SCRIPTURE: NUMBERS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Moses was the author of this book. Numbers gets its name by its numbering and counting of the people of Israel. The book is consist of three parts: The first part tells about Israel’s year while they camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai. The second part tells their journey from Mt. Sinai to the east side of the Dead Sea. The third part tells of their preparation to enter and conquer Canaan.
BIBLE VERSES:
“Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army. One man from each tribe, each of them the head of his family, is to help you.” (Numbers 12-4)
“The Lord had said to Moses: “You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle of the covenant law—over all its furnishings and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it.” ( Numbers 1:48-50)
THE CENSUS (vs. 1-54)
LEADERS OF THE 12 TRIBES APPOINTED FROM THE COMMUNITY AND NUMBER OF DESCENDANTS IN EACH TRIBE:
- Reuben – Elizur / 46,500
- Simeon – Shelumiel / 59,300\
- Judah – Nahshon / 74,600
- Issachar – Nethanel / 54,400
- Naphtali – Ahira / 53,400
- Zebulun – Eliab / 57,400
- Joseph (Ephraim – Elishama / 40,500 ) (Manasseh – Gamaliel / 32,200
- Benjamin – Abidan / 35,400
- Dan – Ahiezer / 62,700
- Asher – Pagiel / 41,500
- Gad – Eliasaph / 45,650
- Naphtali – Ahira / 53,400
Total number according to the family of Israelites 20 years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s army was 603,550.
The tribe of Levi was not counted or enlisted. Instead, theyw ere appointed to be in charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony and all its furnishings. They are to take care of it and encamp around it.
The Israelites set their tents by divisions under his own camp and standard. The Levites set their tents around the tabernacle of the Testimony. They are responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the Testimony.
THOUGHTS:
As the children of Israel journeyed from the foot of Mt. Sinai to the land of Canaan, they grumbled and complained. As a result, an extra 40 years were added to their trip. The book of Numbers records the tragic story of Israel’s unbelief. A census was taken to determine the number of men fitted for military service. Because of unbelief, God did not allow the present generation to live to see the Promised land. When the old generation die off, the new generation was numbered and sanctified. They defeated numerous armies and faced their greatest test – to cross the river and possess the promised land. The lesson we can learn is not to grumble, complain but to trust in the Lord so that we can claim what he has promised.