Números 26
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 26
Wiersbe adds that "The transition between chapters 25 and 26 reminds us of the transition from chapter 14 to chapter 15, for in both of them the Lord moved from judgment to mercy, from punishment to promise. At Kadesh-Barnea and at Baal Peor, Israel had sinned greatly and God chastened them, but in His grace He forgave their disobedience and gave them a new start. Ezra the scribe expressed this truth in his prayer of confession when he said, “You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve” (Ezra 9:13NKJV); David felt the same way when he wrote, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10NIV). As Israel lingered in the plains of Moab, Moses fulfilled four important responsibilities to prepare Israel for what lay ahead." (Be Counted) Numbering the soldiers (Num. 26:1–51) Preparing for the inheritance (Num. 26:52–27:11; 36) Dedicating a new leader (Num. 27:12–23) Focusing on worship (Num. 28:1–29:40) AFTER THE PLAGUE Then it came about after the plague - "Those who died by the plague were 24,000." (Nu 25:9) Why does this verse say that 24,000 died when 1 Corinthians 10:8 offers a different number? See Norman Geisler's explanation. Ronald Allen - The first phrase, “After the plague,” is key for understanding this text. The plague of chapter 25 was not just another plague; it was the final judgment of God on the first generation and the opportunity to unleash the blessing of God on the second generation who have now reached their majority. (EBC) That the LORD spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying - Notice that we have a shift for previously while Yahweh most often addressed Moses alone He did speak to both Moses and Aaron in 5 passages (Ex 7:8, Nu 2:1, 4:1, 4:17, 14:26, 16:20, 19:1, 20:23) Now that Aaron is dead, He speaks to Moses and Aaron. Bush - It came to pass after the plague, etc. After the slaughter of the 24,000 who fell by the sword of the judges as stated ch. 25:9, as this is the undoubted sense of the word “plague” in this connection. We may properly recognize a moral as well as a historical significancy in the command to number the people afresh. It was a token of the Lord’s special regard for those who survived and had cleaved to him in the midst of a wide-spread defection. Deut. 4:3, 4, “Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.”... The whole generation existing thirty-eight years before, with the exception only of Caleb and Joshua, had been wasted away, and as the promised land was now about to be distributed to their descendants, which would be facilitated by a new census, one is accordingly ordered. The matter was intrusted to the charge of Eleazar, who was now, since the death of Aaron, high priest. As Aaron had performed this office in conjunction with Moses on a former occasion, ch. 1:3, so Eleazar is called to do it now. He also united with Joshua afterwards, Josh 14:1, in dividing the land among the people.
Números 26
Wiersbe - Genesis pictures God’s people as pilgrims and strangers, looking for their inheritance. Exodus and Leviticus depict Israel as a holy nation of priests, worshiping the Lord. The book of Numbers emphasizes God’s people as warriors, overcoming the enemy and claiming the promised inheritance. There were several purposes for a census in the ancient world For taxation as in Lk 2:1-5 (cf Josephus, Antiquities 18. i. 1) Funds for the Sanctuary of God (Ex 30:13-16) For workers for the Sanctuary (Nu 3:14-39) Most commonly to determine the number of men eligible to fight in a war - It was a regular feature of warfare in Bible times to count the troops before and after a battle (e.g. 1 Sa 11:8; Nu. 31:49). Related Resource: Why did God order a census in the book of Numbers? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 26:3 So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, Nu 26:63 22:1 31:12 33:48 35:1 De 4:46-49 34:1,6,8 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Plains of Moab opposite Jericho IN POSITION TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND So - Note their immediate obedience. Moses is back to his "old self" after the tragic fiasco of Numbers 20:11-13+ Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them - Spoke with the sons of Israel. In the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying - They are on the verge of entering the promised land. This census is in the plains whereas the first census was in the wilderness of Sinai (Nu 1:1+). Numbers 26:4 "Take a census of the people from twenty years old and upward, as the LORD has commanded Moses." Now the sons of Israel who came out of the land of Egypt were: Nu 1:1 1Ch 21:1 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries RULES FOR CENSUS: IDENTIFYING THE ARMY Take a census of the people from twenty years old and upward, as the LORD has commanded Moses - This census was a sign that the nation’s wanderings were soon to end. Nu 1:2-3 is phrased slightly different " “Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, every male, head by head from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies." While the first census was primarily for military organization, this second census is not only for military organization but for land distribution to the 12 tribes (see Nu 26:53-56+). Time to ready Israel for victory! (going into & taking The Land) -- Brian Bell Now the sons of Israel who came out of the land of Egypt were - Notice that God still regards the second generation as "Exodus People." The first group of "Exodus People" failed but God's purpose did not fail and so he names them accordingly. The are out of Exodus and into the promised land as should have occurred 38 years earlier. God's plans are NEVER thwarted by human sin! And so we begin the census tribe by tribe, almost like an accountant's balance sheet, looking at gains and losses tribe by tribe and summing it up to the final total (Nu 26:51)
Números 26
Wiersbe - It is interesting to note that the nation did not grow during their wilderness wanderings. In fact, the second census showed 1,820 fewer men of war. The nation wasted thirty-eight years, endured unnecessary afflictions, failed to grow, and failed to honor God all the while they were on their “death march.” This is what unbelief does to Christians. It wastes time, effort, and manpower and brings no real blessing. How sad it is when churches fail to step out by faith and, as a result, start to degenerate spiritually, numerically, and materially. May God help us to trust His Word! Related Resource: Why did God order a census in the book of Numbers? | GotQuestions.org Moody - Today in the Word - Numbers 26:51-27:23 Not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. - Numbers 26:65 TODAY IN THE WORD The name of the book is Numbers. The numbers themselves are staggering. Two censuses form bookends for Israel's wandering in the wilderness. Both times the nation tallied only those eligible to serve in the army. And both times, over 600,000 men over the age of twenty were counted. The sobering fact is that every single man from the first census died before the second was conducted (with the exception of the venerable Joshua and Caleb). Forty years, and over a half million deaths. Israel's original army was decimated by their own lack of faith. The message God sent was clear: you will enter the Promised Land by faith, or you won't enter at all. Even the leadership changed. Moses' disobedience in the Desert of Zin disqualified him from leading the charge into Canaan. Conversely, Joshua's faithfulness made him the perfect man for the job. But even the nature of the leadership changed, for Joshua would not enjoy the same type of intimate interaction with God that Moses did. He would instead rely on the priest as a go-between for God's direction. And the priest himself employed a unique device for divining God's will. The Urim and Thummim mentioned in Exodus 28:30 were apparently used like lots for receiving God's answer on difficult rulings. It's worth noting that God offered Israel and its leaders their closest communion with God and the clearest manifestations of His presence during a time of such great discomfort and tragedy. He gave them assurance and guidance when they needed it most. The daughters of Zelophehad make up an interesting snapshot of God's steadfast grace. Their father died, and they were without a close male relative. This essentially stripped them of social significance in the culture of that day. But God's inheritance was still promised to them. Numbers recounts a time of enormous loss, but also occasions of great provision from God. TODAY ALONG THE WAY -Faith is a must for everyone from every era. The consequence of disbelief is severe, and the entire world is subject to God's judgment. May our hearts be burdened by the sheer volume of people who don't trust in Christ's gift of eternal life. To ignore that need is to be selfish in our salvation. Spend time today in prayer and reflection about the spiritual need of the world, from family members to foreign lands. Numbers 26:52 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Moody - Today in the Word - Numbers 26:52-56; Deuteronomy 19:14 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong. - Proverbs 23:10–11 TODAY IN THE WORD Most little children have a highly developed understanding of fairness, particularly with regard to allotted portions of dessert! The concept that each individual is entitled to an equal share of the cake rarely needs to be explained or reviewed. Deep down, there is the awareness that life is governed by certain inalienable rules. When these rules are properly adhered to (meaning that everyone gets the same sized piece of cake) dessert time goes pretty well; real (or perceived) disregard to these rules results in discord. Equitable distribution is also important to God, as today’s passage shows. Numbers 26 records the second census taken prior to entering the land. The first census was a military one taken in preparation for the land’s conquest. Between that census and the one recorded here, however, was a sad series of disobedient actions that eventually wiped out the original generation that had been led out of Egypt (Num. 26:63–65). The census recorded in today’s passage was taken in preparation of the division of the promised land. Like the first census, this one occurred prior to the actual occupation of the land. An entire disobedient, unbelieving generation had to be rooted out, but God was faithful to His promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendents. The allotment of the promised land was based on the needs of each tribe--larger tribes received more land, smaller ones received less land (v. 54). The actual allotment was carried out by lot. This process may have involved specially marked stones that were thrown, much like dice (Num. 33:54). The use of lots was an ancient means of entrusting the final outcome of decisions or distribution of land into God’s hands. Although the land was divided according to tribes’ needs, its ultimate distribution was under God’s control. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Moving boundary markers directly defied God’s wisdom in distribution. Although we probably haven’t moved any ancient stones lately, we may have defied God’s wisdom by coveting what God has given to others, such as natural talents and abilities, spiritual gifts, a loving spouse, or a good family Numbers 26:53 "Among these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. Ge 12:2,7 Jos 11:23 14:1 Ps 49:14 105:44 Eze 47:22 Da 7:27 Mt 5:5 Rev 5:10 21:27 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "Among these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names - That is more "names" more land. Bush - Unto these the land shall be divided, etc. Heb. “Apportioned.” The enrolment of the names in the census-register was a preliminary step equivalent to a profession of their being heirs of the promises, just as those are partakers of the kingdom of heaven, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. To all such the declaration here made is a comforting assurance, since it virtually put the promised land into their present possession. The demonstrative pronoun is used emphatically to preclude the apprehension that they were longer to be put off, or that their posterity and not themselves were to be made the actual inheritors. According to the number of names. That is, according to the number of the persons registered under each family. According as these were numerous or otherwise, the portion assigned was to be large or small. Comp. Nu 33:54. Allen points out that "The second census relates not only to military service in the conquest of the land but to inheritance rights once the land was made theirs. This is a pericope of promise that is designed to impel the people to faithfulness. The listing of names was not only the means for demonstrating God’s faithfulness for his people; it was also a basis for an equitable distribution of the land they were about to enter. Larger tribes would receive larger shares, but the decisions of place would be made by lot (v.56). Until the end, Moses was still in charge of these things, another of the sweet-hurts that marked his last days. The distribution of the land was to be based on the dual principles of fairness and lot (with the understanding that the fall of the lot is in the hands of the Lord). The land is God’s gift to his people; hence their shares in it are their inheritance from him. So the reason for the mustering of the people was twofold: to prepare them for war and to determine their tribal needs in the land." (EBC) Related Resource: Is there a difference between the book of life and the Lamb’s book of life? | GotQuestions.org Book of Life - Tony Garland (Note - Also discusses Lamb’s Book of Life) Numbers 26:54 "To the larger group you shall increase their inheritance, and to the smaller group you shall diminish their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them. many: Nu 32:3,5 33:54 Jos 17:14 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LAND AMOUNTS PROPORTIONAL TO TRIBE SIZE To the larger group you shall increase their inheritance - Hebrew = “to many you will multiply his inheritance.” The larger the tribe the larger the share of land. and to the smaller group you shall diminish their inheritance - Hebrew = “to a few you will lessen his inheritance.” The smaller the tribe the smaller the share of land. each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them - NET Note says Hebrew reads “according to those that were numbered of him,” meaning, in accordance with the number of people in his clan. Numbers 26:55 "But the land shall be divided by lot. They shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. by lot: Nu 26:56 33:54 34:13 Jos 11:23 14:2 17:14 18:6,10,11 19:1,10 Jos 19:17,24,32,40 Pr 16:33 18:18 Ac 1:26 Col 1:12 Rev 7:4-8 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CASTING LOTS FOR LOCATION But the land shall be divided by lot. They shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers - NLT = "But you must assign the land by lot, and give land to each ancestral tribe according to the number of names on the list." The locations of the inheritance would be determined by lot. HCSB Study Bible - Divided by lot refers to a second principle governing land allocation—providential probability as expressed through a game of chance. The Lord was presumed to oversee the casting of the lots, thereby bringing His decision to pass (Pr 16:33). The casting of lots was a common means of determining the will of God. It was used to choose between the two goats on the Day of Atonement (Lv 16:8), to divide the spoils of war (Ob 11), and to settle political issues (1Sam 10:21). Bush - Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot. These lots would seem to have been cast only for the tribes, and not for the families, for to them the distribution was evidently to be governed by the rule laid down v. 54. Yet in case any lot was too large for the tribe, it appears that there was nothing to prevent their giving up a part of their right to others, as we learn was the case with Judah, which relinquished a portion of its territory to Simeon and Dan. It is easy to conceive that without some mode of appeal to the Supreme Arbiter the burden of responsibility in regard to the several allotments would have been very heavy, and probably led to charges of partiality or prejudice; for which reason the lot seems to have been ordained, “the whole disposing of which is of the Lord.” Related Resource: What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org - Excerpt = "The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the Old Testament, nothing is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some kind of dice; but their exact nature is unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely flipping a coin. The practice of casting lots occurs most often in connection with the division of the land under Joshua (Joshua 14-21), a procedure that God instructed the Israelites on several times in the book of Numbers (Numbers 26:55; Nu 33:54; Nu 34:13; 36:2). God allowed the Israelites to cast lots in order to determine His will for a given situation (Joshua 18:6-10; 1 Chronicles 24:5,31). Various offices and functions in the temple were also determined by lot (1 Chronicles 24:5, 31; 25:8-9; 26:13-14). The sailors on Jonah’s ship (Jonah 1:7) also cast lots to determine who had brought God’s wrath upon their ship. The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas (Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments (Matthew 27:35)." Holman Bible Dictionary Lots Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Lots Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Lots Lots Numbers 26:56 "According to the selection by lot, their inheritance shall be divided between the larger and the smaller groups." Ro 11:7 1Co 12:4 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries According to the selection by lot, their inheritance shall be divided between the larger and the smaller groups - "According to the lot shall the possession, etc. That is, the portion or share which shall fall by lot to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families in such proportions as their numbers shall require. The precise mode in which the lots were drawn is not known with any certainty. (Bush) Numbers 26:57 These are those who were numbered of the Levites according to their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites. these are: Nu 35:2,3 Ge 46:11 Ex 6:16-19 1Ch 6:1,16-30 of Gershon: Nu 3:1-4:49 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries These are those who were numbered of the Levites according to their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites - The Gershonites were assigned care and maintenance of the tent coverings, screens, and other cloth materials (Nu 3:21–26; 4:24–28). The Kohathites were closest to the most holy objects for they took care of the furnishings of the tabernacle including the altars and the ark of the covenant (Nu 3:27–31; 4:34–37; 10:21). Finally, the Merarites handled the structural components of the tabernacle (frames, pillars, tent pegs, cords) (Nu 3:33–37; 4:29–33; 10:17). Bush - These (are) they that were numbered of the Levites. The Levitical families are here numbered by themselves, because they were not to have a distinct share of the land, although they were to be provided with 48 cities and their suburbs for habitations. It is to be observed, however, that they are not enumerated with the same precision as the other tribes, some families being here wholly omitted. Comp. Ex. 6:17–19. The register was now made under the three branches of that tribe, specified ch. 3:17, 18, etc., from one of which descended Moses and Aaron, and Aaron’s sons the priests. There were four of these, but two of them, Nadab and Abihu, were cut off by the hand of heaven for their impiety, and yet the Lord so ordered it, that they were preserved and increased in their posterity so as to afford a sufficient number for the discharge of the priestly functions. Nelson's NKJV Study Bible. - The numbering of the Levites follows that of the other tribes, just as in the first census. In this case more names and families are given, for this was the list that would be used once the people were in the land. Numbers 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram. NLT Numbers 26:58 The Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the Mushites, and the Korahites were all subclans of the Levites.Now Kohath was the ancestor of Amram, ESV Numbers 26:58 These are the clans of Levi: the clan of the Libnites, the clan of the Hebronites, the clan of the Mahlites, the clan of the Mushites, the clan of the Korahites. And Kohath was the father of Amram. NIV Numbers 26:58 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; Nu 3:17-21 16:1 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THIS DEPICTION FOCUSES ON TRIBE OF LEVI Source: Thomas Constable Another Depiction Minus Clans not Mentioned in Numbers 26 - see note below Source: Cornerstone Bible Commentary - Numbers Note on Cornerstone chart which "shows the clans that descended from Levi. Those in parentheses are not included in the list of Numbers 26; however, they are found in clan lists elsewhere (Gen 46:11; Exod 6:16–25; Num 3:17–39; 1 Chr 6:1–29; 23:6–23; 24:20–30). There are also some variations in the lists in Chronicles which are not represented in the chart: “Ladan and Shimei, the sons of Gershon” (1 Chr 23:7 mg); “the descendants of Kohath included Amminadab, Korah, Assir,” etc. (1 Chr 6:22–24), and “the descendants of Merari included Mahli, Libni, Shimei,” etc. (1 Chr 6:29–30). This may hint that these clans died out or were cut off in the wilderness." (CBC-Nu) These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites - the family of the Korahites - As shown in the diagram above, Korah was a clan from Izhar (Ex 6:21). So not all the Korahites perished as mentioned earlier in Nu 26:11. In the midst of wrath, God remembers mercy and He had mercy on this family! Kohath became the father of Amram - Amram is mentioned 16x in 14v - Exod. 6:18; Exod. 6:20; Num. 3:19; Num. 3:27; Num. 26:58; Num. 26:59; 1 Chr. 6:2; 1 Chr. 6:3; 1 Chr. 6:18; 1 Chr. 23:12; 1 Chr. 23:13; 1 Chr. 24:20; 1 Chr. 26:23; Ezr. 10:34 Gilbrant notes that "The clans of Shimei and Uzziel had dropped out (SEE GENEALOGY ABOVE). The clan of Izhar had also dropped out except for the clan of Korah—that part of it that did not rebel with their leader Korah, who rebelled with the Reubenites, Dathan and Abiram. Bush - The family of the Korathites. Or, more properly Korhites, from Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, ch. 16:1. Korah himself died in the rebellion, but his children were exempted from his fate, and are therefore here reckoned for a family in the fourth generation from Levi, which is one degree farther than the other families extend. Upon comparing Ex. 6:17, we find two sons of Gershon mentioned, viz. Libni and Shimi, yet here the former is enumerated and the latter omitted. Then also Kohath has four sons, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel, yet here Uzziel is wholly omitted, nor is Izhar named otherwise than impliedly in his sons the Korathites. Numbers 26:59 The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and she bore to Amram: Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam. Ex 2:1,2 6:20 Lev 18:12 Numbers 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE LINEAGE OF MOSES, AARON, MIRIAM The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and she bore to Amram: Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam - Ex 6:20-23 says "Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and the length of Amram’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years. 21 The sons of Izhar: Korah and Nepheg and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael and Elzaphan and Sithri. 23Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar."