The censuses of God

Monday 31 May 2021

The censuses of God

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month of the second year after their coming out of the land of Egypt, saying : Take up the sum of all the assembly of children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, by the number of names. Numbers 1:1,2

And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying : Lift up the sum of all the assembly of the children of Israel. Numbers 26:1,2

These two censuses take place, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the journey through the desert by the people of Israel. This period is essential for the formation of the people, for the fulfillment of God's plans, and for the exaltation of His goodness.

The first census concerns the Israelites over 20 who left Egypt fit for military service. The people are only 11 days from Canaan where fighting awaits them.

All the people witnessed the miracles of God and heard his commandments at Sinai. God thus made it clear that He was then taking charge of him for a great destiny. But the people have doubts and despair of being able to conquer the promised country. God will therefore judge this generation by imposing on it a long wandering during which it will die in the desert.

This is a first lesson : only faith honors God.

At the end of the crossing of the desert, worried about the progress of the people, the king of Moab tries to weaken them by seeking to make them curse by God. But, in his grace, God requires Balaam to bless Israel (see Numbers 22-24). Disappointed by this failure in the face of divine protection, Moab will tempt the people to draw upon themselves the inescapable judgment of God. Daughters of Moab train him in idolatry and fornication. The plan succeeds this time around and severe judgment falls on the people who have sinned. A righteous reaction from the priest Phinehas turns away the wrath of God and the judgment stops.

God then asks to take a second census. Only men over 20 are counted again. These did not know Egypt, they were all born in the desert, but they experienced all of God's care for many years. And, despite the judgment executed on the generation of over twenty who left Egypt, the people are still numerous.

Second lesson : despite their shortcomings, God keeps his goodness towards his people. He takes care of it until the end of the trip.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)