The book of Numbers makes it evident to us the precise order God took to lead His people through the 40 years of wandering and into the promised land. In the second half of Exodus and throughout Leviticus, we are given precise instructions for how to live. In addition, the exact instructions for the building of the Tabernacle are given. The book of Numbers offers a more governmental (not political) aspect to Israel's life and function. Chapters 1-3 instruct Moses how to organize the camps according to the 12 tribes (which were named after the sons of Israel). Judah would serve as the leading group. The order in which the tribes is set up around the Tabernacle is important for when the Lord instructs them to move, the armies will march out in that order. God gives instructions for His people to be governed with exactness! We also learn that one of the tribes is to be left out of this order for their responsibility is for the care of the Tabernacle--the Levites. Chapter 4 addresses with exact details the responsibilities for all of the Levites. Each Levite male will serve for 20 years (from age 30-50) in the work of the Tabernacle. Everyone had their part and they did it well. Chapter 5 offers instructions on things to be avoided so that proper health and sanitation as well as sexual purity can be maintained in such a densely populated camp.
Within its pages God instructs Moses and the priests on how to determine if a woman has committed adultery but there is no evidence to offer proof. If a husband suspected his wife of adultery, he could make life completely miserable for her. To prevent this, God gave Moses and the priests instructions of how to test the woman for purity. It was a "put up, or shut up" measure for both the man and the woman. If the woman passed the test, she was free from the ridicule her husband put her through. If she failed the test, she would be punished. And we remember from Leviticus that the punishment was death. The priest would hold a pitcher of purified water in one hand, scoop up dust from the tabernacle floor in the other, and pour the dust into the water. He would write on a scroll the offense and then dip the scroll into the water. The water would now be contaminated with all sorts of bacteria for in the Tabernacle hundreds of animals are slaughtered daily and their remains would be tracked throughout the tent. Such remains would make it into the water. She would then be instructed to drink the water. If over the course of time she experienced no affects, she would be free from guilt. However, if she had been guilty, she would experience an illness in her ovarial organs that would cause her abdomen to swell and it would spread to her thighs and they would begin to rot. She then would be proven guilty and be sentenced to death.
Chapter 6 offers a section of "Things to be encouraged" such as the vow of a Nazarite. A Nazarite was one who took a vow before God to live a holy life. The nazarite vow included 3 parts: Abstain from 1) any fruit of the vine (grapes, wine, etc.), 2) Cutting any hair on your head (haircut or shave), and 3) anything dead. It would be evident to others of your vow and you would take such extreme measures as your vow to God to be Holy.
Chapter 7 describes the offerings of the people of Israel to the Tabernacle upon its completion. Much like when a church is dedicated and begins its use, an offering to furnish it may be given, so is the Tabernacle.
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