews calls, “better things” to come through Christ, as we read in Hebrews 6:17-18

Hebrew 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Reflections from Psalm 106

Did the Nation obey practice and keep the land unspotted from shed blood? Turning to Psalm 106 where either someone called the Psalmist, or David or an individual (while in Babylonian captivity) rehearses the history of the people in a short description and I want to take the time to read it beginning at verse 6:

Psalm 106:6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. 13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. 16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD. 17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. 20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. 21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; 22 Wondrous works in the land

Biblical Events and Inheritance Laws

of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.

23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them. 24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word. 25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD. 26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: 27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. 32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: 33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. 34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: 35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. 36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. 37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, 38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. 40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. 41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: 45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. 46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. 48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

Family Dynamics and Regulations

The last chapter of Numbers, Chapter 36, should have come after Numbers 27: 11 OR Numbers 27:1-11 should have probably been placed here.

Why? That is where we learned the story about the daughters of Zelophehad coming to Moses about their father dying and them not having a right to any inheritance – which YAHAVAH remedied on their behalf if you remember.

Here, Numbers 36:1-2 opens up with the following

1 And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel: And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.

Maintaining Tribal Heritage

So again, either the first eleven verses of Numbers 27:1-11 should come in before this chapter, or this chapter should come in immediately after those eleven verses. In any case, Moses determines here that heiresses should marry in their own tribe, and that no part of the ancient inheritance might be alienated from the original family. And he adds,

3 And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance.

And jump to verse five where we read,

5 And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of

Laws Concerning the Daughters of Zelophehad

The sons of Joseph hath said well.

6 This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.

7 So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.

Application of the Law

This law only applied to heiresses like in the case of Zelophehad; other women were free to marry men from other tribes.

Upcoming Discussion

Next week – the Last Book of the Torah, Deuteronomy!