Numbers 26-27
Today’s reading begins with God instructing Moses and Eleazar to take a second census of the people, “all in Israel who are able to go to war” (26:2). As you read through these records, you will notice that some tribes dramatically grew in number since the first census was taken, others took a sharp decline, while others remained close to their initial tally. All told, 601,730 fighting men were counted (26:51), down from 603,550 from the first time God ordered a census to be taken (Numbers 1:46). One would have thought, after close to 40 years between the two censuses, the nation of Israel’s population would have increased considerably, but keep in mind that “not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had listed the people of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai” was numbered in this most recent census, as all but Caleb and Joshua had died (26:64-65). We see it with Israel, and we know to be true in our lives, that stagnation often occurs when people are disobedient to God’s commands or unwilling to, in faith, take hold of His promises. However, God’s hand of favor and blessing is upon those who joyfully delight in submitting their lives to Him.
After hearing God outline how the Promised Land would be distributed among the tribes of Israel, the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses and Eleazar, contending that they should not be excluded from receiving a portion of the land that was due to their father now that he had died and had no sons. David Guzik notes, “the daughters of Zelophehad [showed] they were real women of faith, concerned about dividing up what they did not yet have in their hands, but knew they would possess by faith.”[i] Unsure of how to respond, Moses seeks God’s counsel (a great example for us to emulate), to which the LORD replied, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them” (27:7). Of course, we don’t know the motive of God here, but I have to wonder if He was rewarding the faith of these women (as we see that tendency numerous times elsewhere in Scripture).
Numbers 27 closes with a pivotal moment for Israel and its leadership. God instructs Moses to go up Mount Abarim to see the land that the Israelites would enter, but also informs him that when he does, he will “be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled, failing to uphold me as holy at the waters before their eyes” (27:13-14). Instead of pleading for God to reconsider, Moses prays that the LORD would appoint a new leader to shepherd the congregation. “So the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey’” (27:18-20). Moses did as God commanded, and soon the transition in leadership would be complete. I would love to offer you a few takeaways from this passage before we move into a time of reflection:
· Moses submitted his ministry of Israel to God’s timeline. Similarly, those tasked with leading in the Church should be sensitive to God’s voice regarding the length of time they are to remain in their roles.
· Moses asked for, and God ensured, a smooth transition in leadership for those entrusted to his care. Likewise, individual churches would be wise to proactively plan for—with God’s counsel—changes in leadership.
· Moses did not want the nation of Israel to “be as sheep that have no shepherd” (27:17). So, God immediately identifies Joshua (whose name translated from the Hebrew text means “the LORD is salvation”[ii]) to take the reins to lead the people into the Promised Land. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus (the Good Shepherd with the same Hebrew name as Joshua) will be the One to lead God’s people into the promised new heaven and new earth? Perhaps God was foreshadowing in Joshua’s assigned ministry what we will experience with our Lord and Savior.
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Journal responses to the following prompts:
· Have you experienced spiritual stagnation after disobeying God’s commands or showing an unwillingness to, in faith, take hold of His promises?
· How can a smooth, proactive, God-led transition in leadership be a blessing to a congregation (or organization)?
[i] Study Guide for Numbers 27. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/numbers/numbers-27.cfm
[ii] Bible introductions – Joshua. (n.d.) Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/joshua-intro.cfm