In the Wilderness: The Doctrine of Defilement in the Book of Numbers

Description

Following on from the paperback edition of Leviticus as Literature, this is the revised paperback edition of Mary Douglas's classical account of the Book of Numbers. Up to now Bible scholars have tended to dismiss Numbers as a chaotic mix of narrative and laws. Mary Douglas argues that, like Leviticus, Numbers is actually a highly complex book arranged in a regular ring structure which plots the narratives and laws into 12 parts. She argues that it is only through an understanding of the ring formation of these parts that one can fully appreciate the meanings behind this complex work. Title Pages In the Wilderness…In the Days of Her Youth Illustration Preface to the Paperback Edition Who was the Priestly Editor? Dating and History Moral and Political Concerns Enclavism Aniconic Religion The Structure of Numbers Notes: Preface Maps and Diagrams Abbreviations The Book of Numbers in the Context of Comparative Religion Abstract and Keywords 1. Defilement 2. The Intellectualist Bias 3. Images, Magic and Monotheism 4. The History Notes: The Politics of Enclaves Abstract and Keywords 1 A Cultural Typology 2. The Enclave Repeater Mechanism 3. The Fears of the Enclave 4. Standard Solutions 5. Moses as Leader of an Enclave 6. Conclusion Notes: A Priestly Hierarchy Abstract and Keywords 1. Anti-Hierarchical Bias 2. Hierarchical Principles 3. Contrapuntal Institutions 4. Contrapuntal Thinking 5. Hierarchy's Self-Celebration 6. Kings and Leaders in the Bible Notes: The Question of Literary Form Abstract and Keywords 1. Problems with the Unity of Numbers 2. Antique Learning 3. Myth's Spatial Framework 4. Numbers' Commentary on Genesis Notes: Twelve Sections in the Overall Pattern Abstract and Keywords 1. Identifying the Units of Structure 2. Hebrew Poetic Structure 3. Exceptions to the Rule 4. Beginnings and Endings1 5. Matching the Paired Sections 6. Numbers in a Ring The People of Israel Numbered Abstract and Keywords 1. Prologue 2. Three Rebellions 3. The Rod of Aaron 4. Marking the Quarters 5. Political Implications The Laws Abstract and Keywords 1. The Law Sections 2. Purification 3. Other Systems of Defilement 4. Inadvertency Notes: Israel, the Mystic Bride Abstract and Keywords 1. The Laws for Women 2. The Unfaithful Wife 3. The Water of Purification 4. Israel's Cup 5. In the Days of her Youth Twelve Tribes in Marching Order Abstract and Keywords 1. Inclusion and Exclusion 2. The Twelve Tribes 3. The Sons of Levi 4. The Hierarchical Vision Notes: Jacob's Prophecies: Two Story Rungs Abstract and Keywords 1. First Story Rung 2. Second Story Rung 3. The Crises 4. Reuben, Simeon and Levi Israel Defiled: Miriam and her Brothers Abstract and Keywords 1. Miriam 2. Sister of Moses, Queen of Heaven 3. Simeon and Levi 4. Jacob and Esau 5. Flesh Half-Consumed Note on Seraphim and Fiery Serpents David Goodman Notes: Balaam and Balak: A Political Satire Abstract and Keywords 1. The Story 2. Balaam's Prophecies 3. Ezra/Nehemiah in Factional Perspective 4. Eliashib's Point of View Notes: The Land and the Jubilee Abstract and Keywords 1. The Men of Manasseh 2. The Jubilee 3. Peoples of the Land 4. Nehemiah's Limited Jubilee 5. The Inheritance of the People of Israel 6. The Wilderness Notes: Bibliography Index of Biblical References Index of Authors