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The so-called inverted nunim found in manuscripts and printed editions before and after Num 10:35–36, are actually misunderstood scribal signs for the removal of inappropriate segments, viz., the Greek letters antisigma [ Ͻ ] and sigma [ Ϲ ], known from Alexandria and the Qumran scrolls. The inverted nunim in this place indicated that these verses (the »Song of the Ark«) did not appear in their correct place.²¹

These examples highlight the method of the MT scribes who believed everything in the text needed to be copied »as is.« Since these details were not meant to be copied into a subsequent text, the fact that the MT scribes did so is important evidence for understanding their approach.