Numbers 7-10

Numbers 7 outlines s number of gifts and offerings brought by the israelites. Six wagons are given, which become used to transport the tabernacle. For 12 days, a tribe leader brings his offerings of animals and fine metal objects (incense bowls and silver platters)

We alas hear how God is no longer talking to Moses from Mount Sinai, but rather is speaking from Ark within the Tabernacle. Moses hears God's voice from the curtains. Since this is audible, I wonder if other people (Aaron? Other priests?) could hear God to talking to Moses as well.

Numbers 8 covers the Levite dedication ceremony. They had to shave their entire bodies and offer some sacrifices. Their time of service begins at age 25 and they retire at 50.

Numbers 9

It has been a year in the desert and is time to celebrate Passover again. We also now have uncleanness rules as well. God allows the people who are temporarily unclean do celebrate Passover one month later. All other things about the Passover remain the same (I.e., eating with unleavend bread). It is written, but I think this means they also had the days of unleavened bread feast one month later as well.

This is interesting. It looks like God is not so much about actual days for these celebrations, but rather emphasizes the fellowship of community among people and between God and man.

Numbers 10

They make a few silver trumpets which only the head priests blow. God gives them guidelines of when to blow the trumpets - over offerings, when the procession moves, on the first of each month, etc...

Finally, the Israelites get to move from Mount Sinai. Yay, let's go to take Canaan. Moses' brother in law wants to return to his ancestral homeland, but Moses asks him go stay and be a guide. This would be a normal request, but we find out a few verses down that the God's pillar is their guide, showing them where to go and stop. Does this mean that they had no human guide and the brother in the law returned? Maybe, maybe not.

Either way, the army is on the march. They're heading to the promised land.