The Day God Counted His People. (Again)
(Numbers 26: 1-End)
Transcript
Introduction:
In both political and religious spheres, there's a fascination with counting people, politicians love to do it locally with their opinion polls and nationally with the census. Ministers with congregations, marketers with market research and public opinion. Interestingly, God too engaged in this practice, not once, but twice during the lifetime of Moses. This act was so significant that an entire book of the Bible is dedicated to it, yep the book we call, Numbers.
But why did God bother to number the people? What's the significance behind it? These are questions we'll explore today as we look at Numbers chapter 26.
Before we do, let's remind ourselves that the focus of Numbers is the shift from the older, unbelieving generation of Israelites, destined to perish in the wilderness, to the younger generation poised to enter the promised land.
This shift marks God's gracious preparation of the new generation for their inheritance.
As we prepare to study Numbers chapter 26, let's keep in mind this transition in focus and the context of God's preparation for the younger generation before their battle against the Midianites, as commanded in the preceding chapter.
So welcome to TBPDP.
Now, let's turn to Numbers chapter 26 to examine the second census of the Israelites under Moses' leadership.
The Second Census
1 After the plague the Lord said to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, 2 “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel.” 3 So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and said, 4 “Take a census of the men twenty years old or more, as the Lord commanded Moses.”
These were the Israelites who came out of Egypt:
5 The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were:
through Hanok, the Hanokite clan;
through Pallu, the Palluite clan;
6 through Hezron, the Hezronite clan;
through Karmi, the Karmite clan.
7 These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 43,730.
8 The son of Pallu was Eliab, 9 and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram. The same Dathan and Abiram were the community officials who rebelled against Moses and Aaron and were among Korah’s followers when they rebelled against the Lord. 10 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire devoured the 250 men. And they served as a warning sign. 11 The line of Korah, however, did not die out.
12 The descendants of Simeon by their clans were:
through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan;
through Jamin, the Jaminite clan;
through Jakin, the Jakinite clan;
13 through Zerah, the Zerahite clan;
through Shaul, the Shaulite clan.
14 These were the clans of Simeon; those numbered were 22,200.
15 The descendants of Gad by their clans were:
through Zephon, the Zephonite clan;
through Haggi, the Haggite clan;
through Shuni, the Shunite clan;
16 through Ozni, the Oznite clan;
through Eri, the Erite clan;
17 through Arodi, the Arodite clan;
through Areli, the Arelite clan.
18 These were the clans of Gad; those numbered were 40,500.
19 Er and Onan were sons of Judah, but they died in Canaan.
20 The descendants of Judah by their clans were:
through Shelah, the Shelanite clan;
through Perez, the Perezite clan;
through Zerah, the Zerahite clan.
21 The descendants of Perez were:
through Hezron, the Hezronite clan;
through Hamul, the Hamulite clan.
22 These were the clans of Judah; those numbered were 76,500.
23 The descendants of Issachar by their clans were:
through Tola, the Tolaite clan;
through Puah, the Puite clan;
24 through Jashub, the Jashubite clan;
through Shimron, the Shimronite clan.
25 These were the clans of Issachar; those numbered were 64,300.
26 The descendants of Zebulun by their clans were:
through Sered, the Seredite clan;
through Elon, the Elonite clan;
through Jahleel, the Jahleelite clan.
27 These were the clans of Zebulun; those numbered were 60,500.
28 The descendants of Joseph by their clans through Manasseh and Ephraim were:
29 The descendants of Manasseh:
through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead);
through Gilead, the Gileadite clan.
30 These were the descendants of Gilead:
through Iezer, the Iezerite clan;
through Helek, the Helekite clan;
31 through Asriel, the Asrielite clan;
through Shechem, the Shechemite clan;
32 through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan;
through Hepher, the Hepherite clan.
33 (Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah.)
34 These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered were 52,700.
35 These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans:
through Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan;
through Beker, the Bekerite clan;
through Tahan, the Tahanite clan.
36 These were the descendants of Shuthelah:
through Eran, the Eranite clan.
37 These were the clans of Ephraim; those numbered were 32,500.
These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans.
38 The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were:
through Bela, the Belaite clan;
through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan;
through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan;
39 through Shupham, the Shuphamite clan;
through Hupham, the Huphamite clan.
40 The descendants of Bela through Ard and Naaman were:
through Ard, the Ardite clan;
through Naaman, the Naamite clan.
41 These were the clans of Benjamin; those numbered were 45,600.
42 These were the descendants of Dan by their clans:
through Shuham, the Shuhamite clan.
These were the clans of Dan: 43 All of them were Shuhamite clans; and those numbered were 64,400.
44 The descendants of Asher by their clans were:
through Imnah, the Imnite clan;
through Ishvi, the Ishvite clan;
through Beriah, the Beriite clan;
45 and through the descendants of Beriah:
through Heber, the Heberite clan;
through Malkiel, the Malkielite clan.
46 (Asher had a daughter named Serah.)
47 These were the clans of Asher; those numbered were 53,400.
48 The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were:
through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan;
through Guni, the Gunite clan;
49 through Jezer, the Jezerite clan;
through Shillem, the Shillemite clan.
50 These were the clans of Naphtali; those numbered were 45,400.
51 The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730.
52 The Lord said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. 54 To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. 55 Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe. 56 Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups.”
57 These were the Levites who were counted by their clans:
through Gershon, the Gershonite clan;
through Kohath, the Kohathite clan;
through Merari, the Merarite clan.
58 These also were Levite clans:
the Libnite clan,
the Hebronite clan,
the Mahlite clan,
the Mushite clan,
the Korahite clan.
(Kohath was the forefather of Amram; 59 the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed, a descendant of Levi, who was born to the Levites[e] in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses and their sister Miriam. 60 Aaron was the father of Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 61 But Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.)
62 All the male Levites a month old or more numbered 23,000. They were not counted along with the other Israelites because they received no inheritance among them.
63 These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. 64 Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
(Numbers 26: 1-65)
The significance of this census becomes evident in verse two, where it's noted that the purpose includes determining the military strength of Israel as they prepare to face various conflicts.
However, there's another reason behind this census. Some scholars suggest that the 24,000 who perished in the recent plague, as recorded in chapter 25, were the last remnants of the generation that had refused to enter the Promised Land 38 years earlier.
Calculations estimate that around 1,200,000 of the older generation died during those 38 years, resulting in approximately 85 funerals per day in the wilderness. This staggering number provides context for the magnitude of mortality experienced during that time.
It also represented a time when we see the life expectancy witnessed among the early biblical patrits reduce to an amount similar to that which we see today.
Now, as Moses and Eleazar comply with the command in the opening few verses but after verses three and four, the chapter takes an interesting turn.
Hereafter, the 12 tribes are listed by name, and under each tribe, names and corresponding numbers are provided. It's worth noting that this chapter is a meticulous catalogue of names and numbers, comprising those long 65 verses.
Given its detailed nature, focusing solely on the names and numbers might seem tedious. Hence, I'll highlight the numbers rather than delving into each name.
So, let's focus on the numerical data provided for each tribe. Beginning with the tribe of Reuben in verses five and six, we find that they numbered 43,730 individuals. This enumeration sets the tone for the subsequent enumeration of all the other tribes.
Comparing the numbers from the first census to this one, we observe fluctuations in each tribe's population. For instance, the tribe of Reuben decreased by approximately 3,000 individuals over 38 years, signifying a loss from the older generation. Moving on to the tribe of Simeon, we find a significant decrease of 37,100 individuals, more than the other, likely due to their involvement in apostasy, I mentioned when we studied Number chapter 25, a few days ago.
The tribe of Gad numbered 40,500, a decrease of 5,150 from the earlier census. In contrast, the tribe of Judah saw an increase, totalling 76,500 individuals, which reflects a gain of 1,900 people. Similarly, the tribe of Issachar experienced growth, with a total of 64,300 individuals, marking an increase of 9,900 people.
Zebulun's population reached 60,500, a gain of 3,100 from the previous census.
Moving to the tribes of Joseph, specifically Manasseh, we find a significant increase of 20,500 people, totaling 52,700 individuals. However, Ephraim, another tribe of Joseph, saw a decrease of 8,000 individuals, leaving 32,500 people.
Finally, the tribe of Benjamin numbered 45,600 individuals, marking an increase of 10,200 people from the earlier census.
These fluctuations in population across the tribes highlight the dynamic nature of Israel's demographics over this time.
Despite the meticulous recording of names and numbers, the underlying message of this chapter remains clear: the new generation is being prepared to enter the Promised Land, replacing the older generation that perished due to disobedience.
Thus, this second census is meant to serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
During these 38 years, approximately 1.2 million individuals died, leaving roughly 600,000 new adult males by the end of the wilderness journey.
This indicates that the population did not grow during this period, also emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God's will.
However, despite their rebellion, God remained faithful to His promise to give them the land of Palestine, which He had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier.
The older generation, marked by unbelief and rebellion, perished in the wilderness, while a new generation was being prepared to enter the Promised Land. Thus, the numbering of the people not only reflects the demographic changes within Israel but also underscores the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience.
This second aspect of the census highlights the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Each tribe's portion of land would be allocated according to the number of individuals in that tribe. This then underscores the fairness and equity of God's distribution of the land based on the size of each tribe.
The division of the land was a crucial step in fulfilling God's promise to give the land of Palestine to the descendants of Abraham. By allotting specific territories to each tribe, God was ensuring that His covenant with Abraham would be fulfilled in its entirety.
This division also emphasized the importance of unity among the tribes, as they would need to work together to conquer and settle the land.
Furthermore, this division of the land serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. Despite the disobedience of the previous generation, God remained committed to His promise to give the land to His people, this subsequent generation.
The allocation of land based on the number of individuals in each tribe reflects God's sovereignty and meticulous planning in fulfilling His promises.
So, the second aspect of the census highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His meticulous planning in dividing the land among the tribes of Israel.
It therefore underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the unity of God's people in fulfilling His purposes.
The final aspect of this second census found in Numbers chapter 26 pertains to the Levites.
Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a portion of land as inheritance. Instead, their inheritance was the service of the Lord in the tabernacle and temple.
This is a significant distinction, as it highlights the unique role of the Levites within the Israelite community.
The Levites were set apart for sacred duties, including serving as priests and assisting in the worship rituals. Their entire livelihood and purpose would revolve around ministering to the Lord and His people. As such, they were not allotted land like the other tribes, but rather relied on God's provision for their sustenance.
Verse 60 specifically emphasizes that the Levites were not included in the census of the other tribes because they did not inherit land. Instead, their numbering was separate, indicating their distinct status and role within Israel.
The Levites were entrusted with the spiritual welfare of the nation, ensuring that the worship of God was conducted according to His commands. Their service was vital for maintaining the spiritual health and integrity of the whole community.
In summary, the inclusion of the Levites in the census serves to underscore their unique position within Israel as the tribe set apart for divine service.
Their omission from the division of land highlights the spiritual nature of their inheritance and the centrality of their role in facilitating worship and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
So how should we reflect on all this to9day?
The conclusion of Numbers chapter 26 provides a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God to His promises, always.
Despite God's faithfulness in preserving the nation of Israel, the generation that initially refused to enter the promised land faced the consequences of their disobedience. Only Joshua, Caleb, and Moses remained from that generation, as the rest perished in the wilderness.
This serves as a powerful lesson about the importance of obedience and trust in God's guidance. The disobedience of the Israelites led to their exclusion from inheriting the promised land, highlighting the potential severe consequences of rebellion against God's commands.
Furthermore, the Levites' unique role and inheritance as servants of the Lord underscore the significance of a nation or community prioritizing spiritual devotion over material possessions. Just as the
Levites were called to serve in the temple, believers today are called to prioritize their relationship with God above worldly pursuits within a new covenant perspective.
Numbers chapter 26 challenges us to reflect on our own obedience to God's commands and to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
We made it, we didn't just walk through Numbers 28 we ran through 65 verses.
In this chapter is the Lord numbered the people for two reasons.
Number one to determine the military force and, 2 to determine the allocation of the land the division of the land. (Although the Levite’s arer not included in the number for reasons I just explained).
The comparison between the first and second generations in Numbers chapter 26 ultimately I believe is meant to offers us a lesson about learning from the mistakes of the past.
The first generation, despite being prepared for triumph, ultimately met disaster due to their disobedience and lack of faithfulness to the Lord.
In contrast, the second generation has the opportunity for greatness if they heed the lessons of their predecessors and remain faithful to the Lord despite obstacles.
The second generation of Israelites in Numbers had the chance to avoid the mistakes of their parents and embrace faithfulness to God. By reflecting on the consequences of disobedience and remaining steadfast in their commitment to the Lord, they could achieve greatness and fulfil God's plans for them.
The message is clear:
We have the choice, to learn from the failures of others or repeat those same mistakes ourselves.
Whether in personal struggles or collective endeavours, recognizing and heeding the lessons of history, particularly biblical history can lead to greater wisdom, resilience, and ultimately, triumph in under the blessing of God.