Wandering: A Study In NumbersНамуна

What does it say?

The Lord instructed Moses and Eleazar, the priest, to take a second census of men twenty years of age and older who were able to serve in Israel’s army.

What does it mean?

The first generation of Israelites who had left Egypt during the exodus died, except Joshua and Caleb. A second census was taken to find out how many men in each tribe would be available for battle. The Lord knew that Israel would face many conflicts as they set out to claim the land He promised them, and they would need to be prepared to face those battles. The information was also used to determine the amount of land each tribe was given. The tribe of Levi was not included in this census. They were a tribe of priests, not soldiers. God had promised that He, Himself, would be their inheritance. 

How should I respond?

We face spiritual battles every day and need to be prepared for the struggles, temptations, and choices that come our way. How do you prepare yourself each morning? Do you start the day reading God’s Word and committing your day to Him? Periodically, take a self-evaluation of areas where you need to be better armed for the task – a spiritual census. What tools and resources would better prepare you as a spouse, parent, or friend? Ask the Lord to make His battle plan clear and give you the grace to follow that plan.