Welcome to PHASE TWO in my NUMBERS PROJECT! By now you should agree that Numbers is not just for Breakfast anymore! (Go back and read Phase One if not)

Now, I'll present you with gleanings from the study notes submitted by over 1700 women to Zondervan as published in their Women of Faith Study Bible (this Bible is so cool, the text is actually printed in dark purple ink).

OK ... let the gleanings begin...

Numbers 1 > The initial census brings organization and a sense of discipline to this group of former slaves [Israelites] just when they need it most. Now soldiers instead of slaves, the census serves as a military draft list and prepares the Israelites to face the enemies and hardships that lay ahead.

Numbers 1:50 > The phrase "tabernacle of the Testimony" appears just 6 times throughout Scripture. The "tabernacle", the worship center of the Israelites, houses the "testimony", the Ten Commandments or the Law.

Numbers 2 > Through his commands to Moses and Aaron, we learn that our God is an orderly God, one who values organization over chaos (see the details regarding the march and camping order of the Israelites). At the same time, we see God symbolically positioning himself in the middle of his people (Numbers 2:17). God himself lives in the midst of his chosen people - demonstrating his desire to be at the very center of human existence. God's desire is the same today as it was during Moses' lifetime: to be at the center of our existence!

Numbers 4:13 > Colors are important ... including PURPLE ... though the meaning of the colors is not certain. Both blue and purple are considered royal hues. Blue and purple dyes come from various species of shellfish as well as the rind of the pomegranate. The recipes for the dyes are closely guarded secrets.

Numbers 4:34-38 > The first census counts all males over 20 years of age (Numbers 1:3) who are fit for military service. The count of the Levites includes all men ages 30 to 50 (Numbers 4:43) who are fit for service in the tabernacle.

Numbers 6:1-21 > While only those Israelites from the tribe of Levi can become priests, any person - man or woman - can become a Nazirite. Taken from the Hebrew verb "nazar" (to separate", the name Nazirite is given to those who specially devote themselves to God for a specific period of time, a time during which strict rules in regard to diet, appearance and associations must be observed. During this period, the Nazirite abstains from consuming any product of the grape vine and are further restricted from cutting their hair and shaving and from going near dead bodies. The length of time for this consecration is not defined in Scripture, but tradition holds that it lasted from 30 days to a lifetime (Samson's parents made the vow for him before his birth).

Numbers 6:24-26 > The Priestly Blessing that is still commonly used today and is a tradition at Jewish weddings.

Numbers 7:89 > Here, in the conclusion to the story, Moses hears the audible voice of God speaking from between the cherubim, above the Ark of the Testimony.

Numbers 9:6-10 > When the people come to Moses with their problem, he does not rule immediately. Instead, he asks them to wait while he seeks direction from God. Moses, who walks and talks with God as a friend, knows the importance of seeking the Lord's counsel. Operating out of his own wisdom, Moses might have ordered the unclean Israelites not to participate in the Passover; instead he receives direction from God that allows them to join the celebration.

Study Notes taken from Women of Faith Study Bible (c)2001 Zondervan Corporation (available in bonded purple leather)