Numbers 26

Numbers 26:1-51

The writer recorded the numbers of each tribe in these verses. He also included historical notes recalling the sins of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 26:9-11) as well as those of Er and Onan (Numbers 26:19). Perhaps he included these to remind the Israelites of these sins so they would not repeat them in the future. A comparison of the censuses demonstrates that God could still fulfill His promises to the patriarchs even though the Israelites’ failures had postponed their fulfillment. This is one of the most important revelations of the Book of Numbers. “It is utterly remarkable that the total number has remained nearly unchanged even though the people have lived under the most trying conditions for a period of thirty-eight years.. . . God’s faithfulness to his people is grandly celebrated with this triumphant chapter of census!” [Note: Allen, “Numbers,” p. 938.

Numbers 26:52-56

Moses apportioned the land to each tribe according to its population. The casting of lots determined the location of each tribal inheritance in Canaan later (Numbers 26:54; Joshua 13:7-33).

Numbers 26:57-62

Here Moses recorded the census of the Levites. Moses and Aaron were Kohathites (Exodus 6:18-20). Their parents’ names were Amram and Jochebed (Numbers 26:59).

Numbers 26:63-65

The chapter closes with a testimony to the faithfulness of God. All but Caleb and Joshua had died in the wilderness, as He had promised. God had preserved the nation and would bring her into the land as He had guaranteed the patriarchs. Nevertheless He had judged the unbelieving generation. This chapter looks backward over the past 38 years and forward to entrance into Canaan.