And behold: Some scholars have suggested that this verse starts a different story. However, the Hebrew word hinneh rendered behold indicates that verses 6-9 form a new paragraph, but are still a continuation of the same narrative, in fact an immediate continuation. Helpful models for And behold that convey this are “Just then” (New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation, NET, New Jewish Publication Society Version) and “At that moment” (Bible en français courant).

One of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family: One of the people of Israel is literally “a man from the children of Israel,” which may be rendered simply “an Israelite man” (NIRV, NCV). A Midianite woman is literally “the Midianite woman.” Perhaps the definite article is used in Hebrew since she was well-known because of her status among the Midianites (see verse 15). It is also possible that “the Midianite woman” means “his Midianite woman,” this is, his wife. It seems surprising that a Midianite woman is mentioned here, not a Moabite woman. Perhaps this reflects an assimilation of the two peoples. As mentioned at 22.4, perhaps there was a coalition between Moab and (part of) Midian, an alliance of convenience to oppose a common enemy, Israel. His family (also Contemporary English Version) is literally “his brothers” (NET), which can also refer to “his clan” (NET footnote) or to “his fellow Israelites.” Good News Bible omits the phrase to his family, but adds the phrase “in his tent” from verse 8.

In the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel: The repetition of in the sight of suggests a certain emphasis, as if this Israelite man did not care at all who saw him. New International Version expresses this emphasis by rendering the whole phrase as “right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel.” The Hebrew word for congregation (ʿedah) is better rendered “community” (Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society Version; see 1.2).

While they were weeping at the door of the tent of meeting: The Israelites were crying to show sorrow for their sin of worshiping other gods. In cultures where weeping is not a sign of penitence, it may be helpful to begin this clause with “while they were mourning because of the sin….” For the door of the tent of meeting, see 6.10. The Israelites had assembled at the entrance of the Tabernacle during this time of crisis. The contrast in behavior of the sinful man with the penitent people, in full view of this sacred setting, is indeed striking.

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .