the entire second half of the book. In contrast to the deaths of a whole generation in a series of rebellions and judgments in the first half of Numbers, the second half does not record the death of any Israelite. The Israelites are victorious in their first military engagement against the Midianites (chap. 31). Potential crises do not turn into rebellions but are successfully negotiated and resolved (Num. 27:1–11; 31:14–15; 32:1–42). Numerous laws are given that look forward to future residence
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