Religion pretty clearly has been crucially important throughout history, and I need to know more about it. On the Judaeo-Christian side - have pretty well made it through a re-read of the Old Testament (mostly skipping the wisdom literature), including the Pentateuch. Saw a favorable review on this author's deep dives into the Old Testament; this one focuses on the Book of Numbers.
I didn't love it, and will take a break before picking up more of her work (if I ever do). I expected to appreciate the deep dive aspect - but often it felt as though the author was straining to find meanings and subtexts, perhaps to fill out a book-length effort (actually a lecture series turned into a book)? Or perhaps I just don't get it.
I was bewildered, so to speak.
The Book of Numbers takes place after the Jews have been delivered from Egypt; they are rather grumbly and some even express a preference to return. The Spies check out the Promised Land but suggest great problems overcoming the locals. God decides that the Jews will wander in the desert for 40 years - ensuring that all of the faithless will be buried in those sands - a new generation will finally reach the Promised Land.
Not including Moses - the 2x rock tap episode gets a lengthy, and quite different, treatment here (including speculation that he was supposed to "speak" to the rock in front of the people).
I learned something about Talmud and midrashic sources, which was interesting.
Miriam - song/dance. Joshua.
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