Numbers 1

We begin today with a new book of the Bible: Numbers. Although there is plenty of quantitative data to sift through in this portion of Scripture, there is so much more to this book than…numbers. For instance, you will soon realize, if you haven’t already, that the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land is a lot like our daily walk in the present. There are promises from God to claim, enemy giants that attempt to deter God’s people from entering and conquering the land promised to them, grumbling on the part of those set apart to God, punishment for unbelief, and standing at the threshold of victory. Numbers also contains many mentions of warfare, and this, too, reminds us that spiritual warfare is ever-present as we make our way to eternity. Plenty more on all of that in the days to come; for now, let’s turn our attention to Numbers 1. 

To begin, we must understand that very little time has elapsed between the end of Leviticus and the beginning of Numbers. God is preparing the people to leave Mount Sinai and continue their trek to Canaan, but before they do, Moses receives instructions from God to take a census of the people (vv. 2-3). Specifically, every male “twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war,” was to be counted (v. 3). The only exception was the tribe of Levi, a group that was devoted to God for priestly service in the tabernacle. “So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers' houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel—all those listed were 603,550” (vv. 45-46). 

There were several thoughts I’d love for you to ponder as you read through the initial chapter:

·       There were over 600,000 fighting men accounted for in this census. With women and children, it’s not a stretch to estimate that the Israelites numbered over two million in total population. A far cry (and faithful fulfillment) from when God promised Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5), even before Abraham had any children. 

·       Granted, this task was not as arduous as one may think, as the grouping of the tribes helped expedite this mission to count those fit for battle. However, this was still a monumental job, and one that required assistance to complete. And thankfully, God again provided the help needed to do what He called Moses to. Have you been asked by God to do something massive in scope or beyond your capabilities? Look to Him to provide what is needed to do all He has called you to.   

·       This census-taking command from God to Moses was given on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. And on the first day of the second month, Moses began the census (v. 18). Immediate obedience, even though this seemed like a tall order. How was Moses able to respond so quickly? I believe it is because he had already predetermined that, for anything God called him to, his response was to submit. It seems as if Moses had surrendered himself to the Father in advance, which meant there was no debate when God commanded him to act. What a lesson we can learn from our own lives as well. 

·       Lastly, I’m sure you have heard it said, “There is strength in numbers.” How kind of God to help the Israelites see that hundreds of thousands of men would be able to fight against those standing in the way of their inheritance? Even more so, how kind it is of God to give us countless brothers and sisters in Christ (not to mention a heavenly host of angels, as exemplified in Daniel 10) who can engage our common enemy, the devil, in spiritual warfare? Be encouraged, my friends, that you are not alone as you walk the narrow path that leads to life!

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Who is in your army engaging in spiritual warfare alongside you? Have you thanked God for them today? 

·       What will it take for your heart to be ready to obey the moment God commands you to act?