The Provocation

The term "The Provocation" refers to a significant event in the history of Israel during their wilderness journey, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is primarily documented in the Book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14, and is further referenced in Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3. The Provocation, also known as the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, occurred when the Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt and witnessing numerous miracles, refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and unbelief.

In Numbers 13, Moses, following God's command, sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan. Upon their return, ten of the spies reported that the land, though fruitful, was inhabited by powerful people and fortified cities, causing fear among the Israelites. Only Joshua and Caleb, two of the spies, encouraged the people to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land. Despite their exhortation, the congregation chose to believe the negative report, leading to widespread rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

The Israelites' refusal to trust God and enter the land provoked His anger. In Numbers 14:11, the Lord said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" As a result of their unbelief, God decreed that the entire generation of Israelites who had come out of Egypt, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land. This event is a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith.

Psalm 95:8-11 reflects on this incident, urging the people not to harden their hearts as their ancestors did at Meribah and Massah in the wilderness. The New Testament book of Hebrews also references The Provocation, using it as a warning to Christians to remain faithful and obedient to God.

The Census

The Census, as recorded in the Old Testament, refers to the counting of the Israelite population on two notable occasions. The first census is detailed in Numbers 1, and the second in Numbers 26. These censuses were conducted during the Israelites' wilderness journey and served distinct purposes in the life of the nation.

The first census, commanded by God in Numbers 1:2-3, was conducted in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. The purpose was to organize the Israelites for military service and to establish the order of the camp. The census counted all men aged twenty years and older who were able to serve in the army. The total number of men counted was 603,550, excluding the Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle.

The second census, recorded in Numbers 26, took place near the end of the Israelites' forty-year journey in the wilderness. This census was conducted after the plague that followed the rebellion of Korah and served to prepare the new generation for the conquest of Canaan. The total number of men counted in this census was 601,730, again excluding the Levites. This census also determined the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as stated in Numbers 26:52-56.

The censuses highlight God's concern for order and preparation among His people. They also underscore the transition from the generation that experienced The Provocation to a new generation poised to enter the Promised Land. The censuses serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their failures and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.