PART I, E

E. TIME PERIOD, EGYPT - CANAAN OF THE PROMISED LAND

• This section contains the travels of the Israelites from Egypt to when they were about to cross the Jordan R. into Canaan-- they spent: {1}, some 3 yr. in the eastern & central Sinai Peninsula; {2}, 38 yr. wilderness wanderings in the central & western Sinai Penin., from Kadesh/Kadesh Barnea, to Mt. Hor, through the hill country of Seir (where Esau's descendants were) to the Zered Valley; & {3}, 2 yr. through Ar (southern Moab-- which had been given to Lot), to the Arnon Gorge, through the plains of Moab, to the Jordan R.
• Once they did finally crossed the Jordan R., they were then in Canaan of the promised land. But they actually were already in the promised land, even as it had been severely reduced in size after the spy incident, etc., as soon as they crossed the Arnon Gorge (see below, 2.b.).
• Much of this traversed land (Egypt to east of the Jordan R.) was wilderness-- in the sense that much of it was either barren or had limited vegetation. Some of it was indeed flourishing, but most of it varied only as to topography (flat-land to mountainous). The soil was fertile; lacking was sufficient rainfall-- it was not truly desert. It blossomed if it did rain; some of it sprung forth predictably at certain season(s), some of it was permanent oasis. The 1st sections below are about incidents in the western half of the V-shaped Sinai Peninsula; later portions include the 40 yr. of wilderness wanderings in the Desert of Paran & beyond-- until they crossed the Jordan R.
• The wilderness wanderings began after the spies returned from Canaan. Sandwiched between the spy incident & the wilderness wanderings, the Israelites supposed to go into the Canaan anyway. They were beaten back in the high hill country north of the Desert of Zin (which was north of the Desert of Paran-- this Desert of Zin is not to be confused with the Desert of Sin in the western Sinai Peninsula). The vital lesson here is that the fate of the entire nation of Israel (& the immediate future of Canaan & the rest of the world) was determined by those commissioned spies. It took 38 yrs. for the fighting men to die (see Deu 2:14) & 2 more years till all of the original generation died (exc. Joshua & Caleb).

 1. The Sinai Peninsula Journey Manna instituted; Mosaic Law given; census taken & camps & marching orders assigned (Exo 15 - 40; Num 1 - 12; 33:1-36; Deu 1:1-18)

• After the Israelite exited Egypt, they were in the western & central Sinai Penin. 3 yr.: {1} 2 mo. down the west side; {2} 11.5 mo. in the Desert of Sinai, & {3} 1 yr., 11 mo. up the east side to Kadesh/Kadesh Barnea.

  a. 2+ mo. southeast, down the west side (Exo 15:22 - 18:27; Num 33:3-15)

• 3 days from Egypt to Marah (in the western Sinai Peninsula, southeast of the Red Sea crossing, where water was made drinkable by wood thrown in); ? days to Elim (with its 12 springs & 70 palm trees; ? days to the Desert of Sin (arriving on the 15th day of the 2nd mo.-- but note that this was only when they arrived at the Desert of Sin, in the 3rd mo. after Egypt They came to the Desert of Sinai). The manna supply began in this Desert of Sin-- wherein also is located the rock at Horeb, where Moses was instructed to strike a rock to obtain water for the grumbling Israelites (not to be confused with the time during their wanderings, when Moses was instructed to only speak to that rock, but struck it twice instead-- see Num 20:8-11). 3 incidents:

1. In the Desert of Sin the Israelites began receiving manna-- for 41+ years there was a constant supply. It generally was their only food. But 2x they ate quail: 1x free-of-consequence near the beginning (in Rephidem-- when the manna-supply began); 1x with consequence after/during the spy incident (see below, 3.). Also near the end, they were told to give money for food & water to the inhabitants of Edom, the descendants of Esau-- see Deu 2:6. Actually, the manna continued for 2 weeks after they crossed the Jordan-- see  PART I, F F.1.c. The raw manna is variously described as like flakes after the dew left; white like coriander seed looking like resin, tasting like honey wafers-- which tasted like something made with olive oil when cooked (Exo 16:31; Num 11:7-9). It melted away when the sun became hot; it could be baked or boiled-- if gathered & kept for the next day, if not baked or cooked, it acquired maggots & an odor; approx. 2 quarts per person were gathered each morning, except on Fri. morning (the 6th day) when approx. 4 quarts per person were gathered & prepared; there was no gathering or preparing on Sat. (the Sabbath). That was their food intake each day; perhaps they carried a lot of water with them after Marah (see above, intro.).
2. At Rephidem there were 2 incidents: 1 of them was mentioned above, in the intro. (Moses striking the rock); here also is where the Israelites eventually defeated the Amalekites-- see PART I, D D.2.b.iii., as Moses continued to sit & hold up outstretched arms, their being supported by Aaron & Hur when Moses grew tired. Note that the 80-yr.-old Moses had 40-yr.-old Joshua's army-- this is the 1st mention of Joshua, but later he is referred to as Moses' young servant-- compare this to Joshua later holding up the javelin (see PART I, F F.3.). These were the Amalekites that proved to be the undoing of Israel's 1st king, Saul-- see PART II G.2.

  b. 11 & 1/2 mo. in the south, in the Desert of Sinai (Deu 9:7 - 10:5)

• In the 3rd mo. after Egypt They came to the Desert of Sinai; Israel camped there in the desert-- in the region of Horeb, in front of the mountain-- Mt. Sinai, where they received part of the Mosaic Law (the 10 Commandments). Then Moses went up to GOD, & the LORD called out to Him from the mountain, This is what You are to say to the house of Jacob: 'if You obey ME fully & keep MY Covenant, then out of all nations You will be MY Treasured Possession. Although the whole earth is MINE, You will be for ME a kingdom of priests & a holy nation' (Exo 19:1-3,5-6).
• 11 mo. later they were still in the Desert of Sinai (13 mo. after Egypt)-- on the 1st day of the 2nd mo. of the 2nd year (Num 1:1), God told them to take a census there (listed below in d.). This is not to be confused with the census taken some 40 yrs. later, in preparation for entering the promised land (see below, 4.c.). Also, there was a later incident, in which there was a lack of faith-- this time well after they had become established in Canaan and were at peace (king David had the fighting men counted, in response to the trend of perverting justice-- thinking the remedy was to legislate morality. See 2ndSa 24:1ff; mentioned in PART II J.2.a.).
• 13 & 1/2 mo. after Egypt, on the 20th day of the 2nd mo. of the 2nd yr., the Israelites set out from the Desert of Sinai (Num 10:1).
• The 10 Commandments were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb-- according to some, Horeb is the big area, Mt. Horeb is the mountain range, Sinai is a small region & Mt. Sinai is 1 mountain; others say that Mt. Sinai & Mt. Horeb are the same mountain). The Israelites having come into the desert around Mt. Sinai, Moses approached into the mountain; from the top GOD spoke to Moses, commanding that the rest of the Israelites, including the priests & elders, remain in the desert-- not even to approach the mountain until the ram's horn sounds a long blast (& then only after consecrating themselves). Violators were to be stoned or shot with an arrow-- not a hand is to be laid on them. On the morning of the 3rd day there was a thick cloud over the mountain, & a very long trumpet blast. Moses led the people; They stood at the foot of the mountain; the LORD descended to the top of Mt. Sinai & called Moses up. God repeated, Put limits around the mountain for all the rest of the Israelites; go down & bring Aaron up-- Aaron was not yet a priest. After Moses went up the mountain and ate no bread (food) & drank no water 40 days & 40 nights,  God provided the 2 tablets inscribed by the Finger of GOD-- the commandments the LORD had proclaimed to the Israelites at the foot of the mountain. After Moses descended & found the golden calf; after dealing with that & laying prostrate before the LORD 40 days & 40 nights; Moses ascended again, this time with 2 tablets that he himself had chiseled-- on which again God wrote the 10 commandments with HIS Finger-- see Deu 9:7 - 10:5; s.a. PSALM 7 Deu<2>&<3>). After this many other laws & instructions were given (regarding idols & altars, Hebrew servants, property, justice & mercy, etc.)-- which Moses gave & are known as the Mosaic law.
• God's original intention was that the Israelites should hear the 10 Commandments as they were spoken to Moses, but They trembled with fear & remained at a distance, and said to Moses, 'Speak to Us yourself.'
• Today we can come boldly before the throne of grace-- knowing that his love can even cast away the fear of our welcoming his being jealous over us; knowing that the peace that surpasses all understanding will attend the inevitable discipline. You know, when we pray, Please, do, be jealous over us.
• When Moses fasted (completely-- no food or water) the 1st time for 40 days & nights on Mt Sinai, God provided the 2 tablets on which he wrote the 10 Commandments; before the 2nd 40 day-n-night (complete) fast, Moses chiseled out the tablets & carried them up.

  c. Census-taking; camp & marching orders

• The camps & marching orders were assigned at the time of the Sinai census-taking, which took place after Mt. Sinai, but on the 1st da. of the 2nd mo. of the 2nd yr. after the Israelite came out of Egypt (Num 1:1)-- i.e., before they left the Sinai Desert. Following is the arrangement for how they were to camp (Num 1:20-54; 2:1-34-- note that Num 2:34 says, that is the way They set out). Compare this list of camps with the list of sons in PART I, D D.2.b.iii.):

i. The camp of Judah-- to set out [march] 1st; 186,000 men (Num 2:9):

• The division of the tribe of Judah-- On the east; 74,600 men age 20+ (Num  1:26-27; 2:3-4). Judah, Jacob & Leah's 4th son, was Jacob's 4th son;
• The division of the tribe of Issachar-- next; 54,400 men; age 20+ (Num 1:28-29; 2:5-6). Issachar, Jacob & Leah's 5th son, was Jacob's 9th son;
• The division of the tribe of Zebulun-- next; 57,400 men; age 20+ (Num 1:30-31; 2:7-8). Zebulun, Jacob & Leah's 6th son, was Jacob's 10th son.

ii. The camp of Reuben-- to set out [march] 2nd; 151,450 men (Num 2:16):

• The division of the tribe of Reuben-- On the south; 46,500 men; age 20+ (Num 1:20-21; 2:10-11). Reuben, Jacob & Leah's 1st son, was Jacob's 1st son;
• The division of the tribe of Simeon-- next; 59,300 men; age 20+ (Num 1:22-23; 2:12-13). Simeon, Jacob & Leah's 2nd son, was Jacob's 2nd son;
• The division of the tribe of Gad-- next; 45,650 men; age 20+ (Num 1:24-25; 2:14-15). Gad, Jacob & Zilpah's 1st son, was Jacob's 7th son.

iii. The tent of meeting (tabernacle) & the tribe of Levi (not numbered)-- In the middle of the camps, to set out in the same order as They encamp; numbering 8,580 men age 30-50 who came to do the work of serving & carrying the tent of meeting (Num 1:47-48; 2:17; 4:46-49)-- all males age 1 mo. or more were 22,000 (Num 3:39).

iv. The camp of Ephraim-- to set out [march] 3rd; 108,100 men; age 20+ (Num 2:24):

• The division of the tribe of Ephraim-- On the west; 40,500 men; age 20+ (Num 1:32-33; 2:18-19). Ephraim, being Joseph's 2nd son, was 1 of Jacob's grandsons;
• The division of the tribe of Manasseh-- next; 32,200 men; age 20+ (Num 1:34-35; 2:20-21). Manasseh, being Joseph's 1st son, was 1 of Jacob's grandsons;
• The division of the tribe of Benjamin-- next, 35,400 men; age 20+ (Num 1:36-37; 2:22-23). Benjamin, Jacob & Rachel's 2nd son, was Jacob's 12th son.

v. The camp of Dan-- to set out [march] 4th; 157,600 men; age 20+ (Num 2:31):

• The division of the tribe of Dan-- On the north; 62,700 men; age 20+ (Num 1:38-39; 2:25-26). Dan, Jacob & Bilhah's 1st son, was Jacob's 5th son;
• The division of the tribe of Asher-- next; 41,500 men; age 20+ (Num 1:40-41; 2:27-29). Asher, Jacob & Zilpah's 2nd son, was Jacob's 8th son;
• The division of the tribe of Naphtali-- next; 53,400 men; age 20+ (Num 1:42-43; 2:29-30). Naphtali, Jacob & Bilhah's 2nd son, was Jacob's 6th son.

Total: 603,550 men age 20+ (i.e., excluding those serving in & carrying the tent of meeting). Num 10:11-28 agrees with these compositions of the camps (same divisions), but it has the tabernacle being carried 2nd (by the Gershonites & Merarites-- descendants of Levi, as was Moses), also after the camp of Judah, but before the camp of Reuben.

• Comparing the original 12 sons with these 12 divisions (see PART I, D D.2.b.iii., 5.a. & 6.b.), we find the divisions composed of only 10 tribes of the 12 sons; at 1st glance it seems Levi & Joseph are not represented; however, as c. immediately above reveals, Levi was indeed well represented-- when camping, the Levites surrounded the tent of meeting; they fulfilled the role of priests of Israel; they were 2nd in marching when Sinai was left.
• The other son seemingly missing-- Joseph: the sons of this other son (Jacob's grandsons), made 2 divisions, Manasseh & Ephraim (they were the sons of Joseph by the daughter of the priest of On in Egypt). Later, upon entering Canaan of the promised land (after crossing the Jordan & conquering Canaan) these are the exact 12 divisions that inherited lands (however, in Reve 7:5-8 the original 12 tribes are listed).

  d. 1 yr., 11 mo. northeast & north, up the center of the Sinai Penin.

• On the 12th day of the 2nd mo. of the 2nd yr. they left the Desert of Sinai in the region of Horeb & began traveling northeast up the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula. Upon arriving at Ezien Geber on the northern extremity of the eastern arm of the Red Sea, they turned north/northwest & went through the Desert of Paran, to Kadesh (Sacred Place-- also known as Kadesh Barnea, or the Sacred Place of Barnea), in that Desert's northern border (Num 10:11-12).
• It only takes 11 days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mt. Seir Rd. (Deu 1:2). But the Israelite camps did not move until the pillar of cloud lifted from above the tabernacle of the testimony (which pillar of cloud & pillar of fire had guided them since the time they left Egypt-- Exo 13:21: Num 14:14).

 2. Spies From Kadesh Barnea Into Canaan; Descriptions Of The Promised Land (Num 12:16; 13; 32:8-13; Deu 1:19-25)

  a. Spies from Kadesh Barnea into Canaan of the Promised Land, northward & back (40 days)-- returning to Kadesh of the Desert of Zin.

• The Israelites camping in Kadesh, Moses had 12 spies (1 leader from each ancestral tribe listed above in 1.d.) go from Kadesh Barnea (Sacred Place of Barnea-- see Num 32:8; s.a. the 2nd pt. below) of the Desert of Paran (Num 13:2-3) into Canaan (the northern portion of the promised land, according to an earlier descriptions-- see below, 2.b.; s.a. PART I, D D.3.a.viii.) for 40 days; the 40 yrs. of wilderness wanderings began after the spies returned. The leader selected from Judah was Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kennizite; from Ephraim it was Hoshea [renamed Joshua by Moses], son of Nun. They were to explore Canaan (part of the promised land). Moses said, 'Go up through the Negev & on into the hill country. See what the land is like & whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land (good or bad?) & towns (un-walled or fortified?). How is the soil (fertile or poor? Are there trees?) Do Your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land (it was the season for the 1st ripe grapes).' They went from the Desert of Zin [northeastern Sinai Peninsula] as far as Rehob, toward Lebo {the Entrance to) Hamath [the northern extremity of Canaan-- see below, b.3.]; They went through the Negev & came to Hebron, which had been built 7 yr. before Zoan in Egypt-- Ps 78:12 says, 'He [Moses] did miracles in the sight of Their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.' When They reached the Valley of Eshcol, They cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. 2 of Them carried it on a pole between Them, along with some pomegranates & figs. At the end of 40 days They returned; They came back to Moses & Aaron & the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the extreme north border of the Desert of Paran. Kadesh is also said to be located: {1} on the southern edge of the Desert of Zin; {2} on the western side of the territory of Edom-- see Num 20:1,14,16c. They reported, but the only 2 that reported positively were Joshua & Caleb (Caleb 1st, later supported by Joshua)-- these were the only 2 of that generation that entered Canaan (crossed the Jordan R.). But this in itself is not what incurred God's wrath; it was also the Kadesh rebellion-- see below, 3.
• As we see also in that section. the Kennizites were not listed in later descriptions of the promised land-- apparently they were hands-off after the spies returned discouraged.
• As we saw, the Israelites went to Kadesh of the Desert of Paran, & from Kadesh Barnea the spies went into Canaan. The spies were 40 days in Canaan, & returned to Kadesh. Starting below in 3. we will see about the 40 yrs. of desert wandering-- Num 20:1 says, In the 1st month the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, & They stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died & was buried. Then we will see about the Meribah incident & the Kadesh rebellion.

  b. Descriptions of the Promised Land

• PART I, D D.3.a.iii., vii. & viii. & PSALM 3 Gen2. give the unspecified promises made to Abraham. E.g., in general, To Your descendants I will give this land, from the River (Wadi) of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates (Gen 15:18).
• From the promise given to Moses at Mt. Sinai, we see God's intention was to give a large area-- vastly larger then what the Israelites wound up with. This early promise to Moses was. Exo 23:31 says: I will establish Your borders from the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) to the Sea of the Philistines (Mediterranean Sea), & from the desert to the River (Euphrates R.)-- including the areas north & east of the Sinai Penin.?
• Long after the spy incident (above), & the Meribah incident & Kadesh rebellion (below, 3.), the promised land was described thusly to Moses -- not even to the headwaters of the Euphrates R.); Num 34:1-12 says in agreement with Moses' 2nd address covered below:

1. Your southern side will include some of the Desert of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, Your southern boundary will start from the end of the Salt (Dead) Sea, cross south of the Scorpion (Akrabbim) Pass, continue on to Zin & go south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it will go to Hazar Addar & over to Azmon, where it will turn, join the Wadi of Egypt, far east of today's Egypt, & end at the Sea (Mediterranean Sea).
2. Your western border will be the coast of the Great Sea. This will be Your boundary on the west.
3. For Your northern boundary, run a line from the Great Sea to Mount Hor [not likely the Mount Hor where Aaron died, near Edom, but rather far north, perh. near the Litani R.] & from Mount Hor to Lebo (Entrance to) Hamath, south of Syria-- if it had encompassed Hamoth it would have reached to the headwaters of the Euphrates R. Then the boundary will go to Zedad, continue to Ziphron & end at Hazar Enan. This will be Your boundary on the north.
4. For Your eastern boundary run a line from Hazar Enan to Shepham. The boundary will go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain & continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Kinnereth (Galilee). Then the boundary will go down along the Jordan & end at the Salt Sea (Dead Sea-- also called the Sea of the Arabah in Deu 3:17). Note that the Euphrates R. is not even mentioned here.

• Now when the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan R., & Moses was near death, he gave what are called Moses' 1st & 2nd addresses. In the 1st address, Moses rehearsed how it had been before the spy incident (excluding the Sinai Penin.-- but note as far as the great river, the Euphrates).
• These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the desert east of the Jordan-- that is, in the Arabah. This was after He had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, & at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 'The LORD Our GOD said to Us at Horeb, some 38 yrs. after the after the 10 commandments were given at Mt. Sinai, You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp & advance into the hill country of the Amorites, go to all the neighboring people in the Arabah [east of the Jordan R.], in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev, & along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites & to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. See, I have given You this land. Go in & take possession (Deu 1:1,4,6-8a).
• In his 2nd address, 3 days before the Israelites crossed the Jordan, Moses described how Canaan could later be increased to encompass the entire promised land (Deu 11:22,24): 'If [there's that big IF again] You carefully observe all these commands I am giving You to follow, every place where You set Your foot will be Yours; Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, & from the Euphrates R. to the Western (Mediterranean) Sea.'
• This was basically repeated by Joshua-- see PART I, F F.intro. But we know this increase did not happen. We also know that though Canaan originally included (or at least bordered) Gaza (see Gen 10:19), & was conquered by Joshua eventually (Jsh 10:41), it apparently was lost, as throughout the remainder of the O.T. it is not specified as an Israeli possession (& it is only mentioned 1x in the N.T. (Acts 8:26)-- perh. it was just not regained when the exiles returned from Babylon. It is, however, pictured as being in the route when Jesus fled to Egypt; perh. this is the highway prophesied of in Isa 11:16; 19:23 (s.a., PSALM 87 Isa<3>).

 3. Moses & Aaron Not Allowed To Go Into Canaan; Rebellion From Kadesh Into Canaan

• The Meribah (Quarreling) incident during the 40 days the spies were in Canaan: Now there was no water for the community, & the people gathered in opposition to Moses & Aaron. They quarreled with Moses & said, 'If only We had died when Our brothers fell dead before the LORD. Why did You bring the LORD'S community into this desert? It has no grain, etc. And there is no water to drink.' The phrase when Our brothers fell dead refers to 2 possible earlier incidents: {1} the brothers in Egypt-- soon after exiting Egypt, in the Desert of Sin, they had said: 'If only We had died by the LORD'S hand in Egypt! There We sat around pots of meat & ate all the food We wanted, but You have brought Us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.' That evening is the 1 time quail had fallen on the camp with no dire consequences; the next morning is when the manna started (Exo 16:13-15,31). {2} the brothers after Mt. Sinai (more likely)-- on their way up the Sinai Penin. (before the spy incident): On the 12th day of the 2nd mo. [after exiting Egypt] They set out from the Desert of Sinai; the cloud came to rest in the Desert of Paran. The rabble with Them [the rabble-rousers] began to crave other food, & again the Israelites started wailing-- 'We remember the fish We ate in Egypt at no cost-- also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions & garlic. But now We have lost Our appetite; we never see anything but this manna.' Now a wind went out from the LORD & drove quail in from the sea. It brought them (They flew) down all around the camp to about 3' above the ground, as far as a day's walk in any direction. All that day & night & all the next day the people went out & gathered quail. But while the meat was still between Their teeth, HE struck Them down with a severe plague. There They buried the people who had craved other food (Num 10:11-12; 11:4-6,31-34; 20:2,13).
• At any rate, this is when Moses struck the rock with His staff, after he had been told to just Speak to that rock; this is what determined that Moses would not enter Canaan: Moses raised His arm & struck the rock twice with His staff. The LORD said to Moses & Aaron, Because You did not trust in ME enough to honor ME as holy, You will not bring this community into the land I give Them (Num 20:8-13). Later, in his 1st address to the soon-entering Israelites, Moses said, 'Because of You the LORD became angry with Me also & said, But as for You Israelites, turn around & set out toward the desert along toward the eastern arm of the Red Sea. Then You replied, 'We have sinned against the LORD. We will go up & fight.' So every 1 of You put on His weapons, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country (Deu 1:37-41).
• The Kadesh rebellion Repeating 2.a.2nd half of last pt.: In the 1st month after Mt. Sinai the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, & They stayed at Kadesh (Num 20:1a-- the spies into Canaan having left from Kadesh Barnea & returning to Kadesh). In part because they listened to the 10 negative-reporting spies, the people of the community raised Their voices & wept aloud. This is what incurred God's wrath. Every 1 of You 20 yrs. old or more who was counted in the census & who has grumbled against ME. Not 1 of You will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make Your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh & Joshua son of Nun. As for Your children that You said would be taken as plunder. I will bring Them in to enjoy the land You rejected. But You-- Your bodies will fall in this desert. Your children will be shepherds here for 40 yrs., suffering for Your unfaithfulness, until the last of Your bodies lies in the desert. For 40 yrs.-- 1 for each of the 40 days You explored the land --You will suffer for Your sins & know what it is like to have ME against You. When Moses reported this to all the Israelites, They mourned bitterly. Early the next morning They went up toward the high hill country. 'We have sinned,' They said. 'We will go to the place the LORD has promised.' But Moses said, 'the LORD is not with You.' So I told You, but You would not listen. In Your arrogance You marched up into the hill country; in Their presumption They went up, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Covenant moved from the camp. The Amalekites & Canaanites beat Them down all the way south to Hormah; the Amorites also chased You like a swarm of bees & beat You down from Seir all the way to Hormah. You came back & wept before the LORD, but HE paid no attention to Your weeping & turned a deaf ear to You. And so You stayed in Kadesh many days. Then We turned back & set out toward the desert along the route [the Arabah Rd., which came south from the Jordan R.] to the east arm of the Red Sea, as the LORD had directed Me. For a long time We made Our way around the hill country of Seir (Num 14:1,29-34,39; Deu 1:41b-46a; 2:1).

 4. The Wilderness Wanderings (40 yrs. total)

• Covered in a. is the 38 yrs. to the Zered Valley, with its Zered Br. (which flows generally east out of the southern end of the Dead Sea).
• Covered in b. is the 2 yr. from the Zered Valley to the east side of the Jericho R., between the Dead Sea & the Sea of Galilee (crossing the Jericho was entering into Canaan of the promised land).
• Following that are some of the events that took place in those last 2 yrs.: 2nd census taken; land taken east of Canaan; Moses' blessings (Num 15 - 36; Deu 2 - 3; 33; Jsh 13:8-33).
• The entire 40 yrs. of wilderness wanderings were: 38 yrs. from Kadesh Barnea of the Desert of Paran (from whence the spies went into Canaan) to Kadesh of the Desert of Zin, to the hill country of Seir, where Aaron died on Mt. Hor (northwest of Moab), south toward the eastern arm of the Red Sea; walking (Deu 2:29) through the Desert of Edom (northeast of the Sinai Penin.), to the Zered Valley; 2 yrs. yet walking through Moab to the Arnon Gorge (mid-east of the Dead Sea), then battling often, some of them going north as far as Gilead; finally to the Jericho R. (ready to cross over to the west side into Canaan). For those 40 yrs. Their clothes, including Their sandals, did not wear out, nor Their feet swell (Deu 8:4; 29:5). S.a. in the Levitical Binding Agreement (Neh 9:5-38), specifically vv. 21 & 38.

  a. 38 yrs. from Kadesh Barnea to the Zered Valley

• 38 yrs. passed from the time We left Kadesh Barnea until We crossed the Zered Valley. By then, that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp (Deu 2:14).
• We already saw (above, 3.) 2 incidents that took place at Kadesh: the Meribah (Quarreling) incident & the Kadesh rebellion.
• Aaron the priest went up Mt. Hor, where he died on the 1st day of the 5th month of the 40th yr. after the Israelites came out of Egypt (Num 33:38).
• Since Edom refused to let Them go through their territory, the whole Israelite community came to Mount Hor-- near [northwest of] the border of Edom. Moses, Aaron [Moses' brother, age 83 in Egypt-- Exo 7:6] & Eleazar (Aaron's son) went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. Moses removed Aaron's priest-garments & put them on Eleazar. Aaron died there on the top of the mountain [southwest of the Dead Sea]-- on the 1st day of the 5th mo. of the 40th yr. after the Israelites came out of Egypt, age 123 (Num 20:21-28; 33:38-39).
• They traveled from Mt. Hor southeast/south along the route to west of the Arabah Rd., toward the eastern arm of the Red Sea, to go around Edom. For a long time We made Our way around the hill country of Seir. They camped at Zalmonah & Punon.
• Then We went [continued] on past [around] Our brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned east toward Oboth from the Arabah Rd., which comes up from Elath & Ezion Geber. Then the LORD said to Me [Moses], You have made Your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north. You are about to pass through the territory of Your brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of You, but be very careful. Do not provoke them to war. I've given Esau the hill country of Seir. They set out northward from Oboth & camped at lye Abarim, in the desert that faces Moab toward the sunrise-- i.e., the southern portion of Moab was on the west. Num 33:44-48 says that Moab encompassed all the land from the Zered Valley to the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. Below, Moab is divided into southern, central & northern parts. Then the LORD said to Me, Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war-- I've given Ar to the descendants of Lot. From there They moved on; They traveled north along the desert road of Moab-- Deu 2:29 says They passed through Edom & Moab on foot. (Num 21:4,10-12; 33:41-44; Deu 2:1-5,8b-9).
• Now get up & cross the Zered Valley into Moab. So We crossed the valley; They left lyim (lye Abarim) on the border of Moab & camped at Dihon Gad, yet in the Zered Valley-- the Zered Brook of the Zered Valley extends southeast from the southern tip of the Dead Sea. They left Dihon Gad & camped at Alman Diblathaim [in southern Moab]; then in the mountains of Abarim, near Nebo [in central Moab]-- alongside the Arnon, which is in the desert extending into Amorite territory-- the Arnon R. of the Arnon Gorge extends eastward from the middle of the western side of the Dead Sea. They left the mountains of Abarim & camped on the plains of Moab [in northern Moab] by the Jordan across from Jericho (Jordan of Jericho, the Jordan R.). There on the plains of Moab They camped along the Jordan from Beth Jeshimoth to Abel Shittim (Num 21:12-13; 33:45-48; Deu 2:13).
• In 38 yrs. the fighting men of Israel had died-- 2 more yrs. until the entire original generation died; but 2 of the spies did enter Canaan of the promised land (Joshua & Caleb). In Exo 33:11, not long before the exodus, Joshua was called Moses' young aide (Num 11:28 says, Joshua had been Moses' aide since youth; Jsh 24:29 says, he died at age 110). Caleb was age 40 yrs. at the exodus, and at age 85 yrs., 5 yrs. after They entered Canaan, He was as strong as the day Moses sent Him, just as vigorous to go out to battle (Jsh 14:10-11).

  b. 2 yr. from the Zered Valley to the east side of the Jordan R.

• They left Dihon Gad in the Zered Valley & camped at Almon Diblathaim (Num 33:46). Now in southern Moab (well south of the Arnon Gorge-- the Arnon Gorge was midway up the land east of the Dead Sea & separated Moab from the Amorite territory of central Moab), the Israelites again had to tread lightly & carry a small stick. Moab contained the Ammonites. The LORD said, When You come to the Ammonites of southern/wild Moab, do not harass or provoke them. I've given it [Ar] as a possession to the descendants of Lot (Deu 2:19). This tap-dancing continued until the Israelites came into the land north of the Arnon Gorge, wherein dwelt the Amorites).
• Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge into the land of the Amorites of central Moab; begin to take possession of it and engage him [Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon] in battle. This very day I'll begin to put the terror & fear. Indeed, you will see many situations turn in their favor. Num 21:31 says that Israel settled in the land of the Amorites [central Moab].
• Having left southern Moab (crossing the Arnon Gorge into the land of the Amorites): They left Almon Diblathaim & camped in the mountains of Abarim, near Nebo [northeast of the Dead Sea]; then to the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho north of the Dead Sea. After they did cross the Arnon Gorge & were on the plains of Moab, they were actually in the promised land (east of the Dead Sea-- even as it was defined after the earlier spy incident. This land the tribe of Reuben inherited (see below, d.).
• From the desert of Kedemoth I sent messengers to Sihon king of Heshbon offering peace & saying, 'Let Us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road; We will not turn aside to the right or to the left. Sell Us food to eat & water to drink for their price in silver. Only let Us pass through on foot-- as the descendant of Esau, who live in Seir, & the Moabites, who live in Ar, did for Us. But he refused, for the LORD Our GOD had made his spirit stubborn & his heart obstinate in order to give him into Your hands-- remind you of Egypt?. From the Arnon Gorge, east of the midpoint of the Dead Sea (the Arnon is the border between southern Moab & the Amorites of central Moab) to the Jabbock R.-- halfway up the Jericho R., between the Dead Sea & the Sea of Galilee, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified-- in accordance with the Command of the LORD, They did not encroach on any of the land of the Ammonites, neither the land along the course of the Jabbok nor the hills --even as far as Gilead; no 1 town was too strong for Us. From Aeoer, Jahaz & Heshbon (cities of the Amorites-- Aroer was on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, halfway up the eastern side of the Dead Sea; Jahaz was near the Arnon R.; Heshbon was east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea)-- from there to Bashan & Gilead, northeast of the Sea of Galilee, the cities were fortified like the Ammonite border had been], but nevertheless captured (Num 21:23-26,31-35; Deu 2:26-37; 3:1-10).
• Jsh 12:1-3 lists the 2 kings defeated east of the Jordan: Those are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated & whose territory They took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mt. Hermon, including all of the eastern side of the Arabah: Sihon & Og-- following that, in vv. 7-24, is the list of the 31 kings conquered on the west side of the Jordan.
• The Israelites being in the plains of Moab (specifically camped along the Jordan across from Jericho), God convinced Balaam to bless, rather than curse (as he was hired to do). But then the Israelites fell for seduction-- While Israel was staying in Shittim [the city from which later Joshua sent spies into Canaan-- see Jsh 2:1], the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women [1 faction was the Midianites], who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods. God responded with a plague that killed 24,000 before it was stopped when a particular transgressor was killed. God instructed the Israelites to treat the Midianites as enemies & kill them, because they treated You as enemies (Num 25:1-2,6-9,17).
• In the 40th yr. of the wilderness wanderings, on the 1st day of the 11th month, Moses proclaimed all that the LORD had commanded Him-- called the 1st of 3 addresses that took place that last month before the crossing. I.e., Moses' 1st address took place 39 yrs., 11 mo. after the wilderness wanderings began (if something takes place before the end of 12 mo., it takes place in the 1st yr.; something that takes place between 1 yr. & 2 yrs. takes place in the 2nd yr.; if it took place in the 2nd yr. it took place between 1 yr. & 2 yr., if it took place in the 11th mo. of the 2nd yr., it took place 1 yr., 11 mos. from the beginning; thus the address that took place on the 11th mo. of the 40th yr. took place 39 yrs., 11 mos. after the wilderness wanderings began.

  c. 2nd census taken-- the 1st was after Mt. Sinai

• After the plague the LORD said to Moses & Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, Take a census-- all those 20 yr. or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel. Most to least: there were 76,500 from Judah; 64,400 from Dan; 64,300 from Issachar; 60,500 from Zebulun; 53,400 from Asher; 52,700 from Manasseh; 45,600 from Benjamin; 45,400 from Naphtali; 43,730 from Reuben; 40,500 from Gad; 32,500 from Ephraim; 22,200 from Simeon. Total- 601,730 (Num 26:26:1-2,5-51).
• Comparing this census to the census taken as the Israelites left Mt. Sinai (see 1.d. above): Manasseh gained 20,500; Asher gained 11,900; Benjamin gained 10,200; Issachar gained 9,900; Zebulun gained 3,100; Judah gained 1,900; Dan gained 1,700; Reuben lost 2,770; Gad lost 5,150; Ephraim & Naphtali both lost 8,000; & Simeon lost 37,100 (net loss- 1,820).
• The LORD said to Moses, The land is to be allotted to Them as an inheritance based on the number of names (Num 26:52-53).
• There were 23,000 Levites age 1 mo. old or more-- a gain of 1,000.

  d. Land given east of Canaan

• Regarding the Levites, before Moses died (before Joshua took over & the Jordan was crossed) he gave some general instructions, at the LORD'S behest, about giving towns & land to the Levites: On the plains of Moab, the LORD said to Moses, Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in-- give Them pasturelands around the towns for Their cattle, flocks & all other livestock. The pasturelands around the towns [all 48 towns-- see Jsh 21:41-41] will extend 1500' inwardly from the town wall. Outside the town walls, measure 3000' on the east side, 3000' on each of the other sides, with the town in the center. They will have this area as pastureland for the benefit of the towns. Recall these are general instructions for both sides of the Jordan: 6 of the towns will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally someone may flee. Give Them 42 other towns-- in all, 48 towns, to the tribes in proportion to the inheritance of the tribes. Speak to the Israelites, 'When You cross the Jordan into Canaan, select some towns to be Your cities of refuge [detention camps], to which a person to which a person who has killed someone may flee, so that he may not die before he stands trial before the assembly. Give 3 on this side of the Jordan & 3 in Canaan, a place of refuge for Israelites, aliens [foreign visitors] & any other people living among Them (Num 35:1-15).

1. East- {A} Then Moses set aside 3 cities east of the Jordan, to which anyone who had killed a person could flea if he had unintentionally killed his neighbor without malice aforethought. He could flee into 1 of these cities & save his life. The cities were these: Bezer in the desert plateau, for the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gaditesl & Golan in Bassha, for the Manassites (Deu 4:41-43); {B} Then the LORD said to Joshua: Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed You through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally & unintentionally may flee & find protection from the avenger of blood. When he flees to 1 of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate & state his case before the elders of that city. Then They are to admit him & give him a place to live with Them. If the avenger of blood pursued him, They must not surrender the 1 accused. He is to stay in that city until he has stood trial before the assembly & until the death of the high priest Who is serving at that time. Then he may go back to his own home in the town from which he fled. On the east side of the Jordan of Jericho (Jordan R.) They designated the same cities/towns Moses had set aside (Jsh 20:1-6,8-9); {C} The cities/lands are also cited in Jsh 21:27,36,38.
2. West- {D} As above, in 1.b., Then the LORD said to Joshua: not repeated-- note that the above omitted v. 7, which names the 3 cities in Canaan: So They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, & Kiriath Arba (i.e., Hebron) in the hill country of Judah-- hence the expression, running to the hills; {E} These same cities/lands are cited in Jsh 21:13,21,32.

• By now the descendants from the tribes were often referred to as tribites (e.g., those living in Judah were called Judites). 3 tribes received land (given by Moses well before he died on Mt. Nebo) east/northeast of the Dead Sea-Jericho R.-Red Sea (but not until They crossed over into Canaan with the rest); the Reubenites & Gadites requested they receive land in the east (1st without crossing over-- then they offered that the men would cross over), because They had very large herds & flocks-- They came to Moses, Eleazar the priest & the 9 leaders of the community. The agreement worked out was that the Reubenites & Gadites would build pens for Their livestock & fortified cities for Their wives & children, but the men would accompany into Canaan (indeed, PART I, F F.1.b.3rd pt. shows they crossed over armed in front of the rest of the Israelites). The Reubenites & Gadites built up some cities as fortified cities, & built pens for Their flocks; the 3rd tribe (half of the tribe, actually), the half-tribe of Manasseh, settled in Gilead, because the descendants of Makir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it & drove out the Amorites (Num 32:1-39).
• This is how the land east of Jordan was divided: Of the land We took over at that time, I [Moses] gave the Reubenites & the Gadites the territory north of Aroer by the Arnon Gorge, including half the hill country of Gilead. The rest of Gilead & also all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Then I gave all of Gilead to Makir. But to the Reubenites & the Gadites I gave the territory extending from Gilead down to the Arnon Gorge (the middle of the gorge being the border) & out to the Jabbok R., which is the border of the Ammnonites. Its western border was the Jordan in the Arabah, from Kinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (Salt/Dead Sea), below the slope of Pisgah (Deu 3:12-17).
• Comparing the # of fighting men that each tribe contributed to the 601,730 total of Israel that went into Canaan (comparisons given below, as each inheritance is portrayed), it seems evident that the size of the inheritances were based primarily on the roles they played in the conquest (perhaps also on strategic locations for the future defense of Israel):

1. Reubenites- The Reubenites were 9th in the # of fighting men (43,730) that went into Canaan-- based on this alone, the size of land the Reubenites received is reasonable (recall also the Reubenites requested land east of the Jordan for their livestock). The Reubenites received the central & northern parts of Moab (with its Mt. Nebo & Abarim Mts. in central Moab ). Reuben is medium-sized, square in shape, from the Arnon Gorge (Arnon R.) to an east-west line northeast of the Dead Sea).
2. Gadites- The Gadites were 10th in the # of fighting men that went into Canaan-- based on this alone, the size of land the Gadites received is reasonable (recall the Gadites requested land east of the Jordan for their livestock). The Gadites received more land, north of Reuben (through the southern half the hill country of Gilead), with 1 arm reaching to the Sea of Galilee, & the other toward the southern headwaters of the Yarmuck R. (which flows into the Jordan R. south of the Sea of Galilee). The southern half is also square, & includes the southern part of Gilead, to the Jabbock R. (approx. half way up the Jordan R.), but the northern half consists of the two arms that embrace the bulk of Gilead (the part of Gilead that went to Manasseh); the entire land resembles the Red Sea, with its 2 arms embracing the Sinai Peninsula).
3. East Manassites (half the tribe of Manasseh)- All of the Manassites together were 6th in the # of fighting men that went into Canaan-- based on this alone, the total size of land Manasseh received (on both sides of the Jordan) is large). But recall that some Manassites went into Gilead east of Canaan & drove out the Amorites there. Note areas north & northeast of East Manasseh contained inhabitants yet to be conquered. GOD said, As for all the inhabitants of the mountain region of Lebanon, I myself will drive them out. Half of the Manassites received much land, north of Gad, to a east-west line through Mt. Herman, to the Mediterranean Sea, far north of the Sea of Galilee (southeast of Damascus)-- the 2nd largest area given (the other half of the Manassites received an equal portion west of the Jordan. Together the Manassites received about the same as the Judites). The land the East Manassites received was given to half of the sons of Makir, son of Manasseh. The southern 3rd of east Manasseh is the triangle embraced by Gad (the bulk of Gilead); the middle 3rd is rectangular; the northern 3rd is shaped like Missouri. We saw that it was agreed what land the 2 & 1/2 tribes would receive east of Canaan (provided they went armed over the Jordan); now note that Moses also arranged in what manner the tribes should inherit the land after they crossed the Jordan & conquered Canaan. God speaking to Moses as the time drew near for the Israelites to cross over the Jordan: These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for You as an inheritance: Eleazer the priest and Joshua. And appoint 1 leader from each tribe to help assign the land. 1 of the leaders was Caleb, from Judah-- that Caleb that had accompanied Joshua of the tribe of Ephraim as a spy into Canaan.

  e. Moses' blessings

• In the desert east of the Jordan; in the 40th yr., on the 1st day of the 11th mo.-- near the end of the 40 yrs. of the wilderness wanderings; in the territory of Moab, Moses began to expound (Deu 1:3,5) the 1st of 3 addresses; after the 3rd address he blessed Israel & the 12 tribes as follows (Deu 33):

1. Israel The LORD came from Sinai & dawned over Them from Seir; HE shown forth from Mount Paran. HE came with myriads of Holy Ones from the south, from HIS Mountain Slopes. Surely it is YOU who love the people; all the Holy Ones are in YOUR Hand. At YOUR Feet They all bow down, and from YOU receive instruction, the law that Moses gave Us, the possession of the assembly of Jacob. HE was King over Jeshurun (the Upright One) when the leaders of the people assembled, along with the tribes of Israel.
2. Reuben Let Reuben live & not die, nor (but let) His numbers be few.
3. Judah Hear, O LORD, the cry of Judah; bring Him to His people. With His own hands He defends His cause. Oh, be His help against His foes!
4. Levi YOUR Thummim & Urim [see Exo 28:30] belong to the man YOU favored. YOU tested Him at Massah; YOU contended with Him at the waters of Meribah [see above, 3.]. He said of His father & mother, 'I have no regard for Them.' He did not recognize His brothers or acknowledge His own children, but He watched over YOUR Word & guarded YOUR Covenant. He teaches YOUR Precepts to Jacob & YOUR Law to Israel. He offers incense before YOU & whole burnt offerings on YOUR Altar. Bless all His skills, O LORD, & be pleased with the work of His hands. Smite the loins of those who rise up against Him; strike His foes till they rise no more.
5. Benjamin Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in HIM, for HE shields Them all day long, & the One who loves the LORD rests between HIS Shoulders.
6. Joseph May the LORD bless His hands with the precious dew from Heaven above & with the deep waters that lie below; with the best the sun brings forth & the finest the moon can yield; with the choicest of the ancient mountains & the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills; with the best gifts of the earth & its fullness & the favor of HIM who dwelt in the burning bush. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among His brothers. In majesty HE is like a firstborn bull; HIS Horns like the horns of a wild ox. With them HE will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim-- which will be a smaller, but more populous area; such are the thousands of Manasseh-- which will be a larger, but sparser area.
7. Zebulun & Issachar Rejoice, Zebulun, in Your going out [the SW border of Zebulun would be the Kishon R.] & You, Issachar, in Your tents [Issachar would bordered both the Kishon & Jordan Rivs.]. They will summon peoples to the mountain [Issachar has Mts. Tabor & Moreh] & there offer sacrifices of righteousness; They will feast on the abundance of the seas, on the treasures hidden in the sand.
8. Gad Blessed is He who enlarges Gad's domain! Gad lives there like a lion, tearing at arm or head.
9. Dan Dan is a lion's cub, springing out of Bashan.
10. Naphtali Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the LORD & He is full of HIS Blessing; He will inherit southward to the lake [SW Naphtali will embrace the entire western coast of the Sea of Galilee].
11. Asher Most blessed of sons is Asher; let Him be favored by His brothers, and let Him bathe His feet in oil. The bolts of Your gates will be iron & bronze, and Your strength will equal Your days.
12. Israel (again) There is no ONE like the GOD of Jeshurun (the Upright One), who rides on the heavens to help You, & on the clouds in HIS Majesty. The eternal GOD is Your refuge, & underneath are the everlasting arms. HE will drive out Your enemy before You, saying, Destroy him! So Israel will live in safety alone; Jacob's spring is secure in a land of grain & new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are You, O Israel! Who is like You, a people saved by the LORD? HE is Your shield & helper & Your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before You, & You will trample down their high places.

• Then Moses climbed Mt. Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed Him the whole land-- from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim & Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negev & the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to Him, This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to Your descendants.' I have let You see it with Your eyes, but You will not cross over into it. And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab; HE buried Him (He was buried) in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no 1 knows where His grave is. Moses was 120 yrs. old when He died, yet His eyes were not weak nor His strength gone (Deu 34:1-7).