The Bible Project

Are numbers in the Hebrew Bible literal? Is it dangerous to adapt God’s laws? Does Israel’s conquest of Canaan justify other historical conquests? In this episode, Tim and Jon explore audience questions about the Numbers scroll. Thanks to our audience for your insightful questions.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Are Repeated Numbers Literal or Literary Embellishments? (1:20)Why Does Israel’s Population Decrease in Numbers? (16:25)What Does Jesus’ Title “The Rock” Have to Do with Moses? (21:45)Is it Dangerous to Adapt God’s Laws? (34:34)Does Israel’s Conquest of Canaan Justify Other Historical Conquests? (47:35)What’s With All the 10s and 2s? (52:22)What Are Some Resources for Seeing Edenic Themes in the Torah? (01:01:58)Referenced ResourcesAni Maamin: Biblical Criticism, Historical Truth, and the Thirteen Principles of Faith, Joshua BermanA Defense of the Hyperbolic Interpretation of Numbers in the Old Testament, David M. FoutsDeuteronomy 1-11 (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries), Moshe Wei