1After 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."
- P106
These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 43,730.
8The son of Pallu was Eliab,
9and 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.
10The 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.
11The line of Korah, however, did not die out.
12The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Jakin, the Jakinite clan;
13through Zerah, the Zerahite clan; through Shaul, the Shaulite clan.
- P106
After the plague, God commands a second census to be conducted on the plains of Moab. Like the first census in the Desert of Sinai, it counts all Israelite men aged twenty and older who are able to serve in the army. However, this census places greater emphasis on organizing the families of the Israelites to prepare for the distribution of the land after the conquest of Canaan. This marks the beginning of a new era of hope, as a new generation rises to take the place of the former. - P112
Following Aaron’s death, Eleazar takes over his father’s role in overseeing the second census. Despite the Israelites’ sin, God remains faithful, preparing and organizing them for the challenges and victories ahead. - P112
The Israelite men are counted according to their clans and families. The book of Numbers lists the clans of each tribe and their total numbers. Some tribes grew while others shrank compared to the first census. Yet, the total number of fighting men remains above six hundred thousand (see Num. 1:46). - P112
Considering their forty years in the wilderness, this is an awe-inspiring testament to God’s miraculous provision, guidance, and protection. - P112
However, not all tribes experience the same blessings. The decline of the tribe of Simeon likely reflects the consequences of their actions at Baal Peor (Num. 25:9). This reminds us that although God continually shows His faithfulness to us, this is never an excuse to persist in sin.
- P112
"No matter how deep in the power of sin we have sunk, God‘s grace is deeper still."
-Ryan Griffith - P112
Dear God, thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness, which overcome my weaknesses and failings. I affirm my devotion to You once more, and I ask You to renew my relationship with You, and to prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P113
God instructs Moses to divide the land among the tribes of Israel accordingto their numbers. A tribe‘s inheritance is to be proportional to its size. TheLevites are counted separately and number 23,000. - P115
God had declared thatnone of those numbered in the original census would enter the promisedland except Caleb and Joshua. aquoslle - P115
I have made it my goal to avoid showing favoritism. I strive to loveeach child as God loves them fully and unconditionally.
As human beings, we all fall short of perfection. Whether as parents orchildren we are not immune from displaying favoritism-often unintentionally-or from thinking we see favoritism where there is none. - P117
Ourheavenly Father is different. He displayed perfect justice and care when Hedivided the inheritance between the Israelites clans. - P117
God shows no favoritism. He knows each of us intimately and assigns blessings with perfectfairness according to His goodness. - P117
May we always remember this truthand find comfort in God‘s impartiality as we embrace the unique lives Hehas given us! - P117
"The inheritance is ours because we are the children of God." - A. W. Tozer - P116
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