Numbers 2:1

The Arrangement of the Tribes

2:1 ¹ The Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron:

Numbers 3:48

3:48 And give the money for the redemption of the excess number of them to Aaron and his sons.”

Numbers 4:1

The Service of the Kohathites

4:1 ² Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron:

Numbers 4:17

4:17 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron:

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 19:1

The Red Heifer Ritual

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

¹ sn For this chapter, see C. E. Douglas, “The Twelve Houses of Israel,” JTS 37 (1936): 49-56; C. C. Roach, “The Camp in the Wilderness: A Sermon on Numbers 2:2,” Int 13 (1959): 49-54; and G. St. Clair, “Israel in Camp: A Study,” JTS 8 (1907): 185-217.

² sn The chapter has four main parts to it: Kohathites (1-20), Gershonites (21-28), Merarites (29-33) and the census of the Levites (34-49).

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.