Although parts of Numbers may seem strange to a modern reader, it clearly expresses two of the Israelites' chief values: purity and holiness. They had to become pure before they could approach God. And they were called to demonstrate God's holiness before other nations. The need for purity and holiness was reflected in what the Israelites ate and wore, and how they acted each day.
Visual Reminders
God set aside certain groups of people as a visual reminder of purity and holiness. The Levites, who somewhat parallel the fulltime clergy of our day, took care of formal religious duties (chapters 3, 4, 8). One of their clans packed up the holy objects for moving, while other clans carried the tabernacle curtains and covers and structural parts.
Numbers describes a second group: the Nazirites (chapter 6). These ordinary laymen dedicated themelves to an exta regimen of purity. They drank no wine and let their hair grow long. Much as Amish people do today, they stood out from the majority in their dress and style.
Holiness was not left to special groups, though. Every Israelite participated in the daily offerings, sacrifices, and occasional festivals. When a family brought a whole bull and saw it skinned, butchered, and then burned on the altar, they were forced to reflect. Sin was serious, and a great gulf was fixed between them and God. In some way, either through story, ritual, or visual symbol, Numbers expresses that separateness on almost every page. In approaching God. the Israelites had to use great care. |
