Numbers 26:3
New International Version
So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and said,

New Living Translation
So there on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued these instructions to the leaders of Israel:

English Standard Version
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

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

Berean Literal Bible
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, saying,

King James Bible
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

New King James Version
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying:

New American Standard Bible
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

NASB 1995
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

NASB 1977
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Amplified Bible
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with the people in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Berean Annotated Bible
So on the plains of Moab (of his father) by the Jordan (flowing down), across from Jericho (city of palms), Moses (drawn out) and Eleazar (God has helped) the priest issued the instruction,

Christian Standard Bible
So Moses and the priest Eleazar said to them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Moses and Eleazar the priest said to them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, “

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

Contemporary English Version
Israel was now camped in the hills of Moab across the Jordan River from the town of Jericho. Moses and Eleazar told them

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Moses and the priest Eleazar spoke to the Israelites on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River across from Jericho. They said,

International Standard Version
Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke to them in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan River in Jericho.

NET Bible
So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan River across from Jericho. They said,

New Heart English Bible
Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued the instruction,

World English Bible
Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses speaks—Eleazar the priest also—with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, [near] Jericho, saying,

Berean Literal Bible
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, saying,

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses speaketh -- Eleazar the priest also -- with them, in the plains of Moab, by Jordan, near Jericho, saying,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will speak, and Eleazar the priest, with them in the desert of Moab of Jericho, saying,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moses therefore and Eleazar the priest, being in the plains of Moab upon the Jordan over against Jericho, spoke to them that were

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, Moses and Eleazar the priest, who were in the plains of Moab, above the Jordan, opposite Jericho, spoke to those who were

New American Bible
So on the plains of Moab along the Jordan at Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest enrolled them,

New Revised Standard Version
Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses and Eleazar the priest talked with the people in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe and Eliazar the Priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan of Yerikho.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke in Araboth of Moab at the Jordan by Jericho, saying,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Second Census of Israel
2“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.” 3So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued the instruction, 4“Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older, as the LORD has commanded Moses.” And these were the Israelites who came out of the land of Egypt:…

Cross References
So on the plains of Moab

Joshua 13:32
These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho.

Deuteronomy 32:49
“Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession.

Deuteronomy 34:1
Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan,
by the Jordan,

Joshua 3:1
Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.

Joshua 4:19
On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.

Joshua 1:14
Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them,
across from Jericho,

Joshua 3:16
the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

Joshua 4:13
About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.

Joshua 5:10
On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover.
Moses and Eleazar the priest

Numbers 32:2
So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said,

Numbers 27:2
the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said,

Numbers 31:13
And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation went to meet them outside the camp.
issued the instruction,

Numbers 32:28
So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel.

Numbers 36:13
These are the commandments and ordinances that the LORD gave the Israelites through Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.

Deuteronomy 31:9
So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
Numbers 1:1-3
On the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai. He said: / “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Numbers 1:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

1 Chronicles 21:1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

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Numbers 26
1. The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab
52. The law of dividing among them the inheritance of the land
57. The families and number of the Levites
63. None but Caleb and Joshua was left of those who were numbered at Sinai












So on the plains of Moab
The plains of Moab refer to the region east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This area was significant as it was the final encampment of the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. Moab was a territory inhabited by the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. The plains were a strategic location for the Israelites, providing a staging ground for their entry into Canaan. This setting underscores the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of Canaan.

by the Jordan
The Jordan River was a critical geographical landmark for the Israelites. It represented the boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. Crossing the Jordan was symbolic of entering into God's promises. The river is often associated with new beginnings and spiritual renewal, as seen in the later baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan.

across from Jericho
Jericho was one of the first major cities the Israelites would encounter in Canaan. Its mention here foreshadows the upcoming conquest and the miraculous victory God would provide. Jericho's strategic location made it a key military target, and its fall would demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His promises.

Moses and Eleazar the priest
Moses, the leader of the Israelites, and Eleazar, the son of Aaron and the high priest, represent both civil and religious authority. Their partnership in issuing instructions highlights the integration of spiritual and communal leadership. Eleazar's role as priest emphasizes the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with God during this transitional period.

issued the instruction
The issuing of instruction by Moses and Eleazar signifies the continuation of God's guidance through His appointed leaders. This moment reflects the importance of obedience to divine commands as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The instructions given were likely related to the census and organization of the tribes, ensuring readiness for the challenges ahead.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses is a central figure in the Pentateuch and is known for his close relationship with God.

2. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, Eleazar took on the role of high priest after Aaron's death. He played a significant role in the spiritual leadership of Israel.

3. Plains of Moab
A region east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This location is significant as it is where the Israelites camped before entering the Promised Land.

4. Jordan River
A major river in the Middle East, serving as a boundary for the Promised Land. It is a symbol of transition and new beginnings for the Israelites.

5. Jericho
A city located near the Jordan River, known for its fortified walls. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Succession
Moses and Eleazar represent a model of leadership transition. God’s work continues through successive generations, and it is crucial to prepare future leaders to carry on His mission.

Faithfulness in Transition
The location on the plains of Moab signifies a period of waiting and preparation. Believers are often called to be faithful in times of transition, trusting in God’s timing and promises.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Eleazar’s role as a priest underscores the importance of spiritual guidance and intercession. Spiritual leaders are vital in helping communities remain focused on God’s will.

God’s Promises and Fulfillment
The proximity to the Jordan River and Jericho reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will bring them to their "Promised Land" in His perfect timing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 26:3?

2. How does Numbers 26:3 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

3. What role did Moses and Eleazar play in the census of Israel?

4. How does the census in Numbers 26:3 connect to God's covenant with Abraham?

5. Why is obedience to God's commands crucial, as seen in Numbers 26:3?

6. How can we apply the principle of accountability from Numbers 26:3 today?

7. Why did Moses and Eleazar conduct a census in Numbers 26:3?

8. How does Numbers 26:3 reflect God's promise to Israel?

9. What is the significance of the location "plains of Moab" in Numbers 26:3?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26?

11. Where did Moses view the Promised Land before dying?

12. Numbers 10:33-36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary?

13. In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands?

14. What does the term 'Promised Land' refer to?
What Does Numbers 26:3 Mean
So

The little word “so” links this verse to the storyline that came just before. Israel has just experienced judgment for sin (Numbers 25:1-9) and now needs fresh direction for the future.

• It signals a transition—moving from discipline to preparation, much like God often turns chastening into new beginnings (Hebrews 12:10-11; Romans 8:28).

• It also shows continuity: the same God who dealt with sin now guides His people toward promise (Psalm 32:8).


on the plains of Moab

This geographic note plants us in the final staging area before Canaan (Numbers 22:1).

• Moab’s plains became a classroom where God reviewed His covenant (Deuteronomy 29:1) and restated His law (Deuteronomy 1:5).

• Being camped here reminds us the journey is almost complete—forty wilderness years are ending (Deuteronomy 2:14).

• It underscores that obedience in the “waiting room” matters just as much as victory in the Promised Land (Philippians 1:6).


by the Jordan

The Jordan River marked the last natural barrier to inheritance (Joshua 3:17).

• God often positions His people “by the Jordan” moments before breakthrough, asking for trust (Joshua 1:2).

• The river pictures transition—Jesus was baptized there before launching His ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

• Here it reminds Israel—and us—that God’s promises are literal places and real experiences, not mere ideas (2 Corinthians 1:20).


across from Jericho

Jericho loomed as the first fortress to be conquered in Canaan (Joshua 6:1).

• Mentioning it emphasizes that faith must face real opposition (Ephesians 6:12).

• The people could see their future challenge while still hearing God’s word—preparation always precedes battle (Ephesians 6:17).


Moses and Eleazar the priest

Leadership is highlighted: Moses, the prophet-shepherd, and Eleazar, the new high priest after Aaron’s death (Numbers 20:28).

• God uses generational partnership—aging Moses and rising Eleazar—to steady the nation (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

• Their unity models how civil and spiritual authority should cooperate under God (1 Peter 5:2-3).


issued the instruction

Verse 2 clarifies that the instruction was to take a second census.

• Counting the tribes established who would receive land (Numbers 26:52-56) and who could serve in battle (Numbers 1:3).

• It confirmed God’s preservation: despite loss, He kept His covenant people intact (Psalm 33:11).

• The act looked forward to distribution of inheritance—mirroring how Christ now prepares places for us (John 14:2) and assigns us service (Ephesians 2:10).


summary

Numbers 26:3 sets a scene of poised anticipation. After judgment and decades of wandering, Israel stands on Moab’s plains, beside the Jordan, staring at Jericho. God speaks through Moses and Eleazar, directing a new census to organize inheritance and warfare. The verse reminds us that God’s word meets us in specific places, readies us for real battles, and secures our future.

Verse 3. - Spake with them, i.e., no doubt with the responsible chiefs, who must have assisted in this census, as in the previous one (chapter Numbers 1:4), although the fact is not mentioned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So on the plains
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת (bə·‘ar·ḇōṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6160: Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee

of Moab
מוֹאָ֑ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

by
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Jordan,
יַרְדֵּ֥ן (yar·dên)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

across from Jericho,
יְרֵח֖וֹ (yə·rê·ḥōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3405: Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

and Eleazar
וְאֶלְעָזָ֧ר (wə·’el·‘ā·zār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 499: Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

issued
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

the instruction,
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Law: Numbers 26:3 Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke (Nu Num.)
Numbers 26:2
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