Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Matot-Masei | Numbers 30:2-36:13
“These were the marches of the Israelites who started out from the land of Egypt, troop by troop, in the charge of Moses and Aaron” (Nm. 33:1).
This double parashat brings the book of Numbers, well-known for extensive lists, to a close. Biblical lists do not make easy reading but nothing in Torah is superfluous. The Israelites’ time in the wilderness includes lists of census records (Ch:1-4,26), tribal offerings (Ch:7), identification of the spies (Ch:13) and now the itinerary of 42 stations listed in order where the Israelites encamped during their journey. (Ch: 33:2-49).
What theological meaning can we glean from these data when many place names elude archaeologists and scholars and Jacob’s descendants have returned to dust?
An itinerary confirms a plan – God’s plan; not aimless wandering. 14 stopping points happen in the first year; 8 in the final year. This leaves 20 journeys over the remaining 38 years and suggests time to rest and settle for extended periods.
We might ask if place names are significant when our focus should be that God’s divine presence, guidance, patience and mercy are evident throughout the Israelites’ journey. The provision of manna, quail, and water never ceased as God’s chosen people moved forward. Each place can be viewed as a stepping stone in the experiences which shaped and transformed a people. Their real journey was an interior growth in relationship with God who brought them freedom and keeps his promises..
Reflection:
Consider your personal journey. Do I camp in one place for too long? What steps forward should I be taking? Do I have the courage to overcome struggles and transform my journeys, with God’s help, into blessings?
Mary Ann Payne, Melbourne, Australia
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4