In the previous issue we attempted to understand the first three books of the Pentateuch and their contents. Here we shall try to make a short study of the last two books of the Pentateuch, namely, "Numbers" and "Deuteronomy".
 

The fourth book of the Pentateuch is known as "Numbers". This title does not reveal the theological importance of the book. It might have been named so because it has several descriptions containing numerical data. The book begins with references to a census (cf Num 1:2). A census according to the clans of those Israelites who were able to go to war (cf Num 1-2), census of the Levites by ancestral houses and by clans (cf Num 3:14-39), an inventory of the offerings and the number of days required for purification (cf Num 7), the number of animals and cereals for burnt offerings on festivals (Num 28-29), and an inventory of the booty captured in war and its division (Num 31:25-54)- are examples of accounts presented in this book.

The book deals with the history of the Israelites during the forty long years they spent in the wilderness as they journeyed from Sinai to the eastern frontiers of the promised land of Canaan. The book of Numbers can be divided mainly into four sections.

The second section describes the journey of the Israelites from Sinai to Moab. Here we see a people who, unable to withstand the crises they meet in the course of their journey with equanimity, become fearful and cowardly and murmur against God and Moses. The infidelity of the Israelites, their rebellion, and the punishment they get are the important subjects dealt with here. Descriptions about the offerings to the Lord, explanations about the responsibilities of priests are also seen in this part. The picture of God who was faithful despite the unfaithfulness of the Israelite nation, is remarkable .

In the third section, the events that took place on the Moabite plains are recorded: Balak, King of Moab, tried to destroy the Israelites when they reached his territory; he was ultimately forced to utter a blessing on them; the Israelites, who had committed evil and strayed away from God, became the victims of God's fierce anger; the new generation who had not sinned were elected; instructions and the directives to offer sacrifices were given to them - such are the chief topics given in this section.

Towards the latter part of the book we find the arrangements made to conquer the land of Canaan, the names of those who should take the lead to divide the conquered land and the norms to be followed while the division is made.

God's fidelity to the chosen people and the repeated exhortation to remain firm and steady in their faith in God, are important themes in this book.

The last book in the Pentateuch is known as "Deuteronomy". This is the translation of the Greek word "Deutronomia" which means the "Second law". There is hardly any connection between the title and the contents of the book. Perhaps, the name resulted from a faulty translation when the book was transcribed from the root language Hebrew, into Greek. The phrase "Mishneh hathora hasoth" which actually means "A copy of the Law"(Deut 17,18), was incorrectly understood as "The Second Law ".

The translator accepted the word "Deutronomia" which means "The Second Law". Taking it as the second law book given by Moses, he called the book "Deutronomion".

The style of the writing is in the form of advice given by Moses to the Israelites, on the plains of Moab before they entered the land of Canaan, towards the end of their sojourn of forty years in the wilderness. There are references to Moses' discourses in the book (cf 1:1;4:44;29:1).
 

The book can be divided mainly into three parts:

1. The exhortations of Moses (1:1-11:32).

2. The explanation of the Law(12:1-26:19).

3. The last discourse and deeds of Moses(27:1-34:12).

The first part deals with the protection of God enjoyed by the Israelites till they reached Moab, the covenant God made with them, and his fidelity to this covenant. In the second part we see the interpretation of God's laws, the exhortation to be faithful to them and the blessings that result from fidelity to God's laws.

In the latter part of the book, we have the necessity of obeying the laws of the covenant, the blessings accorded to those who obey the laws, warning against disobedience, the appointment of Joshua as the successor of Moses, the song of Moses glorifying God, his final blessing on the twelve tribes of Israel, and the description of his death and burial. It is fitting that Deuteronmy, the last book of the Pentateuch, known after Moses, ends with references to his death.

The book of Deuteronomy reveals God's eternal love and fidelity. It directs the Israelite people to accept God's love, obey his laws and be blessed. This book was the basis of all the renewal that took place in the religious life of the Israelites. The essence of the book of Deuteronomy, which Jesus quoted more frequently than any other book , is God's love for humankind.
 

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