Studies In theology - 11/11/2006 (continued) - (1, 0, or 13? 1 and 0 and 13?)
STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;
Popular Christianity 11/11/2006
Study Notes And Journal Entries,
An Observation
By
David A. Archer
02/15/1968
(r.f.p.p.s.h.)
11/11/2006 (continued)
In the second chapter of the book of Numbers, it becomes without question that all told, the Israelites are comprised of thirteen (13) seperations - tribes as it were, given that the descendants of Aaron and Moses - the Levites - weren't counted in the census. ~
Further, they travel with six (6) tribes in front and six (6) in the rear of them in procession - and as well are said to always occupy the center of the camp, with the other twelve (12) tribes evenly dispursed in said assignments, with three (3) tribes each to a direction. ~
This then raises question as to a numeric assignment for the Levites - given the obvious importance of such symbolism.
Is it that they are to have been considered the thirteenth (13th) tribe?
Is it, since it is stated that there are twelve (12) tribes, and that the Levites were not counted, that they are representative of zero (0)? ~
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
In considering such symbolism in regard to chapter 2, it then presents some interesting considerations - first (however coincidental) is that as the traveling configuration is depicted, it dictates six (6) specific tribes in front of the Levites and Tabernacle, and six (6) specific tribes behind.
There are sixty six (66) books in the complete work of the bible in popular Christianity. ~
As mentioned, there are instructed as an offering - two (2) rows of six (6) loaves of bread. ~
The travel procession is described in a seperation of four (4) srets of three (3) tribes each in division - according to assigned area in regard to the Tabernacle during camp.
The Eastern tribes were to lead the procession, followed by the three (3) Southern tribes just in front of the Levites, then followed directly by the three (3) Western tribes and then those of the Northern division - being all under their respective banners. ~
Considering the Levites as zero (0) (being in the first place of the ten number cycle), this then presents the combination(s) of zero (0) in the third (3rd) possition within the procession - but further then being first 91st) in said cycle (as well as presumably first in priority) then presents a symbolic representation of 1 and 3 in that position - which then relates again to the question of the Levites being counted as zero (0) or thirteen (13) in enumeration within the tribes? ~
Obviously, through a sort of proof in consistency as has just been evident - the Levites would be counted as zero (0) (and thusly 1 for reasons presented pertaining to the ten number cycle) but as well establishing that converse presence of being the thirteenth (13) tribe as themselves, as well.
Such is not consistent if the Levites are counted firstly (initially) as the thirteenth (13) tribe. ~
So then, within that relationship of ten number cycle - the tribe coutned as zero (0), is actually first in priority and in regard to that sequence of numeric cycle, then third (3) in procession within the traveling group example given in the book of numbers. ~
Using this same form of logic in regard to the other tribes and their positions encamped (directionaly) and with said procession - leads to some interesting combinations in regard to said numeric cycle and in reference to presented symbolisms. ~
Yet further, in considering such assignment in combinations between these given set examples - it then corroborates the idea previously presented in living representation(s) symbolically of said inversion sort of representation. ~
Yet further again - such applied logic then demonstrates effectively the potentials of the suggested sort of social filtration. ~
Definitely some rather cool stuff! ~
Early in the third chapter - is further support in the idea of single point of focus, through the reference of the Tabernacle actually being the lord I believe - in regard to an earlier occurence (Leviticus 10).
Innanimate symbolism representing the idea of God in a single point of focus - (Perhaps some living entity in or around the Ark/Tabernacle?) - this being a god previously represented in various living forms. ~
Looking further at the various combinations within enumeration of the divisions of the tribes of Israel - there is a difference between the listed order of census and the traveling order in the first two (2) groups of three (3), being interchanged in positioning between the listed census and marching order.
The group of three tribes assigned to the South of the Tabernacle when camped, actually travel closer (in the second spot) to the Tabernacle, though listed first in the census.
This means that the tribes camped to the East are the first three tribes in traveling order. ~
Something else as note is within the census listing, according to assigned area for travel - it progresses clockwise from East; 1-E, 2-S, 3-W, 4-N. According to area assigned for encampment then associated with traveling. ~
It would be a curious thing to see comparisons with Egyptian number symbolisms - even jsut pertaining to chapters and books. It would stand to reason of some influence carrying over from those earlier relationships. ~
Though immediately, this on a different note - the affiliation doesn't seem conducive in comparison given the recent example of Tribe configuration(s) in groups of three (rendering four sets) - As briefly mentioned earlier - the symbolism of two rows of six does seem in conjunction with the Star of David;
Division of rows then as such?
The Levites in this comparison, of course then being the center of the Star of David, as with the Tabernacle - though this very much is pre- Star of David, and may only be representative of things which influenced the design of the Star of David yet to be introduced at this point in the Bible. ~
posted by David A. Archer - Proximity Gestation at 10:09 AM
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