The Book Of Numbers | A Journey Toward Human Freedom Under God's AuthoritySample

"Progress"

In Numbers 26:1-50, as God numbered his people once again, the counting reveals that the tribes of Rueban (meaning affliction), Simeon (meaning heard my affliction), and Gad (meaning troops or invaders), had shrunk in population since their previous numbering in Egypt. Though the Israel spirit was still deeply affected by the recent immorality, invasion, and plague, the hope of God hid still amongst his people. Though heartache, affliction, and opposition still remained, as it had when they first came out of slavery, God, by his grace, steadily remained faithful to shrink their struggle subtly but surely. 

God reminds his disheveled people that his promises made to Abraham are still intact. In fact, Isachaar (burden carried), Judah (Praise), Zebulan (dwelling), Ephraim (fruitful an increase), Manassah (Forget), Benjamin (son of the right hand), Dan (Judge), and Asher (happy) all had grown in number since the exile out of Egypt.

As you read a very numerically detailed passage, think through God’s faithfulness. In numbering Israel, he reveals to them and to us that he holds true to his promises despite our constant tendencies to turn and run.