Numbers 26-27
An Overview of Chapter 26
The Lord instructs Moses and Eleazar (Aaron’s son) to take a census of the tribes of Israel. Only men 20 years and older who are able to go to war will be counted. This census was important because it would be used to determine how large a portion of land they would get when they get to the promised land. The larger tribes would get the largest portion, and the locations would be chosen by lot. It is also pointed out that Caleb and Joshua were the only surviving members of the original genereation, as God had promised. These are the results:
Reuben: 43,730
Simeon: 22,200
Gad: 40,500
Judah: 76,500
Issachar: 64,300
Zebulun: 60,500
Joseph/Manasseh: 52,700
Joseph/Ephraim: 32,500
Benjamin: 45,600
Dan (also called Shuhamites): 64,400
Asher: 53,400
Naphtali: 45,400
Total = 601,730
The Levites were not counted in the above census because they had no inheritance in the land. God commissioned a different census for them, counting all male children one month and older. The total was 23,000 Levites.
An Overview of Chapter 27
The daughters of Zelophehad, from the tribe of Manasseh approached Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders of the people with a complaint. Their father died in the wilderness and had no sons, only daughters. Because he had no sons then no inheritance was available to his family in the land. The daughters asked if they could have his portion.
Moses brought their case to the Lord and the Lord agreed with the daughters. In addition He gave the instruction that the inheritance of any man without sons who dies will go to his daughters, and if he has no daughters to his brothers, and if no brothers to his uncles and if no uncles to his closest relative (we will see an addition to this law in Numbers 36).
God reminded Moses that he would die before he entered the land, but he would be allowed to see the land before he died. Moses requests that God appoint a new leader before he dies. The Lord chooses Joshua, and gives Moses instructions for commissioning him in front of all the people. Moses did as the Lord had commanded.
Reflection
Do you feel comfortable bringing your questions about God’s law to God? Are you faithful like Moses to inquire and then wait for an answer? Do you treat God as holy, or do you take for granted the relationship you have with Him? Can it be said of you, as it was of Joshua, that you are a person in whom is the Spirit?
For Further Study
Joshua: Exodus 17:8-13, Exodus 224:13, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 13:8,16, Deuteronomy 1:38, Joshua, Hebrews 4:8
The Lord instructs Moses and Eleazar (Aaron’s son) to take a census of the tribes of Israel. Only men 20 years and older who are able to go to war will be counted. This census was important because it would be used to determine how large a portion of land they would get when they get to the promised land. The larger tribes would get the largest portion, and the locations would be chosen by lot. It is also pointed out that Caleb and Joshua were the only surviving members of the original genereation, as God had promised. These are the results:
Reuben: 43,730
Simeon: 22,200
Gad: 40,500
Judah: 76,500
Issachar: 64,300
Zebulun: 60,500
Joseph/Manasseh: 52,700
Joseph/Ephraim: 32,500
Benjamin: 45,600
Dan (also called Shuhamites): 64,400
Asher: 53,400
Naphtali: 45,400
Total = 601,730
The Levites were not counted in the above census because they had no inheritance in the land. God commissioned a different census for them, counting all male children one month and older. The total was 23,000 Levites.
An Overview of Chapter 27
The daughters of Zelophehad, from the tribe of Manasseh approached Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders of the people with a complaint. Their father died in the wilderness and had no sons, only daughters. Because he had no sons then no inheritance was available to his family in the land. The daughters asked if they could have his portion.
Moses brought their case to the Lord and the Lord agreed with the daughters. In addition He gave the instruction that the inheritance of any man without sons who dies will go to his daughters, and if he has no daughters to his brothers, and if no brothers to his uncles and if no uncles to his closest relative (we will see an addition to this law in Numbers 36).
God reminded Moses that he would die before he entered the land, but he would be allowed to see the land before he died. Moses requests that God appoint a new leader before he dies. The Lord chooses Joshua, and gives Moses instructions for commissioning him in front of all the people. Moses did as the Lord had commanded.
Reflection
Do you feel comfortable bringing your questions about God’s law to God? Are you faithful like Moses to inquire and then wait for an answer? Do you treat God as holy, or do you take for granted the relationship you have with Him? Can it be said of you, as it was of Joshua, that you are a person in whom is the Spirit?
For Further Study
Joshua: Exodus 17:8-13, Exodus 224:13, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 13:8,16, Deuteronomy 1:38, Joshua, Hebrews 4:8
posted by Shaun Sells | 12:14 PM
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