Numbers 26 The Census of the Levites

1 The Second Census
After 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.”

3 So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and said,

4 “Take a census of the men twenty years old or more, as the Lord commanded Moses.”
These were the Israelites who came out of Egypt:

5 The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were:
through Hanoch, the Hanochite clan;
through Pallu, the Palluite clan;

6 through Hezron, the Hezronite clan;
through Carmi, the Carmite clan.

7 These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 43,730.

8 The son of Pallu was Eliab,

9 and 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.

10 The 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.

11 The line of Korah, however, did not die out.

12 The descendants of Simeon by their clans were:
through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan;
through Jamin, the Jaminite clan;
through Jakin, the Jakinite clan;

13 through Zerah, the Zerahite clan;
through Shaul, the Shaulite clan.

14 These were the clans of Simeon; there were 22,200 men.

15 The descendants of Gad by their clans were:
through Zephon, the Zephonite clan;
through Haggi, the Haggite clan;
through Shuni, the Shunite clan;

16 through Ozni, the Oznite clan;
through Eri, the Erite clan;

17 through Arodi, the Arodite clan;
through Areli, the Arelite clan.

18 These were the clans of Gad; those numbered were 40,500.

19 Er and Onan were sons of Judah, but they died in Canaan.

20 The descendants of Judah by their clans were:
through Shelah, the Shelanite clan;
through Perez, the Perezite clan;
through Zerah, the Zerahite clan.

21 The descendants of Perez were:
through Hezron, the Hezronite clan;
through Hamul, the Hamulite clan.

22 These were the clans of Judah; those numbered were 76,500.

23 The descendants of Issachar by their clans were:
through Tola, the Tolaite clan;
through Puah, the Puite clan;

24 through Jashub, the Jashubite clan;
through Shimron, the Shimronite clan.

25 These were the clans of Issachar; those numbered were 64,300.

26 The descendants of Zebulun by their clans were:
through Sered, the Seredite clan;
through Elon, the Elonite clan;
through Jahleel, the Jahleelite clan.

27 These were the clans of Zebulun; those numbered were 60,500.

28 The descendants of Joseph by their clans through Manasseh and Ephraim were:

29 The descendants of Manasseh:
through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead);
through Gilead, the Gileadite clan.

30 These were the descendants of Gilead:
through Iezer, the Iezerite clan;
through Helek, the Helekite clan;

31 through Asriel, the Asrielite clan;
through Shechem, the Shechemite clan;

32 through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan;
through Hepher, the Hepherite clan.

33 (Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.)

34 These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered were 52,700.

35 These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans:
through Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan;
through Beker, the Bekerite clan;
through Tahan, the Tahanite clan.

36 These were the descendants of Shuthelah:
through Eran, the Eranite clan.

37 These were the clans of Ephraim; those numbered were 32,500.
These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans.

38 The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were:
through Bela, the Belaite clan;
through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan;
through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan;

39 through Shupham, the Shuphamite clan;
through Hupham, the Huphamite clan.

40 The descendants of Bela through Ard and Naaman were:
through Ard, the Ardite clan;
through Naaman, the Naamite clan.

41 These were the clans of Benjamin; those numbered were 45,600.

42 These were the descendants of Dan by their clans:
through Shuham, the Shuhamite clan.
These were the clans of Dan:

43 All of them were Shuhamite clans; and those numbered were 64,400.

44 The descendants of Asher by their clans were:
through Imnah, the Imnite clan;
through Ishvi, the Ishvite clan;
through Beriah, the Beriite clan;

45 and through the descendants of Beriah:
through Heber, the Heberite clan;
through Malkiel, the Malkielite clan.

46 (Asher had a daughter named Serah.)

47 These were the clans of Asher; those numbered were 53,400.

48 The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were:
through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan;
through Guni, the Gunite clan;

49 through Jezer, the Jezerite clan;
through Shillem, the Shillemite clan.

50 These were the clans of Naphtali; those numbered were 45,400.

51 The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730.

52 The Lord said to Moses,

53 “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names.

54 To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed.

55 Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe.

56 Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups.”

57 These were the Levites who were counted by their clans:
through Gershon, the Gershonite clan;
through Kohath, the Kohathite clan;
through Merari, the Merarite clan.

58 These also were Levite clans:
the Libnite clan,
the Hebronite clan,
the Mahlite clan,
the Mushite clan,
the Korahite clan.
(Kohath was the forefather of Amram;

59 the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed, a descendant of Levi, who was born to the Levites in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses and their sister Miriam.

60 Aaron was the father of Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

61 But Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.)

62 All the male Levites a month old or more numbered 23,000. They were not counted along with the other Israelites because they received no inheritance among them.

63 These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.

64 Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai.

65 For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the desert, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

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Analysis of Numbers Chapter 26

Numbers Chapter 26 is an essential part of the Torah, detailing the second census of the Israelites conducted during their wilderness journey. This chapter is significant both historically and theologically as it represents a moment of transition and the establishment of a new generation poised to enter the Promised Land. This extensive enumeration serves not only as a logistical census but also as a divine directive with deeper spiritual connotations.

Context and Structure

The chapter is structured to systematically record the names and counts of the different tribes of Israel, emphasizing God’s continued promise to Abraham about multiplying his descendants. Here is a breakdown of the structure:

Introduction and divine command to conduct the census (Verses 1-4).
Detailed enumeration of each tribe (Verses 5-50).
Summation of the total census (Verses 51-56).
Census of the Levites and their distinct role (Verses 57-62).
Concluding remarks, including notice of the generational shift (Verses 63-65).

Verses 1-4: Introduction and Divine Command

The opening verses establish the setting and divine instructions:

“And it came to pass after the plague, that the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, ‘Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers’ house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.’ And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, ‘Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.'” (Numbers 26:1-4)

The command to take a census “after the plague” underscores a pivotal moment. It follows a period of judgment and purification, implying a renewed focus on the future. Moses and Eleazar, now taking Aaron’s place after his death, spearhead this endeavor, signifying the generational leadership shift.

Verses 5-50: Enumeration of the Tribes

Each tribe is meticulously counted, reflecting both lineage and divine promise. A notable aspect is the recording of families within each tribe, emphasizing the importance of heritage and identity among the Israelites. Below are some key insights from various tribal counts:

“Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: the children of Reuben… from thirty years old upward, all that were numbered of them were forty-six thousand five hundred.” (Numbers 26:5-7)

This initial count sets a tone of fidelity to covenantal promises, even through judgment. Noteworthy is the mention of Dathan and Abiram’s rebellion as a warning and lesson, interwoven within the record.

Skipping to a different tribe, we observe:

“These are the families of the Judahites according to those that were numbered of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred.” (Numbers 26:22)

The tribe of Judah emerges as significantly large, aligning with its predicted leadership role. Consistently, there’s an interweaving of historical significance with numerical record-keeping, providing richer context.

Verses 51-56: Summation and Allocation

“These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and one thousand seven hundred and thirty.” (Numbers 26:51)

The total count signifies the robust continuity of the Israelite community despite trials. Furthermore, the instructions for land allocation, based on tribal size, reinforce themes of divine justice and order in inheritance:

“To many you shall give more inheritance, and to few you shall give less inheritance: to every one shall their inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of them.” (Numbers 26:54)

Every tribe’s inheritance proportionate to their population ensures fairness and sustenance, foundational for the social structure in the Promised Land.

Verses 57-62: The Levites’ Unique Role

“And those that were numbered of the Levites after their families… all the males from a month old and upward were twenty-three thousand” (Numbers 26:57-62)

Distinct from the warrior tribes, the Levites symbolize spiritual continuity and divine service. Their separate enumeration underscores their unique covenant role, reminding Israel of their duty to worship and God’s provision.

Verses 63-65: Concluding Remarks on Generational Shift

“But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said of them, ‘They shall surely die in the wilderness.’ And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” (Numbers 26:64-65)

This solemn conclusion highlights the fulfillment of God’s judgment, save for the faithful exceptions: Caleb and Joshua. It underscores themes of faith and obedience critical for entering the Promised Land.

Theological and Spiritual Insights

Numbers 26 offers several profound theological insights:

Continuity Amidst Judgment

The census conducted after major judgments emphasizes God’s mercy and the continuation of divine promises. Despite failures, God remains steadfast, signifying hope and renewal for future generations.

Generational Responsibility

The shift from the first generation to their descendants carries a potent message on the responsibility of the new generation to uphold covenantal values and faithfulness, which is crucial for the realization of God’s promises.

Inheritance and Divine Order

The detailed enumeration underscores the importance of inheritance within God’s divine order. It reflects not merely material allocation but the perpetuation of divine promises and responsibilities within each tribe and family.

Divine Selection and Obedience

The preservation of Caleb and Joshua as exceptions highlights the significance of individual faith and obedience within the broader community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the rewards of faithful service to God.

Contemporary Relevance

For modern readers, Numbers 26 provides several applicable lessons:

Faith and Perseverance: The chapter encourages perseverance through trials, emphasizing that God’s promises prevail despite human failures. Faith in God’s enduring promises is crucial.
Community Responsibility: Just as the Israelites were counted as community units, contemporary faith communities are reminded of their collective responsibility in upholding and passing down values and faith.
Individual Faithfulness: The recognition of Caleb and Joshua underscores that individual faithfulness and courage stand as exemplary for the community, encouraging personal devotion and steadfastness.
Inheritance Beyond Material Wealth: The notion of inheritance goes beyond materiality, reminding believers of the spiritual heritage and responsibilities passed down through faith communities.

Conclusion

Numbers Chapter 26 is more than a numerical record; it is a testament to the continuity of divine promise amidst human frailty. It underscores the importance of faith, community responsibility, and divine order in the journey towards God’s promise. Through a thorough examination of its verses, we gain a deeper understanding of the theology and spiritual principles guiding the Israelites, offering timeless lessons for contemporary faith practice.

Understanding the Key Messages in Numbers 26: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 26 of Numbers details the second census of Israelites, focusing on the Levites. The chapter lists the number of male Levites by their clans and describes the inheritance provisions made for them. God's commandments are obeyed, and the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Notes

This chapter provides valuable information about the Levites, their role, and their inheritance provisions as part of the Israelite community.