Numbers 26

Num 26:1

Num 26-36: "A second census is made and it is found that a new generation has replaced the old that left Egypt, and that the loss caused by death throughout the wilderness wanderings has been repaired. There is a repetition of certain important laws preparatory to entering the Land. The Law of Inheritance is clarified: a successor for Moses is appointed: and certain miscellaneous commandments and instructions are given in anticipation of the tribes entering upon their inheritance. Among other matters, Moses is instructed that he is to die, and is invited to ascend Nebo where he can view from afar the Land of Promise which he is not then to enter.

"The book concludes with a warning that the instructions given through Moses are anthenticated by Yahweh. Meanwhile the people on the plains of Moab by Jericho await the order to advance into the land of promise" (Expos).

Num 26: "At this stage, a further census of the people is ordered. In view of the severity of the plague following the folly at Baal-peor, this is necessary, and it reveals some interesting facts. The first census (Exo 30:12) was basically for the purpose of organising the religious life of the people. The second (Num 1;2) was principally for military purposes, to ascertain the number who were 'able to go forth to war' (Num 1:28). The third census, whilst in a measure military, is also political. Its purpose is to prepare the tribes for occupation of their respective inheritances in Canaan.

"This chapter records in detail the results of the census. It lists, tribe by tribe, the numbers which each contained 'from twenty years and upward'. The sum total is slightly less than were obtained in the earlier census. In large measure the wastage is made up, so that a new generation has replaced the old" (Expos).

Num 26: Comparison of first census with second census:

Tribe	Old Census	New Census	+ Increase (-Decrease)
Reuben	46,500	43,730	- 6%
Simeon	59,300	22,200	-63%
Gad	45,650	40,500	-11%
Judah	74,600	76,500	+ 2 1/2%
Issachar	54,500	64,300	+18%
Zebulun	57,400	60,500	+ 5 1/2%
Ephraim	40,500	32,500	-20%
Manasseh	32,200	52,700	+63%
Benjamin	35,400	45,600	+29%
Dan	62,700	64,400	+ 2 1/2%
Asher	41,500	53,400	+28%
Naphtali	53,400	45,400	-15%
Totals	603,550	601,730	- 0.3%

Num 26:37

32,500: See Lesson. Large numbers in the OT.

Num 26:51

See Lesson, Large numbers in the OT.