Numbers 26:62

And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

And those that were numbered {H6485} of them were twenty {H6242} and three {H7969} thousand {H505}, all males {H2145} from a month {H2320} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}: for they were not numbered {H6485} among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, because there was no inheritance {H5159} given {H5414} them among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Those males one month old or more counted of the Levi were 23,000. These were not included in the census of the people of Isra'el, because no land for inheritance was given to them among the people of Isra'el.

The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.

And they that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, every male from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 26:62 concludes the census of the Levite tribe, distinguishing them from the other tribes of Israel. This verse highlights their unique status and role within the Israelite community during their wilderness journey.

Context of Numbers 26:62

This verse is part of the second census recorded in the Book of Numbers, taken after the plague at Peor and before the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. Unlike the general census which counted fighting men from twenty years old and upward for military service (as seen in Numbers 26:2), the Levites were counted separately. Their count of "twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward" included all males, not just those of military age, emphasizing their role as a tribe dedicated to service rather than warfare.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Distinction: The Levites were set apart by God for specific religious duties, particularly concerning the tabernacle and its service. This separation meant they were not numbered with the other tribes for military purposes, as first instructed in Numbers 1:49.
  • Unique Inheritance: The most significant reason stated for their separate numbering is that "there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel." Unlike the other tribes who would receive specific land portions in Canaan, the Levites did not inherit land. Instead, the Lord Himself was their inheritance, and they were provided for by offerings, tithes, and specific cities scattered throughout the tribal territories (Numbers 35:6).
  • Service and Provision: This unique arrangement underscored their full-time dedication to priestly and tabernacle duties. God ensured their provision through the support of the other tribes, demonstrating His faithfulness to those consecrated to His service.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no inheritance given them" uses the Hebrew word nachalah (Χ Χ—ΧœΧ”), which specifically refers to a landed possession or patrimony. Its absence for the Levites highlights their distinct economic and social structure, which freed them from agricultural pursuits to focus entirely on their sacred responsibilities. Their "numbering" (Χ€Χ§Χ“ - paqad) was a registration for service, not for military conscription, further emphasizing their unique calling.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:62 offers timeless lessons about God's design for His people. Just as the Levites had a distinct calling, so too does God equip and call individuals to various roles within His kingdom today. It reminds us that:

  • Different Callings: Not everyone is called to the same work, but all roles are vital in God's plan.
  • God's Provision: Those who dedicate themselves to God's service can trust in His promise to provide for their needs, even if their "inheritance" looks different from worldly standards.
  • Focus on Spiritual Purpose: Sometimes, earthly possessions or pursuits can distract from spiritual responsibilities. The Levites' lack of land inheritance served to sharpen their focus on their divine mandate.

This verse encourages believers to understand their unique spiritual gifts and callings, trusting in God's sovereign plan and provision for their lives as they serve Him.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 1:49

    Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:

  • Numbers 3:39

    All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, [were] twenty and two thousand.

  • Numbers 35:2

    Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

  • Numbers 35:8

    And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.

  • Deuteronomy 10:9

    Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD [is] his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

  • Numbers 18:20

    ΒΆ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 18:24

    But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
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