The Book of Numbers Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, tribal roles, and legal statutes found throughout the Book of Numbers, from the organizational census at Sinai to the laws of inheritance in the plains of Moab.

Census

An official registration and count of the congregation of Israel, specifically focusing on males 20 years and older who were capable of going to war.

Levites

The tribe appointed to manage the Tabernacle of the Testimony, responsible for its transportation, setup, and guarding, and exempted from the military census.

Kohathites

A clan of Levites assigned to carry the most holy things of the sanctuary, such as the ark, table, and lampstand, using poles on their shoulders.

Gershonites

A clan of Levites responsible for the service and transport of the curtains, coverings, and screens of the Tabernacle and the court.

Merarites

A clan of Levites charged with the transport and maintenance of the frames, bars, pillars, and bases of the Tabernacle and its surrounding court.

Nazirite Vow

A special vow of separation to the Lord involving abstinence from grape products, leaving hair uncut, and avoiding contact with any dead body.

Water of Bitterness

Holy water mixed with dust from the Tabernacle floor used in a ritual to test the faithfulness of a wife suspected of adultery.

Manna

A substance provided for food that resembled coriander seed and bdellium, which the people gathered, ground, and baked into cakes.

Kibroth-hattaavah

The location named 'Graves of Craving' where people were buried after a plague struck those who had expressed an intense desire for meat.

Nephilim

The tall descendants of Anak reported by the spies, making the Israelites feel like grasshoppers in comparison.

Tassels (Tzitzit)

Blue cords attached to the corners of garments as visual reminders for the people to remember and follow all the commandments of the Lord.

Aaron's Staff

A rod representing the house of Levi that miraculously sprouted, budded, and produced ripe almonds to settle grumblings regarding the priesthood.

Covenant of Salt

A term describing an everlasting and irrevocable agreement between the Lord and the priesthood regarding their perpetual portions of offerings.

Red Heifer

An animal without defect used in a purification ritual where its ashes were mixed with water to cleanse anyone who touched a dead body.

Cities of Refuge

Six designated cities intended to provide safety for a manslayer who killed someone without intent, protecting them from the avenger of blood until trial.

Avenger of Blood

A relative of a deceased person who was authorized to put a murderer to death if they were found outside a city of refuge.

Shekel of the Sanctuary

A standard unit of weight and currency used for religious contributions and redemption prices, valued at 20 gerahs.

Bronze Serpent

An image made by Moses and set on a pole so that those bitten by fiery serpents could look at it and live.

Balaam

A prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites, but who instead delivered blessings as directed by God and spoke to a talking donkey.

Phinehas

The son of Eleazar who stopped a plague in Israel by his zealous act of judgment against those participating in the idolatry of Baal of Peor.

Passover

An annual festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the sparing of their firstborn during the final plague.

Exodus

The departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses.

Leviticus

The third book of the Hebrew Bible, detailing laws and rituals for worship and community life.

Deuteronomy

The fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, which includes a reiteration of the Law and a series of speeches by Moses.

Tabernacle

A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness as a place of worship.

Ark of the Covenant

The sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's presence.

Holy of Holies

The innermost chamber of the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Feast of Unleavened Bread

A seven-day festival that immediately follows Passover, commemorating the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt.

Sin Offering

A type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins.

Guilt Offering

A type of sacrifice for unintentional wrongs against others or God's commands.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

A solemn day of fasting and repentance in which the high priest makes atonement for the sins of the people.

Mosaic Covenant

The covenant established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, involving laws and commandments.

Shema

A central declaration of faith in Judaism, stating the oneness of God, found in Deuteronomy 6:4.

Fruits of the Spirit

Virtuous qualities that are said to be produced in the lives of believers by the Holy Spirit.

Ritual Cleansing

Ceremonial washing before entering a sacred space or performing religious duties.

Numina

Spiritual forces or divine powers believed to inhabit certain places or objects.

Tithing

The practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce to support religious institutions and clergy.

Prophets

Individuals chosen by God to deliver messages or warnings to the people.

Judges

Leaders in ancient Israel who served as military commanders and judicial authorities.

Kingship

The concept and institution of monarchy as established among the Israelites.

Land of Canaan

The promised land that God designated for the Israelites.

Great Commission

Jesus' command to his disciples to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Sabbath

A day of rest and worship, observed on the seventh day of the week.

Atonement

The reconciliation of God and humanity, often through sacrifice.

Christianity

A religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing faith in him as the Messiah.

Israelite Monarchy

The period in Israel's history when it was ruled by kings, starting with Saul.

Benediction

A short invocation for divine help, blessing, and guidance, usually at the end of a service.

Elder

A leader in ancient Israelite community responsible for spiritual and governmental oversight.