In the narrative flow of Numbers 1–10, the benediction at the end of chapter 6 aptly concludes a block of material on ordering the camp in preparation for departure from Sinai. The blessing may recall the inauguration of tabernacle worship (Lev. 9). Numbers 7 then refers back to the completion of the tabernacle (Exod. 40). The notation When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle is a helpful clue here. It initiates a “flashback” that continues through Numbers 10:11 and the departure from Sinai (Olson, Numbers, p. 44). Exodus 40:17 places the completion of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month; Numbers 1:1 is set on the first day of the second month. We now move back a month in time. The effect of this lengthy flashback is to slow the reader down in order to consider carefull…