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Numbers
Numbers book of the Bible, fourth of the five books of the Law (the Pentateuch or Torah) ascribed by tradition to Moses. Numbers begins at Sinai and ends in Moab on the eve of the Hebrews' entry into Palestine. It continues Exodus' narrative of the journey of the Jews from Egypt to the Promised Land. (Leviticus does not advance the story.) Kadesh is the scene of a number of revolts against Moses' authority. Nevertheless, out of dissension comes a greater sense of solidarity and unity. The geographical detail of the journey is bare, and only the main lines can be discerned. The book contains incidental legislation. Its events include two censuses, whence the title; the sending of spies to reconnoiter the Promised Land; the emergence of Joshua and Caleb as leaders; the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; the curse of Balaam turned into a blessing; and the apostasy at Shittim in which Phinehas played an exemplary role.
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"Numbers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Numbers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Numbers.html "Numbers." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Numbers.html |
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numbers
numbers That the Hebrews were able to count is clear because David held a census (1 Chr. 21), though the number of a million (1 Chr. 21: 5, NRSV, REB) or even eleven hundred thousand (NJB) warriors is exaggerated. Calculations were made in tens (based on the number of fingers on the hands), but certain numbers had a special significance beyond the purely arithmetical; one, for the unity of God; seven (being the days of creation) signified completeness; and forty was the period of a generation and signified a large span of time. In the NT and afterwards other numerals became important: one and eight (cf. Luke 9: 28) as being the first day of the week when Jesus was raised from the dead. Seven remains important, as does seventy: seventy preachers are sent out (Luke 10: 1); Peter is to forgive seventy times seven (Matt. 18: 22); seven assistants are appointed by the apostles (Acts 6). Seven Churches are addressed (Rev. 1: 3). Twelve is also important as a symbol in the NT, as corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22: 30).
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W. R. F. BROWNING. "numbers." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. W. R. F. BROWNING. "numbers." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-numbers.html W. R. F. BROWNING. "numbers." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-numbers.html |
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numbers
numbers Numbers is the name of the fourth book of the Bible, relating the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness after Moses led them out of Egypt. It is named in English from the book's accounts of a census; the title in Hebrew means ‘in the wilderness’.
by numbers following simple instructions identified by numbers or as if identified by numbers; the allusion is to painting by numbers, a painting kit with a canvas on which numbers have been marked to indicate which colour of paint should be applied in which place. numbers game the use or manipulation of statistics or figures, especially in support of an argument (often derogatory). See also there is luck in odd numbers, number, there is safety in numbers. |
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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "numbers." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "numbers." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-numbers.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "numbers." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-numbers.html |
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Numbers
295. NumbersSee also 262. MATHEMATICS .
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"Numbers." -Ologies and -Isms. 1986. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Numbers." -Ologies and -Isms. 1986. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505200306.html "Numbers." -Ologies and -Isms. 1986. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505200306.html |
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Numbers
Numbers Fourth book of the Bible and of the Pentateuch. Its describes the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert of the Sinai Peninsula, in search of the Promised Land of Canaan. Interwoven with their story is a collection of religious material, including laws concerning purification rituals and procedures for sacrificing to God.
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"Numbers." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Numbers." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Numbers.html "Numbers." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Numbers.html |
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numbers
numbers. Term used for self-contained item in a musical or opera (because each piece of this kind is separately numbered in the score). A ‘number opera’ is an opera in which these divisions occur, as opposed to Wagner's later operas, for example, where each act is written continuously without internal divisions or pauses.
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MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-numbers.html MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-numbers.html |
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Numbers
Numbers (hidden meanings): see GEMATRIA.
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JOHN BOWKER. "Numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN BOWKER. "Numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Numbers.html JOHN BOWKER. "Numbers." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Numbers.html |
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