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Numbers 26

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‹ Chapter 25 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 27 ›

1 After the plague had ended, the LORD said to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, 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." 3 So 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: 5 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, 6 the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. 7 These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730. 8 Now the son of Pallu was Eliab, 9 and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. It was Dathan and Abiram, chosen by the congregation, who fought against Moses and Aaron with the followers of Korah who rebelled against the LORD. 10 And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign. 11 However, the line of Korah did not die out. 12 These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jachinite clan from Jachin, 13 the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul. 14 These were the clans of Simeon, and there were 22,200 men. 15 These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni, 16 the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri, 17 the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli. 18 These were the clans of Gad, and their registration numbered 40,500. 19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. 20 These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. 21 And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul. 22 These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500. 23 These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Punite clan from Puvah, 24 the Jashubite clan from Jashub, and the Shimronite clan from Shimron. 25 These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300. 26 These were the descendants of Zebulun by their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered, the Elonite clan from Elon, and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel. 27 These were the clans of Zebulun, and their registration numbered 60,500. 28 The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. 30 These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, 31 the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem, 32 the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher. 33 Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700. 35 These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Becherite clan from Becher, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan. 36 And the descendants of Shuthelah were the Eranite clan from Eran. 37 These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500. These clans were the descendants of Joseph. 38 These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, 39 the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham. 40 And the descendants of Bela from Ard and Naaman were the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman. 41 These were the clans of Benjamin, and their registration numbered 45,600. 42 These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan. 43 All of them were Shuhamite clans, and their registration numbered 64,400. 44 These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah. 45 And these were the descendants of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber and the Malchielite clan from Malchiel. 46 And the name of Asher’s daughter was Serah. 47 These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 53,400. 48 These were the descendants of Naphtali by their clans: The Jahzeelite clan from Jahzeel, the Gunite clan from Guni, 49 the Jezerite clan from Jezer, and the Shillemite clan from Shillem. 50 These were the clans of Naphtali, and their registration numbered 45,400. 51 These men of Israel numbered 601,730 in all. 52 Then the LORD said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. 54 Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. 55 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. 56 Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes." 57 Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari. 58 These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram, 59 and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam. 60 Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron, 61 but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. 62 The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites. 63 These were the ones numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. 64 Among all these, however, there was not one who had been numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the LORD had told them that they would surely die in the wilderness. Not one was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

‹ Chapter 25 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 27 ›

Study Notes — Numbers 26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to conduct a census of the Israelites, excluding the Levites, who were responsible for the tabernacle and its services (Numbers 26:1-2). The census reveals that the total number of Israelite men aged 20 and above is 601,730, which is a decrease from the first census due to the deaths that occurred during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 26:51). The chapter also discusses the allocation of land to the various tribes based on their population sizes (Numbers 26:52-56). Additionally, the daughters of Zelophehad, who had no brothers, approach Moses to request an inheritance, and God establishes a new law regarding the inheritance of property by daughters in such cases (Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11).

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 26 is situated in the larger narrative of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, which serves as a backdrop for the story of God's redemption and faithfulness. The chapter follows the events of Numbers 25, where the Israelites rebelled against God and were punished, and precedes the events of Numbers 27, where the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses to request an inheritance. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which points to the coming of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Numbers 26 to our lives by recognizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the faithfulness of God in sustaining us despite our rebellions. We can also learn from the example of the daughters of Zelophehad, who demonstrated faith and perseverance in the face of uncertainty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Numbers 26 is about the second census of the Israelites, which took place after a plague. The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience. The census also shows how God allocated land to the different tribes based on their population sizes. As believers, we can learn from the example of the Israelites and strive to obey God's commands, trusting in His faithfulness to sustain us.

Voices from the Church

“The census was a reminder to the Israelites of their dependence on God and their obligation to obey His commands.”

— John Calvin

“The faithfulness of God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, and Numbers 26 is no exception, for it shows us that God remains faithful even when His people are not.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Census (Numbers 26:1-4) — God instructs Moses to conduct a census of the Israelites, excluding the Levites.
  2. The Census Results (Numbers 26:5-51) — The census reveals that the total number of Israelite men aged 20 and above is 601,730.
  3. The Allocation of Land (Numbers 26:52-56) — God instructs Moses to allocate land to the various tribes based on their population sizes.
  4. The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11) — The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses to request an inheritance, and God establishes a new law regarding the inheritance of property by daughters.
  5. Conclusion (Numbers 26:64-65) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the faithfulness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Core Doctrines

The Faithfulness of God
Numbers 26 demonstrates God's faithfulness in sustaining the Israelites despite their rebellions, highlighting the importance of obedience to His commands.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, as those who rebelled against Moses and Aaron were not present for the second census.
The Significance of the Tribe of Levi
The Levites played a crucial role in the Israelite community, and their exclusion from the census serves as a reminder of their unique responsibilities and privileges.
The Allocation of Land
The chapter shows how God allocated land to the different tribes based on their population sizes, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God's provisions.

Lessons from Numbers 26

  1. The Importance of Obedience — Numbers 26 teaches us that obedience to God's commands is crucial for our well-being and sustenance.
  2. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates God's faithfulness in sustaining the Israelites despite their rebellions, highlighting the importance of trust in His provisions.
  3. Perseverance and Faith — The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us about the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty.
  4. The Significance of the Tribe of Levi — The Levites played a crucial role in the Israelite community, and their exclusion from the census serves as a reminder of their unique responsibilities and privileges.
  5. The Allocation of Land — The chapter shows how God allocated land to the different tribes based on their population sizes, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God's provisions.

Themes from Numbers 26

  1. The Faithfulness of God — Numbers 26 demonstrates God's faithfulness in sustaining the Israelites despite their rebellions, highlighting the importance of obedience to His commands.
  2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, as those who rebelled against Moses and Aaron were not present for the second census.
  3. The Significance of the Tribe of Levi — The Levites played a crucial role in the Israelite community, and their exclusion from the census serves as a reminder of their unique responsibilities and privileges.
  4. Perseverance and Faith — The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us about the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty.
  5. The Allocation of Land — The chapter shows how God allocated land to the different tribes based on their population sizes, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God's provisions.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from the example of the Israelites in Numbers 26 about the importance of obedience to God's commands?
  2. How does the faithfulness of God demonstrated in Numbers 26 encourage you to trust in His provisions and sustenance?
  3. What can we learn from the story of the daughters of Zelophehad about perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty?
  4. How does the allocation of land in Numbers 26 relate to the broader biblical theme of the kingdom of God?
  5. What are some ways in which we can apply the principles of Numbers 26 to our lives, recognizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Census (Numbers 26:1-4)

26:1 God instructs Moses to conduct a census of the Israelites, excluding the Levites.
26:2 The census is to be conducted by the leaders of the tribes, who are to count the men aged 20 and above.

2. The Census Results (Numbers 26:5-51)

26:5 The census reveals that the total number of Israelite men aged 20 and above is 601,730.
26:33 The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses to request an inheritance.

3. The Allocation of Land (Numbers 26:52-56)

26:52 God instructs Moses to allocate land to the various tribes based on their population sizes.
26:55 The allocation of land is to be done by lot, to ensure fairness and impartiality.

4. Conclusion (Numbers 26:64-65)

26:64 The chapter concludes with a reminder of the faithfulness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands.
26:65 The Israelites are instructed to obey God's commands and to trust in His provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the census in Numbers 26?

The purpose of the census was to determine the population size of the Israelites and to allocate land to the various tribes accordingly (Numbers 26:1-4).

Who were the daughters of Zelophehad, and what was their significance in the chapter?

The daughters of Zelophehad were a group of women who approached Moses to request an inheritance, as they had no brothers (Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11).

What can we learn from the example of the Israelites in Numbers 26 about the importance of obedience to God's commands?

The chapter teaches us that obedience to God's commands is crucial for our well-being and sustenance, and that disobedience can have severe consequences (Numbers 26:1-4, Numbers 26:64-65).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Numbers 26:1 → Exodus 30:12 The census in Numbers 26 is similar to the census in Exodus 30:12, where God instructs Moses to conduct a census of the Israelites.
2 Numbers 26:33 → Numbers 27:1-11 The story of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 26:33 is continued in Numbers 27:1-11, where God establishes a new law regarding the inheritance of property by daughters.
3 Numbers 26:52 → Joshua 14:1-5 The allocation of land in Numbers 26:52 is similar to the allocation of land in Joshua 14:1-5, where God instructs Joshua to allocate land to the various tribes.
4 Numbers 26:64 → Psalm 78:56-64 The faithfulness of God demonstrated in Numbers 26:64 is similar to the faithfulness of God described in Psalm 78:56-64, where God's faithfulness is contrasted with the rebelliousness of the Israelites.
5 Numbers 26:1 → Luke 2:1-4 The census in Numbers 26:1 is similar to the census in Luke 2:1-4, where Caesar Augustus instructs the Roman Empire to conduct a census.
6 Numbers 26:33 → Galatians 3:28 The story of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 26:33 is similar to the principle described in Galatians 3:28, where Paul states that there is no distinction between male and female in Christ.
7 Numbers 26:52 → Acts 13:19 The allocation of land in Numbers 26:52 is similar to the allocation of land described in Acts 13:19, where God gives the Israelites the land of Canaan as an inheritance.
8 Numbers 26:64 → Hebrews 3:2 The faithfulness of God demonstrated in Numbers 26:64 is similar to the faithfulness of God described in Hebrews 3:2, where Jesus is described as faithful to God who appointed Him.
9 Numbers 26:1 → Revelation 20:12-15 The census in Numbers 26:1 is similar to the final judgment described in Revelation 20:12-15, where God judges the living and the dead based on their deeds.
10 Numbers 26:33 → 1 Peter 3:7 The story of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 26:33 is similar to the principle described in 1 Peter 3:7, where husbands are instructed to give honor to their wives as the weaker vessel.

Sermons on Numbers 26

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Numbers by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into key chapters in the book of Numbers, highlighting the importance of obedience, discipline, and discernment in the journey of faith. It emphasizes the conseq
Charles E. Cowman Satan's Tools by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our Christian progress, emphasizing the dangers of despondency and murmuring which

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 26

Matthew Henry's commentary on Numbers 26 emphasizes the faithfulness of God in sustaining the Israelites despite their rebellions. Henry notes that the census was a reminder to the Israelites of their dependence on God and their obligation to obey His commands. He also highlights the significance of the tribe of Levi, who were excluded from the census due to their unique responsibilities and privileges. Henry observes that the story of the daughters of Zelophehad serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty. Ultimately, Henry sees the chapter as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and a call to obedience, trusting in His provisions and sustenance. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Faithfulness of God

Despite the rebellions of the Israelites, God remains faithful and sustains them throughout their wilderness wanderings.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience, as those who rebelled against Moses and Aaron were not present for the second census.

The Significance of the Tribe of Levi

The Levites played a crucial role in the Israelite community, and their exclusion from the census serves as a reminder of their unique responsibilities and privileges.

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