Numbers 26:2

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.

Take {H5375} the sum {H7218} of all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, throughout their fathers {H1}' house {H1004}, all that are able to go {H3318} to war {H6635} in Israel {H3478}.

"Take a census of the entire assembly of the people of Isra'el twenty years old and over, by their ancestral clans, all who are subject to military service in Isra'el."

“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.”

Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ houses, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 26:2

Numbers 26:2 introduces the command for a second census of the Israelite population. This pivotal event occurs approximately 38 years after the first census recorded in Numbers 1:3, which took place shortly after the Exodus from Egypt at Mount Sinai. The intervening years were marked by the wilderness wanderings, a period of divine judgment resulting from the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea, where the first generation (except for Joshua and Caleb) was condemned to die in the wilderness (Numbers 14:29). This new census, therefore, counts the generation poised to enter and inherit the Promised Land, signifying a fresh start and God's continued faithfulness despite past failures. It was taken on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Preparation: The command to "Take the sum" highlights God's meticulous nature and His desire for order within His people. This census was not merely for numbers but for practical preparation: identifying those capable of military service for the upcoming conquest of Canaan, and establishing the basis for the equitable division of the land by tribal inheritance.
  • A New Generation: This census marks the transition from the rebellious generation to a new one, born and raised in the wilderness, who would fulfill God's covenant promises. It underscores the theme of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even when human sin delays its full realization.
  • Readiness for War: The specific qualification "all that are able to go to war in Israel" emphasizes the immediate military objective. The Israelite camp was to be organized and prepared for the battles ahead to claim their inheritance. This speaks to both physical and spiritual readiness for the challenges God sets before His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Take the sum" in Hebrew is nāśā' rō'š (נָשָׂא רֹאשׁ), literally meaning "lift up the head." This idiom signifies counting or enumerating individuals, emphasizing that each person was seen and accounted for by God. It's a personal act of recognition, not just a cold tally. The term "able to go to war" (Hebrew: yōṣē' ṣābā') refers to those fit for military service, usually men aged 20 and above, highlighting their physical capacity and readiness for battle.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:2 reminds us that God is a God of purpose and order. Just as He prepared the Israelites for their inheritance, He calls His people today to be prepared for their divine callings and responsibilities. This involves spiritual readiness, a willingness to serve, and an understanding of our place within the larger community of faith. It also teaches us about the importance of accountability and stewardship, recognizing that our lives and abilities are to be used for God's purposes. Furthermore, the transition to a new generation serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness through the ages, always bringing His plans to fruition, even when met with human imperfection.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:25

    And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation [was] an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

  • Exodus 38:26

    A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men].

  • Numbers 1:2

    Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of [their] names, every male by their polls;

  • Numbers 1:3

    From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

  • Exodus 30:11

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Exodus 30:16

    And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
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