“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel,” Numbers 1:2a
Today, as we begin the Book of Numbers, we’re told that “the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt”. It’s been over 2 years since they left Egypt. They’ve come to Mount Sinai, received the 10 Commandments, and the instructions for building the Tabernacle. They’ve held a collection among the People for the needed building materials, have built and erected it, and started their System of Morning and Evening Sacrifices, as well as those for Sin and Freewill Offerings. This is the Context of Today’s Verse as we begin this new Book where the People of God are now instructed to take a Census.
In the opening Chapters, Moses is directed to number the People of God. He starts first with the 12 Tribes (excluding Levi, but instead adding both Ephraim and Manasseh) and then on to Levi separately. The Leaders of each Tribe are introduced and Moses goes with them to each group to number the People. They are told by God to number “every male, head by head from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go to war in Israel.” Then we read about the number identified with each group and how these groups of 3 will surround the Tabernacle as they camp and how they will travel.
Consider a couple of thoughts: 1st, these were God’s People. They were chosen, their number was fixed, and they were the recipients of God’s Presence and Blessing. 2nd, from them God chose some to be dedicated to His Work. Their number was fixed, and they alone were to come near, be in His Presence and experience His Blessing! Much more could be said about this, but suffice it to say, God Distinguishes His People, from the World, and, from among one other! There is Lots here to meditate on. May God open our minds to its ramifications and allow instruction like this to shape our Understanding Theologically! You’ll see why this is important as we continue on through the OT.