numbers 26
Summary
Details the second census of the Israelites, taken in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River near Jericho.
Key Points
Command to Take a Census: After the plague, God instructs Moses and Eleazar, Aaron's son, to take a census of the entire Israelite community by families, counting all males twenty years old and older who are able to go to war (Numbers 26:1-4).
Results of the Census: The census records the number of men in each tribe, including Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Manasseh, Ephraim, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. The total number of men counted is 601,730 (Numbers 26:5-51).
The Levites' Census: The Levites, who are not counted with the other Israelites because they do not receive an inheritance, are also numbered. The total number of male Levites one month old and older is 23,000 (Numbers 26:57-62).
Inheritance Instructions: God instructs Moses to divide the land among the tribes based on the size of each tribe, with larger tribes receiving a larger inheritance and smaller tribes receiving a smaller one. The land is to be distributed by lot (Numbers 26:52-56).
Passing of the Previous Generation: The chapter notes that none of the men counted in the first census, except for Caleb and Joshua, are included in this census because the previous generation had died in the wilderness as God had decreed (Numbers 26:63-65).
New Covenant Reflections
Transition and Renewal: The census marks the transition from the old generation that perished in the wilderness to a new generation poised to enter the Promised Land. This mirrors the New Covenant's theme of renewal and transformation through Christ (Numbers 26:63-65).
Renewal and Continuity: The census marks the transition from the old generation that perished in the wilderness to a new generation poised to enter the Promised Land. This reflects the New Covenant's theme of renewal and the continuation of God's promises through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Faithfulness and Promise: The chapter underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises despite Israel's past disobedience. Similarly, the New Covenant emphasises God's unwavering faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus (Numbers 26:52-56).
God's Faithfulness: Despite the previous generation's failures, God remains faithful to His promises, ensuring that the new generation is prepared to inherit the land. This mirrors the New Covenant's emphasis on God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to fulfill His promises (Hebrews 10:23).
Inheritance and Land Allocation: The allocation of land based on the size of each tribe highlights fairness and provision, reflecting the New Covenant's promise of spiritual inheritance and eternal life for believers (Numbers 26:52-56).
Inheritance and Promise: The instructions for land allocation based on the size of each tribe highlight the principle of inheritance. In the New Covenant, believers are promised an eternal inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:11).
Obedience and Consequences: The census serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the previous generation's failure to enter the Promised Land. The New Covenant also emphasises the importance of obedience to God's will and the consequences of sin (Numbers 26:63-65). It also underscores the New Covenant's call for obedience to God's will and the consequences of turning away from Him (Hebrews 3:18-19) [3].
Inclusivity: The mention of Zelophehad's daughters and their right to inheritance points to the inclusion and recognition of all individuals in God's plan, which is echoed in the New Covenant's inclusivity and equality for all believers (Numbers 26:33).