The Second Census, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, is a significant event in the history of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This census is detailed in Numbers 26 and serves as a pivotal moment in the preparation for entering the Promised Land. It follows the first census, which was conducted shortly after the Exodus from Egypt, as described in Numbers 1.

Context and Purpose

The Second Census occurs after a series of rebellions and judgments that have resulted in the death of the older generation of Israelites who left Egypt. This census is conducted in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, near Jericho, as the Israelites are poised to enter Canaan. The primary purpose of this census is to number the new generation of Israelite men eligible for military service and to prepare for the division of the land among the tribes.

Methodology

The census is commanded by God to Moses and Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest. The directive is to count all the men of Israel who are twenty years old and upward, able to go to war. The census is organized by tribes, and the heads of the families are listed. This method ensures that the military strength of each tribe is known and that the inheritance of the land can be appropriately allocated.

Tribal Counts

The results of the Second Census are meticulously recorded, with each tribe's numbers listed. The total number of men counted is 601,730. This figure is slightly less than the first census, which numbered 603,550, reflecting the impact of the wilderness wanderings and divine judgments.

· Reuben: 43,730
· Simeon: 22,200
· Gad: 40,500
· Judah: 76,500
· Issachar: 64,300
· Zebulun: 60,500
· Manasseh: 52,700
· Ephraim: 32,500
· Benjamin: 45,600
· Dan: 64,400
· Asher: 53,400
· Naphtali: 45,400

Significance

The Second Census holds theological and historical significance. It marks the transition from the generation that experienced the Exodus to the new generation that will take possession of the Promised Land. This census underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their disobedience and the trials of the wilderness.

The census also serves as a reminder of the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The division of the land is to be based on the size of each tribe, as stated in Numbers 26:53-56: "The land is to be divided among them as an inheritance based on the number of names. Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered."

The Levites

Separate from the military census, the Levites are also counted, numbering 23,000 males a month old and upward. The Levites are not included in the land inheritance as their inheritance is the Lord and the service of the Tabernacle.

Conclusion

The Second Census is a testament to God's enduring covenant with Israel and His preparation of His people for the fulfillment of His promises. It highlights the importance of obedience, faith, and the continuity of God's plan through successive generations.