Though different from the traditional Masoretic text, this bracketed text is translated from the Greek Old Testament, most commonly called the Septuagint or LXX.
Specifically, 4QNumb and the Samaritan Pentateuch follow Numbers 20:13a with a passage that is not found in modern Bible translations, which accord with the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. After Moses has sinned in the desert by striking the rock twice in anger (verse 11), Elohim informs him that neither he nor Aaron will enter the Promised Land (verse 12). The additional passage contains Moses’ response—his plea that he be allowed to cross the Jordan—and the Lord’s concession that he be permitted to view the land from the top of Mount Pisgah. The speech has been taken from Deuteronomy 3:24–25, 26b–27.”
For Numbers 21, 4QNum b and the Samaritan Pentateuch differ markedly from the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint by inserting three speeches that also appear in the book of Deuteronomy. (1) In verse 12a Elohim’s prohibition to Moses to fight Moab is imported from Deuteronomy 2:9. (2) In verse 13a the prohibition to fight Ammon is taken from Deuteronomy 2:18–19. (3) In verse 21a Elohim’s command to fight the Amorites is imported from Deuteronomy 2:24–25.
Although 4QNum b often agrees with the Samaritan Pentateuch against the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, in several instances it shares with the Septuagint readings that are not in the Masoretic Text or the Samaritan Pentateuch. Two examples are in verse 11: Balak’s statement “and they [that is, the Israelites] are dwelling next to me” (compare verse 5), and his hope that he will be able to drive them out “of the land” (compare verse 6). In both cases the longer reading repeats information found earlier in the chapter. Such agreements between 4QNum b and the Septuagint remind us that it is no easy task to decide which is the most ancient form of the biblical text.
– The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible by Martin G. Abegg, Jr., Peter Flint, and Eugene Ulrich
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