Egypt and Israel, in 1911. The Expository Times, a monthly organ which takes account of all such matters, has from time to time made explicit reference to the views propounded, and so far no serious or considered answer seems to have been published. Dr. Hoskins, again, has written a singularly instructive work, entitled From the Nile to Nebo, wherein he describes a journey, taken in 1909, with the express design of following the route of the Exodus from Egypt into the Promised Land. His large acquaintance with Eastern life and thought invests his volume with profound interest. In brief, it is suggested that the Hebrew word ALF or ALAF had, in ancient times, the meaning of "clan" or "family," though later (as in the Massoretic text, eleph) it more generally signifies "thousand." There are, indeed, traces of the former sense of the word in the Old Testament as we have it. For instance, in the first census chapter (Num. i), where we read of the "thousands of Israel" (v. 16), the Revised Version gives the marginal rendering "FAMILIES." Again, in Judges vi, 15, we find Gideon speaking of his "thousand" or "FAMILY"; the possessive pronoun makes it clear that a mere number cannot have been meant. Further, observe that in I Sam. x the words "tribes and THOUSANDS in v. 19, find explanatory response in "tribes and FAMILIES" in v. 21. In like manner, in I Sam. xxiii, 23, and Micah v. 2, where we read of the "thousands of Judah," the Revised Version in the margin gives "FAMILIES of Judah as the alternative. From these passages the observant English reader sees how one word may be used to represent two ideas. It is suggested by Professor Petrie and Dr. Hoskins that in other places also the word ALF was intended to convey the meaning of "clan" or "family," and among these the census chapters which now concern us. Possibly at one time the two meanings were distinguished by difference of pronunciation; but no clue to this has come down to us. The so-called "pointed" Hebrew text, as we have it, gives one word for both senses. In a word, it is argued that, in each census, there was more than a numbering of heads: the reckonings gave totals of tents, families, or clans as well. The two-fold calculation shows-at the first census, 598 families or clans, consisting of 5,550 men of twenty years of age and upward; and at the second census, 596 families or clans, consisting of 5,730 able-bodied men. These totals are presented INSTEAD OF the large single numbers with which we are familiar— 603,550 and 601,730 respectively. See the Tables on p. 268 for details in full. Professor Petrie, in his statement of the case, presents the reduced figures, 5,550 and 5,730, as the probable numbers of the Hebrews at the beginning and end of their wanderings. He seems to have overlooked the fact that the censuses were confined to the males of twenty years old and upward. Dr. Hoskins, however, makes a point of the fact that the numberings were designed to show how 66 many of the people were "ABLE TO GO FORTH TO WAR." Then, accepting the modern average of one man in every fourteen of the total population being liable to military service, he makes a calculation which yields a total of 77,000 people. To this number we must add the Levites, "from one month old and upward," as given in Num. iii, 39, some 22,000-where the details are expressed in a way that makes it impossible to find "clan" beneath the ALAF. Hence a grand total of a hundred thousand souls. Dr. Hoskins adds: "This number, I am convinced, from a large number of subsidiary lines of argument, will be found substantially correct." In case, however, as some would prefer, one in ten of the population should be accepted as the proportion of those who were able to go forth to war," then the total would be 77,500 instead of 100,000. The theory so recently propounded having been thus outlined, it remains for me to remark that, so far, Oriental scholars in general have not given adhesion thereto. In his Commentary on "Exodus" (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges), issued in 1911, Dr. Driver declares the view "improbable"; and I have reason to believe that his mature judgment is against the theory. Moreover, Dr. McNeile, in his Commentary on "Numbers" (same series), also issued in 1911, holds that the theory raises new difficulties, both in relation to the text of Scripture and Israelitish history. For myself, though in some senses the view seems very attractive, I note one passage in the Pentateuch which seems impossible of reconciliation with the suggestion. In Exodus xxxviii, details are given (on the basis of the first census) of the tax of a bekah (half a shekel) a head levied upon the people for gold and silver work in connection with the Tabernacle. Whereas we find (in v. 25, 26) the product of 1,775 shekels, in respect of 3,550 men, there is also, in the same passage, mention of a hundred talents, the application of which is described with equal plainness (v. 25, 27). In case a talent represents 3,000 shekels, which I find to be the case, this means an additional body of 600,000 men contributing the bekah-in other words, a total of 603,550 men, thus (apparently) excluding the rendering of "family" or "clan" in regard to the census total, when the same is viewed in the light of its yield in taxes. Notwithstanding this bar to the theory, as I conceive it, having regard to the wide-ranging importance of the subject, I have deemed a summary of the most recent suggestions worthy of presentation in this connection. The proposal is, at least, ingenious; and the issue may prove to be of profound significance. While unwilling to tamper with the text of Scripture, or in any degree to call in question its Divine inspiration, I am deeply concerned to understand it-to understand it, on the one hand in the light of the language in which it has come down to us, and on the other hand in the light of the conditions and circumstances of the region in which the events took place, as described in the Sacred Records. 268 66 ARTHUR W, SUTTON, J.P., F.L.S., ON FROM SUEZ TO SINAI." ANALYSIS OF CENSUS NUMBERS. I. The First Census taken before Mount Sinai. Numbers i, ii. The same Census when the Hebrew word ALAF is translated instead of "Thousands." Number of Men of Men in Clans. per Clan. The same Census when the Hebrew word ALAF is translated DEATH OF MR. F. S. BISHOP, SECRETARY OF THE INSTITUTE. THE Victoria Institute has sustained a severe loss in the unexpected death, on the 17th July last, of its Secretary, Mr. Frederic Sillery Bishop, M.A., J.P. Joining the Institute as a Member as long ago as 1879, he lived at a distance, and for many years was unable to attend the meetings. When at length he came to reside near London, in 1906, he became a constant attendant; five years ago he joined the Council, and two years later he was unanimously elected Secretary. Mr. Bishop's period of office has been marked by the steady progress of the Institute; the papers read have been full of interest, and the numbers attending the meetings have increased so much of late, that at times no room could be found for late arrivals. Mr. Bishop brought to bear upon his important work great enthusiasm, steady business-like habits, a bright courteous manner, and a charming winning personality. His organising power was great, the accounts were simplified, and kept with scrupulous precision. He compiled a most useful double Index of all the papers read before the Institute from its foundation; on the one hand, according to subjects, and on the other hand, according to authors. He bravely continued his secretarial work almost up to the very end, though often in great pain. Born in 1848, Mr. Bishop was educated at Cheltenham and at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated as twentyfirst Wrangler. He afterwards obtained a fellowship at St. John's College, Oxford. Entering upon a business career, he accepted an appointment as manager of the Copper Works of Pascoe, Grenfell, and Sons, at Swansea, and he lived in that neighbourhood for twenty-five years. During that time, as an earnest Churchman, he engaged in Sunday School work; and for twenty years he was President of the Y.M.C.A., in connection with which he conducted Bible classes. Being a life-long abstainer, he helped forward the work of the C.E.T.S. and Gospel Temperance Mission. Later on he resided for short periods in Reigate and in Chester. All his life long he was engaged in Christian work; and while he had brilliant gifts he shrank from no drudgery in service, but was painstaking and thorough in all he undertook. As an active member of the Committees of the Bible Society and of the Church Missionary Society, he was known and esteemed by a large circle. He married a daughter of the late Captain Trotter, 2nd Life Guards; and by her he is survived, also by two sons and three daughters. His life was a many-sided one, well employed, happy, and useful; and those of us who had the privilege of knowing him personally cherish most happy memories of him. APPOINTMENT OF MR. E. WALTER MAUNDER, F.R.A.S. At a well-attended meeting of the Council, held on the 7th October, Mr. E. Walter Maunder, F.R.A.S., was elected Secretary of the Institute. The Council gladly avail themselves of his services, and heartily welcome him to his responsible post. G. MACKINLAY, Lt.-Col., Chairman of Council. |