What can we learn about God's provision from the descendants' increase in Numbers 26:43? Remembering the Context • Israel is still in the wilderness, 40 years after leaving Egypt. • A first census was taken at Sinai (Numbers 1). A second census is now taken on the plains of Moab (Numbers 26). • Between the two censuses the nation has endured judgments, rebellions, and the deaths of an entire generation—yet Numbers 26:43 records, “All the Shuhamite clans numbered 64,400.” This is an increase of 1,700 over the tribe of Dan’s earlier total of 62,700 (Numbers 1:39). God’s Provision Highlighted in One Verse “All the Shuhamite clans numbered 64,400.” (Numbers 26:43) What the Increase Teaches about God’s Provision • Steady growth in the face of loss – Every tribe except Levi lost an entire adult generation to wilderness judgment (Numbers 14:29-35). Dan still adds 1,700 new men of fighting age. • Preservation through plague and discipline – The plague of Peor had just killed 24,000 (Numbers 25:9). God’s mercy kept Dan from being wiped out and even allowed increase. • Fulfillment of covenant promises – God had pledged, “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2) and “I will greatly multiply your offspring” (Genesis 22:17). Dan’s larger number is another literal marker that the promise is actively kept. • Provision that is not hindered by circumstances – Food, water, clothing, and health were all divinely sustained for forty years (Deuteronomy 8:3-4; Nehemiah 9:21). Numerical growth underscores that provision goes beyond bare survival to flourishing. • Faithfulness to each clan, even the smallest – Dan’s entire count rests on a single clan, the Shuhamites. God’s eye is on individual families as well as the nation (Psalm 33:18). • Preparation for future inheritance – The upcoming division of Canaan will be “according to the names of the tribes” (Numbers 26:55). Extra warriors mean Dan will have the manpower to claim the territory God allots. Scripture Echoes of the Same Truth • Exodus 1:7 – “But the Israelites were fruitful and increased greatly, multiplied and became exceedingly numerous.” • Psalm 105:24 – “He made His people very fruitful; He made them stronger than their foes.” • Deuteronomy 7:13 – “He will love you, bless you, and multiply you.” • Psalm 127:3-4 – “Children are a heritage from the LORD… like arrows in the hand of a warrior.” Living Out the Lesson Today • God’s provision is often incremental yet unmistakable—1,700 extra lives in a harsh desert. • External hardships cannot cancel divine promises. • The same Lord who sustained Dan sustains every believer’s family, ministry, and calling (Philippians 4:19). Key Takeaway Numbers 26:43 quietly but powerfully displays the unwavering hand of God: He not only preserves His people through judgment and scarcity but also grows them, positioning them to receive every inheritance He has prepared. |
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