Numbers / Bamidbar (1): Failure in the Desert

The lecture proceeds with an outline of the structure of the book, ensued by a detailed presentation of the contents of it, which include Israel’s preparation to enter the Promised Land (1,1-10,10), the journey from Sinai to Kadesh (10,11-12,16) and the forty years near Kadesh (13,1-19,22). Further topics to be discussed include: reflection on the census results, ancient versions of the priestly blessing, parallels between Exodus/Shemot and Numbers/Bamidbar, why were later complaints treated more harshly, archaeology and the tassels.

Reading: