1:2 the number of their names. In accord with the Biblical principle of plenary verbal inspiration, even these long lists of names and numbers in this book (as well as similar apparently mundane information in other books) have a divine purpose. Among those that might be suggested are: (1) to illustrate God’s concern for every individual and each one’s own distinct role in God’s economy; (2) to emphasize that God is a God or order and structure, not of chaos and randomness; (3) to demonstrate His faithfulness to Abraham, fulfilling His promise to multiply Abraham’s seed; (4) to confirm His interest in maintaining the integrity of families as well as individuals.