Numbers Chapter 26
As suggested by the title of this book of the Bible, there was a time in Israel’s history when God wanted the people to be counted for various reasons. The first census that was taken was to determine the number of men who were of age that could go into battle as they marched toward the promised land. But since they did not trust their God that entrance did not happen at that time.
This second census served two purposes. The first purpose was to determine how the land would be divided according to the population of each of the twelve tribes. The second was to determine how many men were of age to go into battle now that the first generation had died off. There were only three people left of the previous generation: Moses, Caleb, and Joshua.
In the 38 years that the people have been in the wilderness one would expect that the population (a census of men age 20 and up) would have grown immensely. But in those 38 years there were some significant judgements of God. When we compare the total census taken back in chapters 1 and 2 of Numbers, we find that this census totaled 1,820 less men than the previous census. Imagine how great the army would have been had they not fallen into sin and that judgement had not been necessary.
Let's Reflect
1. In verses 5-11 we are reminded of the men from the tribe of Reuben, Dathan and Abiram, who sided with Korah (a Levite) to start an uprising against Moses and Aaron. This uprising was ultimately against God. We are reminded of the judgement of God in that situation how the earth opened up and the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram were swallowed up. We are also reminded of the death of 250 men who were a part of this uprising. We do learn a very important fact in this passage about the sons of Korah. What is that fact?
2. These men’s names are recorded in history forever marking something important for all of humanity to remember. How is this reminder worded according to verse 11?
3. As you read this chapter of the second census, look for the names of each of the twelve tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Gad, Asher, Dan, Naphtali, Manasseh [son of Joseph], Ephraim [son of Joseph] and Bejamin. Why were the tribe of Levi not counted in the census? See verse 52.
4. How did God instruct the promised land to be divided amongst the twelve tribes?
5. The chapter ends with a bit of genealogy of Moses and his deceased brother Aaron and his deceased sister Miriam. What were the names of their parents?
6. What did God say about the generation that was counted in the first census that occurred while they were at Mount Sinai?
