Numbers 26:3

And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

And Moses {H4872} and Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548} spake {H1696} with them in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124} by Jordan {H3383} near Jericho {H3405}, saying {H559},

Moshe and El'azar the cohen spoke with them on the plains of Mo'av by the Yarden across from Yericho, explaining,

So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued the instruction,

And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Commentary

Numbers 26:3 serves as a crucial geographical and temporal marker in the narrative of Israel, setting the stage for a significant event: the second census of the Israelites.

Context

This verse opens the account of the second census commanded by God, detailed in Numbers 26:1-2. It takes place nearly 40 years after the first census recorded in Numbers 1:1-3, and significantly, after the entire generation that left Egypt (except for Joshua and Caleb) had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience. The immediate preceding events include the severe judgment following the rebellion at Peor. The setting is the "plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho," signifying that Israel is now on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised on the very threshold of the Promised Land, Canaan. This geographical detail underscores the imminent transition from wandering to inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Transition and Preparation: The location and the impending census highlight a pivotal moment for Israel. They are no longer a nomadic people aimlessly wandering but are preparing for a structured entry into their promised inheritance. This census is vital for organizing the tribes for land distribution upon entering Canaan.
  • Divine Authority and Leadership: The mention of "Moses and Eleazar the priest" emphasizes that this undertaking is under the direct authority of God, executed through His appointed leaders. Moses, as the primary leader and prophet, and Eleazar, who succeeded his father Aaron as High Priest, represent both civil and spiritual leadership, ensuring the command is divinely sanctioned and properly administered.
  • A New Generation: This census is specifically for the new generation, those who grew up in the wilderness. It signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the failures of the previous generation, preparing a new people to inherit the land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho" is a precise geographical identifier. The "plains of Moab" (Hebrew: Arboth Moab) refers to the fertile lowlands east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. Their proximity to "Jericho" (a key city on the west bank of the Jordan) indicates that Israel was literally at the border of their future home, looking across the river at the land they were about to conquer. This strategic location underscores the urgency and significance of the census.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:3, though descriptive, carries timeless lessons. It reminds us of the importance of divine order and preparation for new phases in life or ministry. Just as God meticulously prepared Israel for their inheritance, He also guides us through periods of transition, requiring us to be organized and responsive to His leading. The continuity of leadership from Moses to Eleazar also teaches us about the importance of faithful succession and working together under God's authority to achieve His purposes. It's a reminder that even after periods of hardship or failure (like the wilderness generation), God is faithful to bring about His promises through a prepared and obedient people.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 22:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan [by] Jericho.

  • Numbers 33:48 (4 votes)

    And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

  • Numbers 26:63 (3 votes)

    ¶ These [are] they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

  • Numbers 35:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 34:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

  • Deuteronomy 4:46 (2 votes)

    On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:

  • Deuteronomy 4:49 (2 votes)

    And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.