Topical Bible: Israel: The People Numbered for the Allotment of the Land

◄ Israel: The People Numbered for the Allotment of the Land ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The numbering of the people of Israel for the allotment of the land is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapters 26 and 34, and it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Context and Purpose

The census of the Israelites was commanded by God to Moses as they encamped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, across from Jericho. This was the second census taken during the Israelites' wilderness journey, the first being recorded in Numbers 1. The primary purpose of this census was to prepare for the division and allotment of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. It was essential to determine the number of men eligible for military service and to ensure a fair distribution of the land based on the size of each tribe.

The Census

Numbers 26 details the census, which was conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest. The census counted all males aged twenty years and older who were able to go to war. The total number of men counted was 601,730. This census was significant as it marked a new generation of Israelites, since the previous generation had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith, as decreed by God (Numbers 14:29-35).

Tribal Allotments

The allotment of the land was to be determined by lot, as instructed by God. The size of each tribe's inheritance was to correspond to the number of names listed in the census. Numbers 26:52-56 states: "The LORD then said to Moses, 'The land is to be divided among them as an inheritance based on the number of names. Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. But the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of their ancestral tribes. Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.'"

The Role of Eleazar and Joshua

In Numbers 34, God further instructs Moses on the leaders who would oversee the division of the land. Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun were appointed to distribute the land, with one leader from each tribe assisting in the process. This ensured that the division was conducted fairly and in accordance with divine instructions.

Significance

The numbering of the people and the subsequent allotment of the land were crucial in establishing the Israelites in the Promised Land. It was a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs and a testament to His faithfulness. The division of the land by lot also emphasized the sovereignty of God in determining the inheritance of each tribe, reinforcing the belief that the land was a divine gift rather than a human achievement.

This event set the stage for the Israelites' settlement in Canaan and the establishment of their tribal territories, which would play a significant role in their history and identity as God's chosen people.

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Numbers 26:1
And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,
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