IN this book called Numeri are contained (saith S. Hierom) the Mysteries of all Arithmetic, or numbering, of the Prophecy of Balaam, and of the forty-two Mansions of the Israelites, in the desert. [Epist. ad Paulin.] Which mystical sense the same Great Doctor, as also S. Augustine [qq. in Num.] and other Fathers do gather of the literal, written by Moyses. Who here prosecuteth the sacred history after Genesis and Exodus (Leviticus also containing one month) from the second month of the second year, after the delivery of the Israelites out of Aegypt, near 39 years, to the last of Moyses’ life. First therefore he reporteth how all the men of twelve tribes, of the age of twenty years and upward, were numbered. Likewise the tribe of Levi was numbered and employed partly in priestly function, the rest to assist the Priests. He describeth also the order of marching and encamping, the Levites always next and round about the Tabernacle: the other twelve tribes in circuit of them on all sides. He moreover recordeth certain notable murmurings, tumults, schisms, and rebellions with the events thereof, and miserable ends of chief seducers. Whose great injuries Moyses meekly sustained with singular patience, still executing his own function with heroical fortitude. Among which, divers precepts and laws are partly repeated partly added, as well concerning Religion and God’s service, as godly policy and civil government of the people, with chastisement of offenders. How also their enemies endeavoured to annoy them, Balac King of Moab procuring Balaam the sorcerer, so much as in him lay, to curse them, but all in vain. Yet by carnal fornication many were drawn to spiritual. Both which being punished God again prospered his people, in divers encounters and battles against Infidels. Finally, the promised Land of Chanaan on both sides Jordane is described by limits, which they shall part amongst them by lot, the Levites mingled in every tribe, with their appointed cities and commodities for habitation, and the tithes, first-fruits, oblations, and abundant provision for their maintenance. Cities also of refuge are designed for casual manslayers: and a law established that all shall marry within their own tribes, to avoid confusion of inheritances. So this book may be divided into three parts. In the first part the principal and most perfect sort of the people are numbered, and disposed in order according to divers states and offices, before they depart from the desert of Sinai, in the nine first chapters. Then are related sundry things, which happened unto them in the rest of their journey, especially many and great impediments, through all which God punishing some, brought the residue to enjoy the promised land, from the 10. chap. to the end of the 33. Lastly the country of Chanaan is again promised, with order so to possess and enjoy it, that every tribe may have and keep their several parts, in the three last chapters.