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 who are called scribes, were scribes, but that all the commanding officers, captains of hundreds and captains of thousands were also.

This situation, too, accounts for a great mixed multitude who would take the opportunity to get out of Egypt and for the sudden appearance of Joshua and Caleb, two young Caananite Princes, the former from the beginning apparently Moses chosen amanuensis.

Another fact worth noting is that the records of Thaneni, like those of the Exodus, were made while on the journey and so transported in some book chest of the general nature of the Ark.

Altogether, the historicity of the Ark as a book chest may be accepted as reasonable in itself and evidenced by both lines of documentary tradition whether the documents were transmitted orally or in writing.