Numbers 26 -- Another Census For A Reason

As the Israelites had begun their trek in the Desert of Sinai, Moses had been told to take a census of men age 20 and up, and they totaled 603,550.  Now, on the plains of Moab just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land, they totaled 601,730.  It’s as though God had replaced almost every man who’d left Egypt with a new man born on the trip.

Looking at tribes and groups, my commentary said that Gad, Simeon, and Reuben, who camped together south of the tabernacle, dropped from 59,300 to just 22,00 in total!  Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, who camped together east of the tabernacle, all showed significant gains.

Moses knew he couldn’t enter the Promised Land, but rather than coasting in his retirement or becoming reclusive and bitter, “Moses invested the closing weeks of his life in preparing the new generation to enter Canaan and claim the land God promised to give them.”  That’s the way to go out!

The second census was needed to gather information about the size of the family groups, for God had directed that each tribe’s land area would reflect its population.  “Some of the tribes gladly accepted their inheritance and went to work making it home, some complained about the land they were given, and some went out and conquered more territory,” my commentary said, and it quoted Matthew 9:29 – “According to your faith be it unto you.”

The Levites were given no land of their own, but were dispersed among 48 cities scattered throughout the country.  This occurred for at least three reasons, my commentary said.  First, on his death bed, Jacob had prophesied it, because Levi had been violent.  Second, “it gave them a better opportunity to teach the law to more people and influence them to be faithful to the Lord.”  Thirdly, God was their inheritance and they shared in the sacrifices and tithes that the people brought to the Lord.  They were to receive what they needed from God’s hand through His people.”

Father, Your hand and Your goodness and mercy were all over this process of getting Your people ready for their future.  I pray that Your hand will guide me as I prepare for the future as well.  I need Your wisdom and discernment.  Please show me every step to take.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford