Numbers 26 recounts a second census taken by Moses and Eleazar to determine the number of Israelites ready to enter the Promised Land. The chapter begins with God commanding Moses and Eleazar to count the people from the age of twenty and above, excluding the Levites. The twelve tribes are listed along with their respective numbers, reflecting the growth of Israel since the first census in the wilderness. However, the tribe of Simeon experienced a significant decrease in population.
The chapter also mentions notable individuals who played significant roles in Israel’s history, such as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who rebelled against Moses and were consumed by the earth. The total number of Israelites counted in the census was 601,730.
This chapter highlights the importance of counting and organizing the people of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It shows the fulfillment of God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants and serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God’s appointed leaders.
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