Numbers 26

Devotional:
So these are the results of the registration of the people of Israel as conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho. Not one person on this list had been among those listed in the previous registration taken by Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said of them, “They will all die in the wilderness.” Not one of them survived except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. (Numbers 26:63-65).

We see here a second census, mirroring the census of the opening chapter in which the men 20 years old and older were counted. The number is very similar, once again around 600,000 people. This census shows us that God has kept His word as a new generation has emerged that will go into the Promised Land after the previous unfaithful generation has died; only Moses, Joshua, and Caleb remain. This count shows us a couple of important truths. First, the unfaithfulness and unbelief of His people cannot stop God’s plans to bring His saving grace to the world. Second, His word is always true, His promises are always kept, and His faithfulness never departs. You can count on His promises, they will never fail!

Pray it:
Father, I praise you for keeping your promises, even to people like me who often fail to keep their words. Help me to remember that the sins of your people and the sin of this world will never thwart your plan to bring restoration and transformation and thus not to fear or be discouraged by present circumstances. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?