Commentary and reflection:

There are difficult passages in Scripture that jolt us to attention. Today’s reading of Numbers 26, 27 reveals a nation, God’s called people, recovering from a national moral crisis from the plague that swept through certain leaders because of their shocking and appalling spiritual compromise to Baal worship. Twenty-four thousand had rebelled and were now dead.

Now, the LORD commanded Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron, to take a census of all Israel twenty years and older, who would be able to form an army. So, a census was taken of each clan, and we read the results in Numbers 26. None of those counted were among the generations who rebelled at the Jordan years before, when the nation believed the spies who crossed over to explore the Promised Land. Baby sons less than a month old however, did not experience the fate of the doubting generation, and were now welcomed and counted in the census including two very special soldiers. Who were they? It was “Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” These two men remained faithful to God’s promises when the spies spread doubt and fear. God kept his promise that none of the previous generation would see the Promised Land because of their unbelief in God’s grace, mercy, and power to save them from their enemies.

But why a census? Further study is recommended. For our purposes, let us note that God is passionate that all His people are valued and included. All His people are to prepare for the future crossing into the Promised Land. The Lord is telling us that none should be lost. Also, Israel will need an organized army as they take back possession of the land of their beginnings. There is a time of weeping for those who rebelled. Yet there is a time to rejoice that God has not abandoned His inheritance and will strengthen the community of believers to press on.

In Numbers 27 there are two substantive accounts. The first reveals the justice of God and his people when Zelophehad’s daughters came to Moses with a request that since the men of their clan all died, there was no official name whereby, they might “inherit the land.” This request took place in front of the entire assembly. Wow—They were respectful but bold in their request. While Moses was indeed judge in Israel, he took this one to the Lord. In today’s terms he might have said, “this is way above my paygrade.” Their request was granted.

The second account is the calling and anointing of Joshua to begin taking “some” of Moses’ responsibilities. Moses went up on the mountain again to meet with the Lord and prayed the following. “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd, Numbers 27:16, 17. The Lord chose Joshua. “Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses, verse 23.”

These two chapters draw our attention to four major issues: Sin and judgment, formation of an army, justice among the clans, and calling and commissioning of a leader. Each story deserves thoughtful consideration. Let’s consider a question from each story.

1. Am I part of the remnant who will remain faithful to the Lord, avoiding sin and rebellion?

2. Am I willing to be counted for God’s holy purposes and prepare to enter the promised land?

3. Am I willing to help others regarding matters of justice in my community?

4. Am I willing to be called by the Lord for His purposes?

May the Lord bless you and keep you.