Numbers 26:63
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.
These were the ones numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest
This phrase refers to the census taken by Moses and Eleazar, the son of Aaron, who succeeded his father as high priest. The census was a divine command to count the new generation of Israelites after the previous generation had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience (Numbers 14:29-35). This act of numbering was significant for organizing the tribes for military purposes and for the distribution of the Promised Land. It highlights the leadership roles of Moses as the prophet and Eleazar as the priest, emphasizing the collaboration between civil and religious leadership in Israel.

when they counted the Israelites
The counting of the Israelites was a practical necessity for the allocation of land and resources. It also served as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving a new generation to enter the Promised Land. The census was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as the previous generation's failure to trust God resulted in their exclusion from the land.

on the plains of Moab
The plains of Moab were located east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This area was significant as the final encampment of the Israelites before crossing into the Promised Land. Moab was a region with a complex relationship with Israel, sometimes hostile and at other times neutral. The location signifies a transitional phase for the Israelites, poised to enter the land promised to their ancestors. It also serves as a backdrop for the events in the Book of Deuteronomy, where Moses delivers his final speeches.

by the Jordan
The Jordan River was a critical geographical boundary for the Israelites, representing the threshold to the Promised Land. Crossing the Jordan was symbolic of entering into God's promises and leaving behind the wilderness experience. The river is often associated with new beginnings and spiritual renewal, as seen later in the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), which took place in the Jordan, symbolizing the start of His public ministry.

across from Jericho
Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land, known for its fortified walls and strategic location. The mention of Jericho foreshadows the upcoming military campaigns and the miraculous victory that God would provide (Joshua 6). Jericho's conquest is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. It also serves as a type of spiritual warfare, where faith and obedience lead to victory over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses is a central figure in the Pentateuch and is known for his close relationship with God.

2. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, Eleazar took on the role of high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of Israel during their journey to the Promised Land.

3. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel. They were God's chosen people, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt and led through the wilderness.

4. The Plains of Moab
A region east of the Jordan River, where the Israelites camped before entering the Promised Land. This location is significant as it represents the final stage of their wilderness journey.

5. The Jordan River and Jericho
The Jordan River was the boundary the Israelites needed to cross to enter the Promised Land. Jericho was the first city they would encounter and conquer under Joshua's leadership.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Moses and Eleazar exemplify godly leadership, taking responsibility for the spiritual and practical needs of the people. Leaders today are called to guide with integrity and faithfulness.

Preparation for God's Promises
The census was a preparation step for entering the Promised Land. Believers are encouraged to prepare their hearts and lives for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Generational Faithfulness
The census marks a new generation ready to enter the Promised Land. It highlights the importance of passing faith and obedience to the next generation.

Trust in God's Timing
The Israelites had to wait for God's timing to enter the Promised Land. Believers are reminded to trust in God's perfect timing for their lives.

Community and Accountability
The census underscores the importance of community and accountability among God's people. Christians are called to support and hold each other accountable in their faith journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Moses and Eleazar in conducting the census reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the promises God has for us, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land?

3. How can we ensure that we are passing on our faith to the next generation, as seen in the transition from the old to the new generation in Israel?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' journey about trusting in God's timing and plan for our lives?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability within our church or small group, similar to the communal aspect of the census?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:25
This verse provides background on Eleazar, detailing his lineage and role as a priest, which is crucial for understanding his authority in conducting the census alongside Moses.

Joshua 4:19
This verse describes the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River, connecting the census in Numbers 26:63 to the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the Promised Land.

Hebrews 3:16-19
This passage reflects on the Israelites' unbelief and disobedience in the wilderness, providing context for the new generation being counted in the census.
The Census of IsraelCharles Haddon Spurgeon Numbers 26:63
The Census of IsraelSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 26:63-65
The Certainty of the Fulfilment of God's Threatened Judgments and Promised MerciesT. Doig, M. A.Numbers 26:63-65
The Faithfulness of GodW. Jones.Numbers 26:63-65
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
Across, Counted, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Israelites, Jericho, Jordan, Lowlands, Moab, Numbered, Plains, Priest, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:63-65

     5266   conscription

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Numbers 26:63 NIV
Numbers 26:63 NLT
Numbers 26:63 ESV
Numbers 26:63 NASB
Numbers 26:63 KJV

Numbers 26:63 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Numbers 26:62
Top of Page
Top of Page