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What Is Numbers Rabbah?
12th Century
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Midrash Rabbah on Numbers, a homiletical collection composed in Provence, is the last of the large collections of midrash (Midrash Rabbah) on the Torah. The larger part of this work focuses on Numbers 1–7 and appears to constitute a separate, independent collection. There is considerable evidence that Moses ha-Darshan helped shape some of the contents of this section, especially the mystical or theological components; some even consider him its author. The remainder, a sparser commentary on Numbers 8–36, follows the Tanḥuma midrashic traditions.
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Primary Source
Greater Midrash on Numbers (Numbers Rabbah)
Numbers Rabbah, Numbers 1:1
And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, [in the Tent of Meeting, in the second year, in the second month, on the first of the month]. (Numbers 1:1)This is the meaning of the verse: He…