Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies(Num. 1:2-3).
At the time of the census taken in the Book of Numbers, the Israelites had been out of Egypt for a little over a year. We know from our previous study of the Book of Genesis that Egypt and Canaan were not that far apart geographically. Joseph's brothers had made the trip back and forth with relative ease while seeking food during the famine. If God had intended to lead them into the land of Canaan with all due haste, then they would have been there months before. God's plan was based on permanency, not speed. Over the year since leaving Egypt, he had endeavored to turn the rag-tag band of refugees into a united nation of God-fearing people. After fulfilling their spiritual needs by providing laws and guidance, He then began organizing them for the journey ahead.
To prepare them for the conquest of Canaan, God ordered the taking of a military census. Moses, along with his brother Aaron, was instructed to number every male by their polls; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel. Soon after leaving Egypt, God promised His people that He would give them possession of the land of Canaan. For Mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off (Ex. 23:23). He promised to lead them, and He promised them victory, but He never stated that these things would happen without any effort or involvement on their part. The Lord had taken the year to prepare His people spiritually and emotionally. Now, by raising a standing army, He was physically prepping them to carry the glory of God out into the world (Ps. 24:7-8).
As we read of the birth of the nation of Israel, it is evident that the Israelites greatly desired the blessings of God. They wanted a secure and prosperous homeland (Lev. 26:3-13), and they wanted to be heirs to the promise of Abraham (Gen. 12:3). What is also apparent, however, is the fact that they expected God to do all the work. At the first sign of suffering or hardship on their part, they balked and complained (Ex. 16:3; 17:3; Num. 11:4-5). When faced with armed enemies, they whined and trembled in fear (Ex. 14:10-12; Num. 14:3; 16:3). They wanted God to work for them, but they were unwilling to work for God.
Many Christians today operate under the same misguided opinion. They have rationally and logically accepted Christ as their Savior, but they have not yet made an “entire life” commitment. They want the blessings of God, but they are unwilling to risk their worldly comforts by publicly standing for Him in all things. According to the teachings of Jesus, these unfortunate fence-riders will face unbearable disappointment when at last they come face to face with Him. Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21). How horrible it would be to hear Him say:
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity(Matt. 7:23).
Thought for Today: When God requires us to take action in His name, it is not for His benefit but our own.
Christ Revealed:By Moses, as he led the people (Num. 1:54). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:14,27).
Word Studies:1:2 take ye the sum = take the census; by their polls = number each one individually; 1:16 renowned = chosen national representative; 1:17 expressed = designated; 1:18 pedigrees = ancestry; 1:44 princes = leaders.
Pray For Supreme Court Justice:Brett Kavanaugh• Country: Samoa (196,628) South Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: Samoan, English • Religious Freedom • 57.4% Protestant; 19.4% Roman Catholic; 15.2% Mormon; 1.7% Worship Centre; 5.5% Other Christian; 0.7% Other; 0.1% None/Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Call unto the Lord and He will give you strength to overcome (Jer. 33:3).
Optional Reading Mark 15