Numbers 36:13

The Final Summary.

The final summary of the book is here given in what was probably the remnant of a colophon. The journey was over. They were safely in the plains of Moab opposite Jericho on the verge of crossing the Jordan (Numbers 36:13).

Numbers 36:13

‘These are the commandments and the ordinances which Yahweh commanded by Moses to the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.'

What this section of the book contained was the commandments and ordinances commanded by Yahweh to Moses in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan, opposite Jericho preparatory to the invasion.

So the book which began with the numbering of Israel prior to inglorious failure and expulsion from the land in unbelief and disobedience, finishes with the numbering of Israel (Numbers 26) which leads up to this triumphant example of faith and obedience. It is not accidental that after the second mobilisation the final part of the book is framed within narratives describing the faith, perseverance, determination and obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad. With a spirit like this, and a faithful and compassionate God like Yahweh, how could Israel now possibly fail?