Discrepancies, Discrepancies...

They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the LORD, with the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. As they moved on each day, the cloud of the LORD hovered over them. And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel!” [Numbers 10.33-36] 

There seems to be a discrepancy between Numbers 10 (from today's One Year Chronological Bible reading) and Numbers 2.

In fact, there seems to be a discrepancy in the very context of the Numbers 10 passage above. Just before this passage stating that the Ark of the Covenant led the way showing Israel where to stop and rest (camp), Moses is on record just before that statement of asking his brother-in-law to guide them where to camp.

One day Moses said to his brother-in-law, Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, “We are on our way to the place the LORD promised us, for he said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!” But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.” “Please don’t leave us,” Moses pleaded. “You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the LORD gives us.” [Numbers 10.29-32]

It should also be understood that Numbers 2 gives an order in which the tribes and groups of Israel should proceed when they moved that is different than what Numbers 10 states. In Numbers 2.1-31, God tells Moses that first, the tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun are to lead out followed second by the tribes of of Reuben, Simeon and Gad:

So the total of all the troops on Reuben’s side of the camp is 151,450. These three tribes will be second in line whenever the Israelites travel. Then the Tabernacle, carried by the Levites, will set out from the middle of the camp. All the tribes are to travel in the same order that they camp, each in position under the appropriate family banner. [Numbers 2.16-17]

This is not the order Israel traveled in! Numbers 10 states a different order:

Then the Tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonite and Merarite divisions of the Levites were next in the line of march, carrying the Tabernacle with them. Reuben’s troops went next, marching behind their banner. Their leader was Elizur son of Shedeur. [Numbers 10.17-18] 

So, what do we do with these discrepancies? Both accounts validate themselves as follows:

Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses and Aaron... [Numbers 2.1] 

When the people set out for the first time, following the instructions the LORD had given through Moses... [Numbers 10.13] 

The first thing to understand is that God Himself made no mention of these discrepancies. And, that is also the last thing to understand: God Himself made no mention of these discrepancies.

Although the Numbers 2 details and the Numbers 10 details differ, we must understand that Biblical translation is no easy task in itself. That, coupled with the known fact that Numbers 2 and Numbers 10 are clearly recorded from different perspectives (Numbers 2 more focused on the tribes themselves, and Numbers 10 more focused on the Levitical roles with trumpets), makes it easy to see that the rules for moving and the logistics of moving still accomplish the same thing. Could we argue that this is still a big deal? Yes, we could, but, in times of uncertainty, we can rest assured that God's response (or lack thereof) tells all we need to know.

As far as Moses wanting his brother-in-law to show them where to camp... well, the brother-in-law apparently did not guide them, so, if we see anything from this event, it should be that Moses was indeed human. Could there have been some initial confusion about the Ark leading the way? It is possible since there were over 600,000 men plus women and children (not to mention enormous flocks and herds to be moved). And again, God is silent on Moses' action here (unlike God's unmistakable rebuke of Moses later concerning his striking the rock for water when God specifically said "speak" to the rock).

Does this still give me reason for pause? Absolutely! I will be paying attention elsewhere in the Bible for any mention of this topic to see if there is some explanation other that what I have concluded here. It's called "reading the Bible." I have never added another year of reading the Bible through that I did not "see something" I had missed in previous readings.

The one thing that has helped me the most in reading the Bible is to constantly look for Jesus. Whether it is Old Testament shadows of Jesus or New Testament revelations of Jesus, I am looking for Jesus.

I cannot say I "found Jesus" in today's OYCB reading, but, I am confident that He is indeed there and I will eventually find Him there one of these times through! In fact, just writing these words makes me remember that Jesus seemed to bring all manner of discrepancies in the eyes of religious people... Could that be the very "shadow of Jesus" contained in Numbers 2 and 10?

I have indeed written articles in the past stating my disdain for Bible "discrepancies" making no uncertain demands that answers needed to be produced! However, as I continue to read the Bible with an open heart to God, I am finding my "demands" are turning to "revelations of Christ" and I am overwhelmed - even embarrassed of my previous arrogance...

Father, thank You for Your Word - whether I understand it "today" or not. May I approach Your Word every time I read it with a heart fully open and submitted to You. Please continue to reveal Jesus to me on every page. So be it.