A study of the literary role and function of Moses in the book of Numbers and its significance to "Israel" as Yahweh's chosen people.

In Chapter 1, I will try to identify the Structural Problem of Numbers and show why Numbers should be taken as a narrative work. In Chapter 2, I will attempt use the Biblical Art of Narrative to draw out the Plot of the book in order to demonstrate the unity of the book as a valid narrative unit. The plot will show that Numbers is both about Journey and Succession. However, there is a third major element that surfaces which is the central characterization of Moses. It is also seen that the momentous account of the exclusion of Israel from ever entering the promised Land has been displaced from the centre of the book by the account of Moses' fall and exclusion which serves as a climax juxtaposed to Num 14. This illustrates the extent of the literary role, Moses' tradition plays in the book. In Chapters 3 and 4, images of Moses are drawn in Numbers concentrating on key passages in the book. It is seen that the portrait that emerges is dynamic and complex. Moses is projected as more than prophet which is a move from the perception of him from Sinai so far. Invariably, we enter into a discussion of various images of Moses, as prince, priest and patriarch. At the end we find a 'pull' by Yahweh for Moses to be seen as a patriarch of sorts. Moses himself reflects this when he perceives his commission and leadership of Israel as that of a nursing father. Chapter 5 tries to outline the Implications of the investigation. It is clear that whilst Numbers is comprised of the motifs of Journey/Pilgrimage and Succession, yet, the very substantial presence and role played by Moses in the book does affect the message of the book.