Today we begin Numbers Chapter 26.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click here.
For the King James version, click here.
Okay, CONGRATULATIONS for getting this far with me in our studies!
The reason I’ve decided to say “CONGRATULATIONS” is because Numbers 26 actually represents a NEW PHASE in the formation of Israel as a nation and its journey towards the Promised Land.
The final 11 remaining chapters of the Book of Numbers will be all about the process of God’s people battling, experiencing setbacks but picking themselves up again as they slowly but surely inch themselves toward God’s final destination for them.
We are presented with another census in Numbers 26.
Recall the first census taken in the first two chapters of Numbers was of the 1st generation.
This was the population who left Egypt during the Exodus and is a generation that no longer exists at this point in Scripture.
The census we are about to study here in Numbers 26 is of the 2nd and NEW GENERATION OF ISRAEL.
There are two primary objectives for this census.
First, it will be conducted to determined how many eligible men there are to serve as soldiers.
Second, a count will also be conducted to determine the amount of territory each tribe should receive when the Promised Land is divided up among the tribes of Israel.
At this point, Israel was situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River east of Jericho and given their huge population of approximately 3 million men, women and children, anyone within 500 miles in any direction was well aware of their presence.
Heck, at this point, Israel was famous and understandably so given their exploits and the mighty wonders their God had done for them.
Keep in mind also that at this point in time, Aaron had passed away and was buried on Mount Hor.
HASHEM is now speaking directly to Aaron’s son Eleazar, the new High Priest, and giving him specific instructions on how to conduct the census.
The Lord says to take count of the a whole community of Israel (those families who came up out of Egypt).
You’re going to notice something interesting.
The Tribe of Levi is no longer part of the census!!!
There will actually be a separate census conducted for them later on.
And as with the first census, only the men were counted and only those men who were physically capable of fighting in a war.
Now you’re going to notice a huge difference between the 1st generation of Israelites who left Egypt and this 2nd generation.
The 1st generation of Israelites were a bunch who were always groaning, moaning, rebelling and always complaining about how they had it so much better in Egypt.
Not so with this 2nd generation.
This bunch was filled with much more passionate vigor and much more motivated to take hold of the Promises God had first given to Abraham over 600 years ago.
There is a huge spiritual takeaway here and it is this.
For those who hold to God’s promises through thick and thin, the Lord will be faithful.
The older generation died out without ever being able to set foot in the Promised Land but even those of the older generation who remained faithful were able to make it to the Promised Land.
Yes, if you are faithful to God, He will return your faith in full measure and many times the blessings will be overflowing.
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