Numbers Chapter 26
The Second Census
A. The Second Census of Israel in the Wilderness
1. (Numbers 26:1–4) The command to take the census.
“And it came to pass, after the plague, that the Lord spoke to Moses and Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers’ house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward, as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.”
The Lord commanded a new census after the devastating plague that followed Israel’s sin with Moab. This moment marked a new beginning for the nation as they prepared to finally enter the Promised Land. The first census, taken some thirty-eight years earlier at Mount Sinai, had organized the people for battle and encampment, but this new generation required fresh numbering and order.
The first census was primarily for military organization. When Israel was poised to enter Canaan the first time, they needed to know how many were capable of warfare and how they should be arranged for conquest. Yet the earlier generation’s organization was not matched by faith. Though they had the numbers and structure, they lacked the courage and trust in God to act upon His promises. This teaches that organization, though necessary, can never substitute for faith. Israel’s failure was not due to a lack of order but to unbelief. Now, under Moses and Eleazar, the Lord again ordered them to count “all who are able to go to war in Israel.” This new numbering reaffirmed their readiness for conquest, not merely in human strength but in obedience to divine command.
2. (Numbers 26:5–11) The tribe of Reuben.
“Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty. And the sons of Pallu; Eliab. And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign. Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.”
Reuben was Israel’s firstborn, and yet his tribe experienced decline. In the first census, Reuben’s tribe numbered 46,500 men of war. Now, thirty-eight years later, they counted only 43,730—a reduction of 2,770 men, or approximately six percent. This decline reflects not only the natural attrition of the wilderness years but may also suggest lingering consequences of their rebellious spirit, as seen in Dathan and Abiram, who led the insurrection against Moses and Aaron.
The record reminds us of Dathan and Abiram, who joined with Korah in defiance of God’s appointed authority. Their punishment was a warning to all Israel. When the ground opened and swallowed them alive, it demonstrated that rebellion against God’s order leads to death and destruction. Scripture notes, “they became a sign,” a visible token to future generations that the Lord does not tolerate mutiny among His people. Yet, in divine mercy, “the children of Korah died not.” Though their fathers perished in rebellion, the descendants of Korah were spared and later became temple singers (Psalm 42 and 84 bear their name). This shows that God’s grace can redeem even the lineage of those who once rebelled against Him.
3. (Numbers 26:12–14) The tribe of Simeon.
“The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.”
The tribe of Simeon experienced the most severe decline among all the tribes. In the first census, they counted 59,300 men able for war. Now, their number had dwindled to 22,200—a staggering loss of 37,100 men, roughly sixty-three percent. Such a drastic decrease was likely tied to their prominent involvement in the sin at Baal Peor (Numbers 25). Zimri, the Israelite man slain by Phinehas for his flagrant immorality with a Midianite woman, was from the tribe of Simeon (Numbers 25:14). The heavy loss among Simeon’s ranks may therefore reflect the divine judgment that fell during that plague, when 24,000 perished.
This serves as a sobering reminder that sin has consequences for generations and that disobedience can weaken even a once-strong tribe. Faithfulness preserves strength; rebellion and compromise bring decline.
4. (Numbers 26:15–18) The tribe of Gad
“The sons of Gad after their families were: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.”
The tribe of Gad, descended from Jacob’s seventh son by Zilpah, maintained a relatively stable population through the wilderness years, though they experienced a decline. In the first census, they numbered 45,650 men of war, but in this second census, their number decreased to 40,500—a reduction of 5,150 men, roughly eleven percent. This decrease reflects a modest loss compared to the devastation seen in Simeon.
Despite the loss, Gad remained a strong tribe. Their position east of the Jordan, which they would later request as their inheritance (Numbers 32), would suit their warrior disposition. Gad’s history demonstrates resilience and courage, characteristics fitting their prophetic description in Genesis 49:19, “Gad, a troop shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at the last.” The tribe’s endurance through hardship symbolizes persistence amid divine chastisement.
5. (Numbers 26:19–22) The tribe of Judah
“The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites; of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites. And the sons of Pharez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.”
Judah, the royal tribe, maintained strength and stability through the wilderness period. The first census recorded 74,600 men of war, and the second revealed 76,500, an increase of 1,900, or about three percent. Though modest in percentage, it represents sustained vitality and blessing in the midst of judgment upon others.
The record again mentions Er and Onan, who perished in Canaan before Israel’s descent into Egypt (Genesis 38:7–10), underscoring that God’s purposes continue even when individuals fail. Judah’s line would eventually bring forth David and, in the fullness of time, the Messiah Himself, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Their strength here foreshadows divine favor upon their future inheritance and leadership role among the tribes.
6. (Numbers 26:23–25) The tribe of Issachar
“The sons of Issachar after their families were: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Pua, the family of the Punites; of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.”
Issachar’s tribe demonstrated substantial growth during the wilderness years. In the first census, they numbered 54,400; in the second, 64,300—a gain of 9,900, approximately eighteen percent. This increase signifies the Lord’s blessing and favor upon a tribe marked by diligence and faithfulness.
Issachar was known later for discernment and wisdom. First Chronicles 12:32 records, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Their numerical increase reflects both their faithfulness to the covenant and their steady trust in God’s direction. The tribe’s growth stands in sharp contrast to Simeon’s decline, showing that obedience and prudence bring prosperity, while rebellion leads to loss.
7. (Numbers 26:26–27) The tribe of Zebulun
“The sons of Zebulun after their families were: of Sered, the family of the Sardites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.”
Zebulun, descended from Leah’s sixth son, also experienced growth. The first census numbered 57,400, while this second count reached 60,500—an increase of 3,100, or about five percent. Their modest yet steady increase represents the quiet blessing of those who remain faithful in obscurity.
In the prophetic blessings of Jacob and Moses, Zebulun was portrayed as a tribe connected with the sea and commerce: “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships” (Genesis 49:13). Their later location in Galilee would become significant in the ministry of Christ, as Isaiah 9:1–2 prophesied and Matthew 4:15–16 confirmed: “The land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea… the people which sat in darkness saw great light.” The increase of Zebulun here foreshadows the spiritual fruit that would one day come from their territory when the Light of the world appeared there.
8. (Numbers 26:28–34) The tribe of Manasseh
“The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim. The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites. These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. But Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them were fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.”
Manasseh, one of Joseph’s two sons born in Egypt, experienced tremendous growth during Israel’s wilderness journey. In the first census, Manasseh numbered 32,200 men of war, but now they count 52,700—a remarkable increase of 20,500, or about sixty-four percent. This is the largest recorded gain among the tribes of Israel.
Manasseh’s growth reveals the Lord’s favor upon the descendants of Joseph. Their father had been faithful amid adversity, and his faithfulness bore fruit generations later. This blessing aligns with Jacob’s prophetic word over Joseph in Genesis 49:22, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” The same fruitfulness marked his sons, even in the wilderness.
This passage also introduces the daughters of Zelophehad, who would later play a significant role in Israel’s inheritance laws (Numbers 27:1–11). Their appearance here underscores the care God shows for every household and individual in Israel, even those without sons. The Lord’s blessing upon Manasseh reminds us that faithfulness and spiritual fruit often come through patient endurance in trials.
9. (Numbers 26:35–37) The tribe of Ephraim
“These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites; of Becher, the family of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.”
Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son, experienced a noticeable decline during the wilderness period. The first census recorded 40,500 men ready for battle, while the second revealed 32,500—a decrease of 8,000, or about twenty percent. Though Ephraim had been favored in Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 48:19), their decline here illustrates that divine favor can be hindered by disobedience or lack of faith.
In later history, Ephraim would become a leading tribe in the northern kingdom and often symbolized Israel as a whole. Yet they frequently turned to idolatry, as Hosea 4:17 declares, “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.” The tribe’s decrease in the wilderness foreshadows their spiritual weakness in later generations. This serves as a solemn reminder that privilege brings responsibility; being chosen by God demands steadfast obedience and humility before Him.
10. (Numbers 26:38–41) The tribe of Benjamin
“The sons of Benjamin after their families were: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.”
Benjamin’s tribe showed impressive growth during the wilderness journey. From 35,400 in the first census, their numbers rose to 45,600—a gain of 10,200, or twenty-nine percent. Despite being the smallest tribe at the beginning, Benjamin’s increase demonstrated divine preservation and favor.
Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, was deeply beloved by his father and spared in ways that reflect God’s mercy. From this tribe would later come Saul, Israel’s first king, and the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest servants of Christ (Philippians 3:5). The growth of Benjamin’s tribe in the wilderness symbolizes strength rising from humility, showing how God often exalts what man considers small or insignificant.
11. (Numbers 26:42–43) The tribe of Dan
“These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were sixty and four thousand and four hundred.”
Dan’s tribe grew modestly but steadily, increasing from 62,700 in the first census to 64,400 in the second—a gain of 1,700 men, or about three percent. Though small in percentage, this growth demonstrated stability and endurance through the years of wandering.
Dan’s single family name, the Shuhamites, reflects unity within the tribe. However, in later generations, Dan would tragically lead Israel into idolatry, establishing a false center of worship in Judges 18 and in 1 Kings 12:29. Their later apostasy contrasts sharply with their stability here, warning that outward strength does not guarantee lasting faithfulness.
12. (Numbers 26:44–47) The tribe of Asher
“The sons of Asher after their families were: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites; of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them, fifty and three thousand and four hundred.”
Asher’s tribe prospered greatly during the wilderness period, growing from 41,500 to 53,400—a gain of 11,900, or twenty-nine percent. Their increase symbolizes fruitfulness and favor. Jacob had prophesied of Asher, “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties” (Genesis 49:20). The tribe’s growth and prosperity in this census align perfectly with that blessing.
The mention of Asher’s daughter Serah is noteworthy, as few women are named in these genealogies. Her presence indicates a distinguished family line and highlights God’s recognition of faithful individuals, regardless of gender. Centuries later, when the prophetess Anna from the tribe of Asher awaited the Messiah in the temple (Luke 2:36–38), it testified that Asher’s line continued in faith and devotion.
13. (Numbers 26:48–50) The tribe of Naphtali
“The sons of Naphtali after their families were: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.”
Naphtali’s tribe, descended from Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid, experienced a decrease during the wilderness period. In the first census, they counted 53,400 men ready for war, but in this second census, their number dropped to 45,400—a loss of 8,000 men, approximately fifteen percent. This decline, while not catastrophic like Simeon’s, still indicates that the tribe struggled through the wilderness years and perhaps suffered spiritually as well as physically.
Jacob’s blessing over Naphtali in Genesis 49:21 stated, “Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.” The image of a deer set free suggests speed, grace, and vitality—traits that would later characterize the tribe’s territory in northern Israel, a land of beauty and fertility. However, during the wilderness years, their reduction serves as a reminder that freedom without faithfulness leads to decline. In later centuries, the region of Naphtali would be honored as part of Galilee, where the Lord Jesus began His public ministry. Thus, what was once diminished would later see the light of salvation, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1–2 that “the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
14. (Numbers 26:51) The total number of men ready for war among Israel
“These are they that were numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.”
After forty years in the wilderness, the total number of fighting men in Israel stood at 601,730. In the first census, recorded in Numbers 1:46, the number had been 603,550—a net loss of only 1,820 men, or roughly three-tenths of one percent. Considering that an entire generation had perished under God’s judgment, this near parity in total numbers demonstrates both divine justice and divine mercy.
The Lord had decreed that all the adult men who left Egypt, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness because of unbelief (Numbers 14:29–30). Yet, He preserved the nation’s strength, raising up a new generation prepared to fight for the Promised Land. The constancy of the population illustrates God’s sustaining power; though He judged rebellion, He also replenished Israel through the faithful.
The stagnation in growth reflects Israel’s spiritual state during the thirty-eight years of wandering. We might expect increase from one generation to the next, but these years produced no progress—only survival. They went in circles, literally and spiritually, until the old unbelieving generation passed away. As Deuteronomy 2:14 notes, “And the space in which we came from Kadesh-barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the Lord sware unto them.”
The new generation, counted here, was the generation of faith. They were raised under God’s chastisement and trained by His provision. They would not see the plagues of Egypt, but they had seen God’s faithfulness in the manna, the cloud, the fire, and the victories over Sihon and Og.
Among the twelve tribes, five decreased in number, while seven increased. Simeon suffered the greatest loss at sixty-three percent, likely due to their participation in the sin at Baal Peor, while Manasseh experienced the greatest gain at sixty-four percent, reflecting divine blessing. This contrast shows that the Lord deals individually with His people according to their faithfulness and obedience. Tribes that walked with God were strengthened; those that strayed were diminished.
This census thus marks both judgment and renewal—a nation chastened but preserved, disciplined yet sustained, purified to inherit the land promised to their fathers.
B. Inheritance of the Land
1. (Numbers 26:52–56) The general principle of inheritance: Larger tribes receive larger portions of land
“Then the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.”
Here the Lord laid down the principle of equitable distribution for the Promised Land. Each tribe’s inheritance would correspond to its population size—larger tribes would receive larger territories, and smaller tribes smaller ones. The census data collected in the previous section directly informed this allocation. The fairness of this arrangement reflected both divine wisdom and order, ensuring that every tribe had room to prosper in proportion to its strength.
Yet, while the size was determined by number, the precise location of each tribe’s land was determined by lot. This meant that though human organization guided the process, the outcome rested entirely in God’s hands. As Proverbs 16:33 declares, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” This divine method ensured impartiality and demonstrated that God Himself was the true Ruler of Israel’s inheritance. The balance of practical fairness with divine sovereignty teaches that God values both justice and submission to His providence.
2. (Numbers 26:57–62) The tribe of Levi and their inheritance
“And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites. These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, and the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram. And the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the Lord. And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.”
The Levites, being set apart for holy service, were not included in the military census because their calling was spiritual, not martial. They were tasked with the priestly and tabernacle duties, representing Israel before God. Their total number, twenty-three thousand males, included those as young as one month old, marking them distinctly from the fighting tribes who were counted from age twenty and upward.
Their separation from the rest of Israel emphasized their sacred role. They were not to fight, nor to receive an inheritance of land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as declared in Numbers 18:20: “And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.”
This principle illustrates a powerful spiritual truth: God Himself is the greatest portion His servants can possess. While other tribes would enjoy fertile fields, vineyards, and cities, the Levites’ portion was fellowship with God and the privilege of His service. In later history, their sustenance came from tithes and offerings brought by the people, symbolizing that spiritual work is sustained by the faithful giving of God’s people.
3. (Numbers 26:63–65) The old generation has no inheritance
“These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.”
This passage closes the census narrative with solemn confirmation of God’s judgment. Not one man from the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-barnea remained alive, except Caleb and Joshua, who had believed the Lord’s promise. The divine word spoken nearly four decades earlier had been fulfilled exactly as stated. Numbers 14:29 recorded God’s sentence: “Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness…from twenty years old and upward.” Now, standing on the plains of Moab, that generation was entirely gone.
Their absence was not merely a demographic fact—it was a moral and theological testimony. Unbelief had cost them the land; faith preserved Joshua and Caleb to receive it. This transition marked the passing of one generation and the rise of another—a people shaped not by Egypt’s bondage or wilderness rebellion, but by the discipline and providence of God.
Their story serves as a warning and a promise. The warning is that unbelief bars entrance into God’s blessings, as Hebrews 3:19 states, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” The promise is that faith endures: Joshua and Caleb, men of faith, stood ready to inherit the land their fathers rejected.
