This fourth section of the holy Taurat is called “Numbers” because in chapters 1 and 26 it records a census, or “numbering.” But there is much more in Numbers than just numbers. The Hebrew title of this portion of Al-Kitab is “in the wilderness.” This is because it recounts the story of the nearly 40 years during which Bani-Israel had to wander in the wilderness due to their failure to trust in Allah. Major themes of Numbers include “worship” and “spiritual growth.” It relates many interesting events, including the mission of 12 Jewish spies into Palestine (chapters 13 and 14), the rebellion of Qarun (ch. 16), the flowering of Harun‘s staff (ch. 17), the bronze snake (ch. 21), and Balaam and his donkey (ch. 22 to 25).
