Numbers Sermons (written)

Numbers 3:14-39
A Sign in the Wilderness

There are a whole heap of verses today, but they will go quickly. It’s the poem at the end that may take us a while to get through. But even that won’t take too long, believe me… my words are true.

I know the verses from the past two chapters, and so far in this one, are not easy to sit and read. How much more then do we make them interesting enough to be the focal point of our Sunday morning. Right? Well, you’ve stuck it out this far, and the verses here are not nearly as repetitive as what is coming in Chapter 7. So don’t feel too overwhelmed by them. And now that I think of it, maybe I should never have mentioned what is coming in that chapter! I can see it now – an empty church on that Sunday as everyone finds something else to do other than listen to that.

Don’t worry, that too will go quickly. One bite at a time, and the meal gets finished. One shovel at a time, and the hole gets dug (or filled in), and one step at a time, and you’re on top of the mountain. What we need to do is look for the joy we can have in the process. If we’re eating, we can slowly enjoy each flavor we taste. If we’re digging a hole, we can think about the pretty plant (or whatever the hole is used for) that we will be putting in it. If we are climbing a mountain, we can stop and find 10,000 little flowers, each one unique as it pokes its head out of some seemingly impossible-to-support-life crag or crevice.

The joy is not just being at the end of things, but it can be found in the doing of things. That’s why God gave us tasks like going through long details about the numbering of people in a congregation that He had led out of bondage. Eventually, they would be counted, arranged, and then set out for their journey to the land of promise. While traveling, they would become the object of attention to those who noticed their coming…

Text Verse: “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Your dwellings, O Israel!
⁶ Like valleys that stretch out,
Like gardens by the riverside,
Like aloes planted by the Lord,
Like cedars beside the waters.” Numbers 24:5, 6

The Lord recorded Balaam’s reaction to the beauty of the layout of Israel’s encampment in the wilderness. He made an oracle about it, and the Lord put that oracle in His word for us to read and see how much the prophet appreciated what He saw. It is similar to another description of a war encampment in our history. That is found in the Battle Hymn of the Republic written by Julia Ward Howe –

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:

His day is marching on.

Her words are truly beautiful concerning the layout of men prepared for battle, and maybe we should look at what God has put in His word in that way. If we can simply appreciate what He has recorded as a sign of life in the wilderness concerning the whole host of Israel, maybe we can then appreciate a mental picture of them in the way that Balaam did. Let’s try that as we go on. It’s all to be found in His superior word. And so let’s turn to that precious word once again and… May God speak to us through His word today and may His glorious name ever be praised.

I. The Census of the Levites (verses 14-39)

¹⁴ Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying:

The words of this verse still fall under the main category presented in verse 3:1 concerning the toledot, or generations, of Aaron and Moses, meaning the tribe of Levi as is presented by and through them. After stating that this was the intent of the passage, the names of Aaron’s sons were given, including two that had already died.

Next, Moses was told to have Levi brought near in order to serve the Lord concerning everything connected to the tent of meeting. They were to be set apart, given entirely to Aaron in place of the firstborn of the children of Israel. The Lord had claimed the firstborn at the Exodus, but now He has exchanged them for the Levites. With this understanding, the words of this verse are given. What the Lord speaks to Moses will be in accord with that thought.

¹⁵ “Number the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families;

The Levites are now to be numbered. Previously, the Lord said to Moses that they were not to be numbered “among their fathers’ tribe,” meaning along with the other tribes. That was seen in Numbers 1:47-49 –

“But the Levites were not numbered among them by their fathers’ tribe; ⁴⁸ for the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying: ⁴⁹ “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor take a census of them among the children of Israel;”

This didn’t mean they weren’t to be numbered at all, but that the numbering now being conducted is separate from the other tribes, and for an entirely different purpose and principle – that of service to the Lord. Thus, their counting is to be done in a completely different manner than that of the other tribes, as is seen in the words…

^{15 (con’t)} you shall number every male from a month old and above.”

Every male of the Levites is reckoned as the Lord’s possession. Their counting was to begin when they were one month of age, and it was inclusive of all males after that. This is completely different than the counting of the other tribes. In Numbers 1:2, 3, it said –

“Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, ³ from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.”

The other tribes were counted from twenty years old and above because they were to be reckoned as men of war. The Levites were to be taken in place of the firstborn of the other tribes, but there would be firstborn of all ages, and so as their substitutes before the Lord, all ages of Levites are counted, regardless of their ability to serve. In Chapter 4, they were counted from thirty and above for service. In Chapter 8, they will be seen to enter into service at twenty-five, and they are to retire from service at the age of fifty.

¹⁶ So Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.

The words here actually precede the counting of them in the record, but they are given now to show that what follows was in accord with the word of the Lord. Thus the counting which follows is already accomplished at the writing of the words of this verse. The term “according to the word of the Lord” is al pi Yehovah, or literally “according to the mouth of Yehovah.” It is common terminology, but the explanation for it is useful from time to time. The word peh, or mouth eventually finds its source in a root which means “to puff.” Thus, Moses has performed his duties according to the word breathed out to him by Yehovah. The Lord commanded, and Moses in turn performed.

¹⁷ These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

The father’s houses and then their families, as cited in verse 15, are now beginning to be named. What follows is to be a breakdown for the census according to the listing given in Exodus 6 –

“These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty-seven. ¹⁷ The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimi according to their families. ¹⁸ And the sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. And the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred and thirty-three. ¹⁹ The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of Levi according to their generations.” Exodus 6:16-19

The houses of Levi are according to the sons of Levi – Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi means “Attached.” Gershon means “Exiled One.” Kohath means either “Obedience” or “Congregation.” It comes from a root signifying to ally oneself. Merari means “Bitter” or “My Bitterness.”

¹⁸ And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.

The houses are broken down into families. The families of the house of Gershon are Libni and Shimei. Libni means “White.” Shimei means “Renown” or “Famous.”

¹⁹ And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

Next are the families of Kohath. Amram means “A People Exalted.” Izhar has a few possible meanings that signify something related to “Zenith,” “Shining,” “Anointed,” etc. Hebron means “Confederation” or “Alliance.” Uzziel means “God is My Strength” or “Strength of God.”

²⁰ And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi.

Mahli means “Infirmity” or “Weak.” Mushi may mean “Drawn out” or “Proved of the Lord.” These are debatable.

^{20 (con’t)} These are the families of the Levites by their fathers’ houses.

Again, the record is being specific. There is the house of the fathers, meaning the three sons of Levi, and then there are families within those houses according to the sons within the house. In all, there are eight families recorded from their fathers’ houses. This will then be re-explained, once again, in a new way as follows…

²¹ From Gershon came the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites;

Gershon is a son of Levi, thus a house within the tribe. The names of his sons are then considered families within the house. Thus, these names – the Libnites and the Shimites – correspond to Libni and Shimei. Although this may be obvious, the records are detailed, just as birth and genealogical records are today. What we read here may have little value to us because it would be like reading the genealogy of the Shimabuku family in Japan or the Garrett family in England, but to the family who bears the name, it holds great meaning. In maintaining these records, the Levites would always be aware of their position and responsibilities within the tribe.

^{21 (con’t)} these were the families of the Gershonites.

The record of the Gershonite families, the oldest son of Levi, is complete. From that, a tally of their number can then be made…

²² Those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above—of those who were numbered there were seven thousand five hundred.

Again, remember that this is a total counting of all males from a month old and upward, not merely of adult males ready for war. The number of the two families within Gershon is set at 7500. Thus, they are less than the total of Kohath, and more than the total of Merari. Their positioning within the camp is next to be given…

²³ The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward.

The name Gershon, or “Exiled One,” is suited to their location. They are furthest yammah, or west. Yammah signifies “sea” and thus the direction is given in relation to the land of Israel where the great sea, the Mediterranean, is to the west. Being in the west, the Gershonites are furthest from the entrance to the sanctuary.

Whether this is simply happenstance or not, it is fitting to the name “Exiled One” nonetheless. Their position then placed them between the sanctuary and the tribes with the smallest number of forces, those of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. When combined, in total numbers they will still be the smallest group of people in size.

²⁴ And the leader of the father’s house of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael.

Eliasaph means “God has added.” Lael means “By God” or “Belonging to God.” He is named as the leader of the entire house of Gershon, and thus was over the families within the clan. Surprisingly, his family – be it Libni or Shimei – is not indicated.

²⁵ The duties of the children of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting included the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting,

Gershon does the tent work, much of which is described in Exodus 26. This would actually be several layers of tent which were draped over the tabernacle, and which consisted of various materials. They would handle all of this along with the screen for the opening into the tent of meeting. To see what all of these things detail, go back and watch the Exodus sermons. Magnificent pictures of Christ are seen in every detail.

²⁶ the screen for the door of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords, according to all the work relating to them.

Much of the detail of these things is found in Exodus 27. Merari is given charge of all of these things. The materials, when fully packed up for transport, would be a very heavy load, despite being mostly fabrics. There was a great amount in total. Again, every single detail was reviewed and explained in how each points to the Person and work of Christ. Be sure to brush up on those sermons.

²⁷ From Kohath came the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites;

Kohath is a son of Levi, thus a house within the tribe. The names of his sons are then considered families within the house. Thus, these names – the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites – correspond to Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The four sons of Kohath are equal in number to both of the other two sons of Levi. Moses and Aaron and his sons are from Amram. They are reckoned as such, but they are not considered in the placement of Amram when they encamp. That will be seen in a few verses.

^{27 (con’t)} these were the families of the Kohathites.

The record of the Kohathite families, the middle son of Levi, is complete. From that, a tally of their number can then be made…

²⁸ According to the number of all the males, from a month old and above, there were eight thousand six hundred keeping charge of the sanctuary.

The total counting of all males from a month old and upward, in the four families within Kohath is set at 8600. Thus, they are the largest clan within the tribe of Levi. They are noted here as keeping charge of ha’qodesh, or “the holy.” This is the first time the term is used in the book of Numbers. It is stated to indicate the holy things within the sanctuary which the members of this tribe will be responsible for. Their positioning within the camp is next given…

²⁹ The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.

These families are to be on the south, meaning the right, side. The right is not considered from the perspective of those entering the sanctuary, but from the position of the ark within the tabernacle. Thus, the south is the right side. It is the honorable side. Despite being the largest family of Levites, the position of Kohath places them between the sanctuary and the tribes with the second smallest number of forces, those of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. Doesn’t that seem like an odd grouping then?

³⁰ And the leader of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

Elizaphan means “God Hides” or “God has Protected.” He is named as the leader of the entire house of Kohath, and thus was over the families within the clan. Everything about this house has an air of distinction. The meaning of the name of Kohath, and those of his sons as well, all fit well with the placement on this right, honorable side.

³¹ Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them.

These are the precious and holy objects within the tabernacle itself. These were to be carried by men, not placed on carts. Thus, even if there was more labor involved in the taking down and putting up of the other objects, there was more labor in the transportation of these. The responsibility of this tribe is of the highest measure.

³² And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders of the Levites, with oversight of those who kept charge of the sanctuary.

Here the words u-nsi nesii or “and leader leader,” is applied to Eleazar the son of Aaron. Thus, he is designated at the chief leader. In 2 Kings 25:18, the same position is called the “second priest.” He is the eldest surviving son of Aaron, and he would perform the work of Aaron if Aaron was sick or otherwise unable to perform his duties.

He is thus in the superior position above all other priests or Levites. He is the son of Aaron. Aaron, though high priest, is a son of Amram who is a son of Kohath. This is the reason for mentioning this position now, while dealing with the tribe of Kohath. A new word, pequddah, a noun indicating custody or care, is introduced here to describe this status. Thus, he is the superior authority of all of the servants of ha’qodesh, or the holy things of the Lord.

³³ From Merari came the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites;

Merari is a son of Levi, thus a house within the tribe. The names of his sons are considered families within the house. These names – the Mahlites and the Mushites – correspond to Mahli and Mushi.

^{33 (con’t)} these were the families of Merari.

The record of the families of Merari, the youngest son of Levi, is complete. From that, a tally of their number can then be made…

³⁴ And those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above, were six thousand two hundred.

The total counting of all males from a month old and upward, in the two families within Merari is set at 6200. Thus, they are the smallest clan within the tribe of Levi. For the previous two tribes, Gershon and Kohath, the order of given information was 1) recorded number, 2) placement in relation to the tabernacle, and then 3) the name of the leader. That pattern is now deviated from. Instead of first giving the placement, the leader’s name is given…

³⁵ The leader of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail.

The name Zuriel means something like My Rock is God, or Rock of God. The name Abihail, as you perfectly remember from the Book of Esther, is “Father of Might.” Zuriel is named as the leader of the entire house of Gershon, and thus was over the families within the clan. His family – be it Mahli or Mushi – is not named. Their positioning within the camp is next to be given…

^{35 (con’t)} These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

These families are to be on the north, meaning the left, side. Again, the direction is not considered from the perspective of entering the sanctuary, but from the position of the ark within the tabernacle. Thus, the north is the left side. It is the weaker, less noble side. The meaning of the names of Merari and his sons leans heavily towards the placement of them on the north. For example, Mahli means “Infirmity” or “Weak.” It is fitting then to the left side placement.

Despite being the smallest family of Levites, the position of Merari places them between the sanctuary and the tribes with the second largest number of forces, those of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. Doesn’t that again seem like an odd grouping?

³⁶ And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them,

We waited until this chapter to see the first use of pequddah, or oversight. And then, in just four verses, we are given its second use. The tribe of Merari is given oversight of this list of objects which are the basis of the tabernacle itself. These heaviest and most burdensome objects are given to the smallest, and last born family within the tribe. Go ahead, let the last in the family really have it. With two older brothers, I – like Merari – am used to it. But their heavy labors are not yet done. The immense weight of the objects just named will have more added onto their load…

³⁷ and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords.

These are described in Exodus 27. It is a lot of solid brass sockets, with accompanying pillars. That’s OK, the young guys can handle it. Now with the three houses of Levi properly placed, the Lord has one more placement to make…

³⁸ Moreover those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east,

It has already been seen that the standard of Judah would be qedemah or on the east of the sanctuary. Along with them would be Issachar and Zebulun. They are by far the largest number in regards to total people camped on any side of the sanctuary. However, there will be a small contingent between them and the tabernacle itself…

^{38 (con’t)} before the tabernacle of meeting, 

liphne ohel moed mizrakha – before the tent of meeting, eastward. It is almost tragic when translators will translate two different words, with two different meanings, in one sentence with the same word in English. The first clause mentioned the mishkan, or tabernacle. This clause now mentions ohel moed, the tent of meeting. There is a reason for this precision, and it is rather sloppy to ignore it. The tabernacle is inside of the tent of meeting. Although one is enclosed in another, they are different things.

And even more, the previous clause said qedemah, or “toward the east.” This clause says mizrakha, or “eastward.” The NKJV didn’t even bother to translate the word. But it is there for a reason. The entire layout is pointing eastward, toward the sunrise, as the word mizrakha implies. The beauty of the symbolism being portrayed is completely lost without properly tending to the Hebrew. Understanding this, we see that between tribes under the standard of Judah, and before the tent of meeting, there at its entrance…

^{38 (con’t)} were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, 

The lawgiver, and the high priest and his sons – meaning the priesthood in total – is located at this particular spot. It is a splendid picture of access to God being only through His word and His High Priest. In other words, as they picture Christ, one can only come to God through Christ – the Word of God, and God’s High Priest. As a side note: Liberal theologians are gross. Cambridge says of this clause, “The mention of his name in a command given to him is strange. It would be still stranger if he were the writer of the passage.” They imply that it wasn’t the Lord who said for Moses to be so positioned in relation to the sanctuary, and they say it is even less likely that Moses is the author. Personally, I don’t envy them in whatever they have coming.

^{38 (con’t)} keeping charge of the sanctuary, 

This is the first time that the miqdash, or sanctuary is mentioned in Numbers. This is speaking of the entire compound including the court and everything within it. Moses, and Aaron and his sons, were there to keep charge of the entire sanctuary. The responsibility ultimately rested upon them and their constant watch of it.

^{38 (con’t)} to meet the needs of the children of Israel;

The same word just used and translated as “charge” in the previous clause is used again in this clause. It says, “for the charge of the sons of Israel.” The question is whether this means “instead of the children of Israel, or “for the safety of the children of Israel.” The latter appears to be the case because…

^{38 (con’t)} but the outsider who came near was to be put to death.

The word “outsider” means anyone not authorized. The only time someone could approach the sanctuary was as outlined in the book of Leviticus when one came to make an offering or sacrifice, etc. If anyone dared to approach that was not authorized, there was only one penalty… death.

³⁹ All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, by their families, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand.

If you are astute, you noticed that in verse 16, only Moses was mentioned as having numbered them. However, here Aaron is included as having participated. The Hebrew text has a point over the word v’aharon, or “and Aaron.” Some attempt to say that it is a spurious insertion that is noted by the point. It is more likely that it is showing that verse 39 is simply acknowledging what verse 16 had instructed, and that Moses did according to the word of the Lord with Aaron assisting in the numbering. It doesn’t change anything in regards to the obedience of Moses in fulfilling the command of the Lord.

If you are double astute, then you have noticed that the numbers do not match up. Adding 7500+8600+6200, you will arrive at 22300. There is a difference of 300 in the total. It is a problem that is not left without possible solutions. The first is that the 8600 should read 8300. The words sesh and shalosh being one letter different. However, that would demonstrate complete incompetence because of such an obvious error.

What will make this more difficult to reconcile is that the total number of firstborn of the other tribes will have an impossible number of firstborn in relation to the number of people counted. No sufficient explanation has been given for either number. But what I would suggest is that the reason for the differences is because the number of firstborn is speaking of native Israelites and not those who later joined, known as the mixed-multitude who came out of Egypt and who later were inculcated into the ranks of the various tribes. In this, the 300-person disparity omits the firstborn of the native-born Levites who cannot be counted against the whole because the firstborn already belong to the Lord.

This would be in complete accord with the law of the stranger joining the congregation of Israel as is described in Exodus 12, and it would follow with what will occur in the future in Israel, as is recorded in Ezekiel 47 –

“It shall be that you will divide it by lot as an inheritance for yourselves, and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you. They shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.” Ezekiel 47:22

Only the firstborn of Israel is counted, despite the total counting of all who had joined Israel. This would also explain the large numbers which are recorded after a sojourn in Egypt of 215 years.

The people of God, brought together as one
When they come to Him in faith as He requires
It is through faith alone; faith in His Son
That we are granted eternal life; life that never expires

From Jew and from Gentile, all are welcome
From rich and from poor, none are excluded
By faith in Christ, He accepts all, not just some
Yes, through faith in Christ, all who come are included

Thank You, O God that we have access again
People from every tribe and every tongue are to You reconciled
Whether young or old, whether women or men
Because of Christ Jesus, You have again on us smiled

II. A Sign in the Wilderness

We have now gone through three long, very involved, and if you don’t like numbers and minutiae, very tiring chapters. However, I have constantly informed you that everything points to Christ in this wonderful book. Sometimes, it just takes more time to make the picture than at other times. This one took us almost three full chapters, with a few interspersed pictures coming out in the process.

While reading Numbers, many years ago, I got to Chapter 3 and said, “Well isn’t that curious.” I mentioned what I thought was curious as we went along. The Lord commanded that a larger number of Levites would be placed with a smaller number in their corresponding three tribes on the south side, and that a smaller number of Levites would be placed with a larger number in their corresponding three tribes on the north side.

As soon as I made that connection, it became clear what was happening, and why He would do this. It must be remembered that at very few times, maybe even only one or two in the entire forty years they were in the wilderness, they would actually be able to encamp as directed by the Lord. There simply wasn’t enough space to do so in most places of Sinai that they traveled. But when they could be properly laid out as He directed, it would become a sign of His love for the people of the world. I decided to graph out the tribes according to their numbers, and by the time I started putting them on a graph, I already had a picture in my mind of what was coming. It came out exactly as I supposed it would. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 –

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, ² all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ³ all ate the same spiritual food, ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. ⁵ But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.”

Paul shows that as the Israelites traveled through the desert they actually interacted with things that were living pictures of life in Christ. He didn’t just do this with things though, He did it with them as a people as well. The mandated census of the twelve tribes, and of Levi, the arrangement of the tribes and then the Levites, the directions they were to face, etc., were all specified by Him. Nothing was left up to the people.

As presented, the layout of the tribes was Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun east of the tabernacle at 186,400 men (as well as families). On the south, there was Reuben, Simeon, and Gad encamped with 151,450 men (along with families). On the west were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin with 108,100 men (along with families). On the north are the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali with 157,600 men (and, of course, their families.)

Then came the Levites. The Gershonites equaled 7500 and were to camp on the west. The Kohathites numbered 8600 and camped on the south. And the Merarites equaled 6200 and camped on the north. The last to be positioned were Moses, Aaron, and his sons who camped east, toward the sunrise.

East 186,400 plus Moses, Aaron, and his sons
West 108,100 plus 7500 = 115,600
North 157,600 plus 6200 = 163,800
South 151,450 plus 8600 = 160,050

By putting the larger numbers of Levites to the south and the smaller to the north things pretty much even out. In fact, it stands at 97.71 percent equal. Now, think about the layout in real human terms… not like a study Bible shows you. A study Bible will draw a little box indicating a tabernacle and then a bunch of names tossed around it in the order the names are listed, or they will make neat little boxes representing each tribe and put their names in them, all in little rows so that you can easily see the layout.

Such depictions are incorrect. Imagine a big demonstration at the Washington Mall – say, 200,000-500,000 people. You are talking about acres and acres and acres of people. Now imagine 603,550 men, plus 22,000 Levites and then toss in their families – say 2-3 million people, along with tents, sheep, donkeys, wagons, etc. This would take up square miles of land.

All the tribes designated east of the tabernacle would have to be east of it. All those designated south would have to be south, etc. Now put the numbers to life and what would you actually see from an airplane? Or better yet, what would Baalam who spoke out our text verse today see? He would see a massive cross.

The numbers, when properly graphed, show a cross. With the north and south sides almost imperceptibly different in size, the east side considerably longer, and the west considerably shorter, exactly as a cross is depicted for the hanging of human who is suspended off the ground with his arms outspread. The Israelites, under ideal conditions as they traveled for 40 years, were a picture of life in Christ, forming a miles-square cross in the desert. One thing to consider is that the tabernacle would have been at the center of the cross and the Ark of the Covenant would be where Christ’s heart would have been on the cross of Calvary.

It may have taken a bit of time and a large number of verses to get to where we have arrived, but once again God is showing us what was coming in the giving of His Son. The entire Old Testament points to Christ. It is, in fact, all about Him. In understanding this marvelous picture as it has been presented, we can go back and see the significance of why the tribe of Judah, or Praise, is the lead tribe, and the first to set out.

They were to the east of the tabernacle and would be the base of the cross. The picture: Let praise of the Lord go first, and let it be the foundation of our love and devotion to God in Christ. Also, the name of Yehovah, the Lord, is spelled yod-he-vav-he. Judah, however, is spelled yod-he-vav-dalet-he. A dalet is added to the Divine name. The letter dalet signifies a door. Jesus came from Judah, and He is the Door as stated in John 10:7. Thus, Jesus is the Door to restored access to the Lord, Yehovah. To approach the tabernacle, where the Lord is, one must come through Judah at the east. But, it is where the blood of Christ would have flowed to on a cross. One must come through the shed blood of Christ, the Door.

As far as the cross, the top of it would be the three tribes which descend from Rachel – Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. If you remember from the Genesis sermons, the two wives of Jacob, Leah and Rachel formed their own pictures – the Law and Grace, Rachel being Grace. The symbolism is marvelous, one must come through the fulfilled law which is the shed blood of Christ, but it is Grace which then adorns the top of the cross. It is the pinnacle of what God has done in Christ and what adorns His work.

God chose the names of these tribes and people to be arranged in such a way that they would provide us with snapshots of what He had planned in Christ’s coming, and in what that means to us. You’ve seen just a few of them today to show you that all of the detail has been given as a picture of God’s love for the people of the world as displayed in the giving of His Son. Let us reflect on such things, and endeavor to put Christ first in our lives. God has put Him on prominent display in His word. So should we as we live in His presence. As we opened with Julia Ward Howe’s words, let’s consider one more refrain from her poem in light of what we have learned today –

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

Closing Verse: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

Next Week: Numbers 3:40-51 In being redeemed, everything is sunny… (The Redemption Money) (6^th Numbers Sermon)

The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. He has a good plan and purpose for you. It may seem at times as if you are lost in a desert, wandering aimlessly. But the Lord is there, carefully leading you to the Land of Promise. So follow Him and trust Him and He will do marvelous things for you and through you.

A Sign in the Wilderness

Then the Lord spoke to Moses; so He was relaying
In the Wilderness of Sinai, saying: 

“Number the children of Levi
By their fathers’ houses; so you shall do
By their families; you shall number every male
From a month old and above, as I am instructing you

So Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord
As he was commanded, no detail was ignored 

These were the sons of Levi by their names, so we see
Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; yes these three 

And these are the names of the sons of Gershon
By their families: Libni and Shimei, so they are known 

And the sons of Kohath by their families, as the record does tell
Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel 

And the sons of Merari by their families, two we see
Mahli and Mushi

These are the families of the Levites
———-just the men, not including their spouses
By their fathers’ houses

From Gershon came the family of the Libnites
And the family of the Shimites, as well
These were the families of the Gershonites
As the records do tell

Those who were numbered
According to the number of all the males
———-from a month old and above, great and small
Of those who were numbered
There were seven thousand five hundred in all

The families of the Gershonites
Were to camp behind the tabernacle westward, as the Lord did tell
And the leader of the father’s house of the Gershonites
Was Eliasaph the son of Lael 

The duties of the children of Gershon
In the tabernacle of meeting, as the Lord did say
Included the tabernacle, the tent with its covering
The screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting
———-and yet more was coming their way… 

The screen for the door of the court
The hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle
And the altar, and their cords
According to all the work relating to them; so they were to tackle

From Kohath came the family of the Amramites
The family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites too
And the family of the Uzzielites
These were the families of the Kohathites, through and through 

According to the number of all the males
From a month old and above, as we see
There were eight thousand six hundred
Keeping charge of the sanctuary 

The families of the children of Kohath, the Lord did decide
Were to camp on the tabernacles’ south side

And the leader of the fathers’ house of the families
———-so the record does tell
Of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel 

Their duty included the ark, the table
The lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary
With which they ministered
The screen, and all the work relating to them, as we now see

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest
Was to be chief over the leaders of the Levites
With oversight of those who kept charge of the sanctuary
Watching every detail, not just the highlights

From Merari came the family of the Mahlites
And the family of the Mushites also
These were the families of Merari
As we now know

And those who were numbered
According to the number of all the males, as the record said
From a month old and above
Were six thousand two hundred 

The leader of the fathers’ house of the families
Of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail
These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle
As to them the Lord did tell

And the appointed duty of the children of Merari
Included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars
———-its sockets, its utensils, according to these words
All the work relating to them
And the pillars of the court all around
———-with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords

Moreover, those who were to camp before the tabernacle
On the east, before the tabernacle of meeting, so we see
Were Moses, Aaron, and his sons
Keeping charge of the sanctuary 

To meet the needs of the children of Israel
But the outsider who came near was to be put to death
———-as the Lord did tell

All who were numbered of the Levites
Whom Moses and Aaron numbered
———-at the commandment of the Lord
By their families, all the males from a month old and above
Were twenty-two thousand; so the tally does record

Lord God, we are even now in a wilderness
And we are wanting to be led by You
Without You to direct, our lives would be a mess
And so be our guide, O God; You who are faithful and true

We long for the water in this barren land
May it flow forth from the Rock, our souls to satisfy
Give us this refreshing, spiritual hand
And may we take it, and to our lives daily it apply

And we shall be content and satisfied in You alone
We will follow You as we sing our songs of praise
Hallelujah to You; to us Your path You have shown
Hallelujah we shall sing to you for all of our days

Hallelujah and Amen…

¹⁴ Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying: ¹⁵ “Number the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families; you shall number every male from a month old and above.”

¹⁶ So Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded. ¹⁷ These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ¹⁸ And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. ¹⁹ And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ²⁰ And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their fathers’ houses.

²¹ From Gershon came the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites; these were the families of the Gershonites. ²² Those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above—of those who were numbered there were seven thousand five hundred. ²³ The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward. ²⁴ And the leader of the father’s house of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael. ²⁵ The duties of the children of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting included the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, ²⁶ the screen for the door of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords, according to all the work relating to them.

²⁷ From Kohath came the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites; these were the families of the Kohathites. ²⁸ According to the number of all the males, from a month old and above, there were eight thousand six hundred keeping charge of the sanctuary. ²⁹ The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. ³⁰ And the leader of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. ³¹ Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them.

³² And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders of the Levites, with oversight of those who kept charge of the sanctuary.

³³ From Merari came the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these were the families of Merari. ³⁴ And those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above, were six thousand two hundred. ³⁵ The leader of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. These wereto camp on the north side of the tabernacle. ³⁶ And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them, ³⁷ and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords.

³⁸ Moreover those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tabernacle of meeting, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, keeping charge of the sanctuary, to meet the needs of the children of Israel; but the outsider who came near was to be put to death. ³⁹ All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, by their families, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand.

Numbers 1:1-19
A Census in the Wilderness

One of the reasons that scholars cite for the Lord directing Moses to take a census is to show that his promise to Abraham about multiplying his descendants was not forgotten, but was being fulfilled. Though it is true that the Lord made such a promise to Abraham, the census here isn’t necessary to show this. Abraham’s descendants branched out in several directions, through both Isaac and Ishmael.

Further, the promise to Abraham was also inclusive of those who are spiritually his sons by faith. To brush up on that, take time to read Galatians 3. As far as Abraham is concerned in this regard, it was Isaac who was the son of promise, not Ishmael. And therefore, the list of physical descendants isn’t completely reflective of what is given in the census of Numbers Chapter 1.

The same is then true with Isaac. He was also given the promise of Abraham concerning many descendants, even as the stars of heaven. And again, like Abraham, there are physical descendants that are not of the line of promise, meaning those from his son Esau. So, some of them are sons of promise, and some of them are not. Therefore, the list of physical descendants from Isaac isn’t completely reflective of the lists given here in Numbers Chapter 1.

However, Jacob was also given the promise of Abraham and Isaac. But unlike them, his sons would all become sons who would share in the promise. They would be a unique group of people, known by his name, Israel. The promises made to Israel include what is seen in the census of Numbers Chapter 1.

As you can see, we need to carefully look over the entire panorama of what the Bible says in order to form our conclusions about a matter. If not, then unfounded claims can be made about spiritual blessings and the like. This is exactly what Islam has done. They claim their ancestry through Ishmael, and thus claim the blessings of Abraham. But this is a giant theological error. Each step of Scripture is a logical progression, intended to lead us to sound theology, and a proper understanding of why things are detailed the way they are in the Bible.

Text Verse: Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. ¹⁰ And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. ¹¹ Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. ¹² The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.” Genesis 35:9-12

So here we have the promise to Israel carefully, and meticulously recorded. We can know from Paul’s letters that we are sons of Abraham through faith, but just as the Muslims incorrectly make claims about their status, unfortunately people in the church do it all the time too. The promises to Abraham include a spiritual promise – that of faith, and also a physical line of people who are sons of promise, and who were to be given a land inheritance.

In the church, these set and clear lines are often obscured or even erased, and extremely poor theology is the result. There is never a time in the Bible that the Gentiles are called Israel. Though we may share in the commonwealth of Israel, we remain Gentiles, and no land promise is made to us. We have a heavenly inheritance awaiting us, not an earthly one.

It is the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who are called Israel collectively, who are now being gathered at the beginning of the book of Numbers for a census. It is this same group of people who will be detailed throughout the rest of the Old Testament, into the New Testament, and who have been in exile for the past two thousand years, but who have been returned to their land once again. Let us not make the error of placing ourselves into their story. We should be content to be included alongside of them in the great unfolding plan of God for the people of the world. A plan which Israel is being used for in order to reveal types and shadows as we continue on our journey, now in the book of Numbers. Great things are to be found here because it is an integral part of His superior word. And so let’s turn to that precious word once again and… May God speak to us through His word today and may His glorious name ever be praised.

I. An Introduction

The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Law of Moses and of the Holy Bible. Its Hebrew name is derived from the fifth word of the book, b’midbar, which literally means “in the wilderness.” In Hebrew, the word consists of the letters beit, mem, dalet, beit, and resh which numerically equal 248. This is numerically the same as the Hebrew word for mercy, rakham, something that will be needed towards Israel during the book.

It is also the same numerical value as the phrases b’tselem elohim, or “In the image of God,” of Genesis 1:27; and qol Yehovah elohim, or “the Voice of the Lord God,” of Genesis 3:8. Both of these in Hebrew have a numerical value of 248. Israel is a nation of people created in the image of God, but will they heed the voice of the Lord their God? That is a major question to be asked concerning them in the book.

There is dispute as to when this, along with the other 4 books of Moses, was written; however, the conservative and traditional dating can be figured based on when Solomon’s Temple was built. By tracing back from that day as stated in 1 Kings 6:1, which indicates 480 years from the Exodus, we can assert with relative confidence that it was penned approximately 1445 BC.

There was a 45-day journey to reach Mount Sinai, where the Israelites worked to construct the Tabernacle. In Exodus 40:2 it stated, “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.” This was the beginning of the second year, 345 days after the Exodus, and 300 days since their arrival at Sinai. It would also be the year 2515 AM.

As we will see, Numbers will begin its text thirty days later on the first day of the second month of this same year. The book of Leviticus was compiled during a very short period of time between the ending of Exodus and up to Numbers 10:11, a period of fifty days. Numbers, however, will last much longer. The trek from the time of setting out from Sinai until arriving at the border of Israel should have been an 11-day journey.

However, events will occur, which are recorded in Numbers, and which will extend this journey out until their fortieth year after the Exodus, or exactly 38 years, 9 months. This will be explained in verse 1. Thus, the name b’midbar, or “in the wilderness” is a most appropriate name for the book. They will be in the wilderness during the entire period.

The English name for the book is derived from the Greek name given to it, Arithimoi. This is translated into Latin as Numeri, and thus into English as Numbers. The reason for the name will become obvious because detailed numbering of the people will be made during times of census. And it will be a lot of numbers!

As far as a historical context, the book is given to describe the mercy of God upon the Israelites, despite their faithlessness to Him. It also presents examples of case law which had not yet been tested, such as a violation of the Sabbath in Chapter 15. Numbers also details the period of preparation of the people before they would enter the Land of Promise.

Concerning a redemptive context, Numbers is filled with pictures of Christ, including His cross. Several key themes which look forward to Him are Christ, the Cloud and the Fire – the Leader of His people; Christ, the Water in the desert – the eternal Fount of life; Christ, the Star and the Scepter of Israel – the King and Ruler of His people; and Christ, the Serpent on the Pole – the crucified Savior who became sin so that man could possess new life. Direct references to events in Numbers are found interspersed throughout the New Testament.

We can look back on the great prophetic fulfillments of these types in Numbers with absolute surety that Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah, and therefore is God come in human flesh. Reading and understanding Numbers also reminds us of the sincerity of God’s promises and curses. When He speaks, His word will come to pass.

The first book of Moses, Genesis, looked to the work of God the Father through Christ in creation – directing that creation in the initial process of redemption. The second book of Moses, Exodus, then looked to the work of God the Son in Christ in the actual redemptive process, mirroring His own work countless times. The third book of Moses, Leviticus, highlighted the work of the Holy Spirit applying the purification and sanctification of Christ to the people of God. This fourth book of Moses, Numbers, will highlight the crucified Savior who rose to lead His people in the wilderness of their lives, ever faithful to bring them along the path of life, difficult as it may be, and despite our faithlessness along the way.

In all four books, it is Christ, the anticipated Son of God who is on prominent display. Nothing is more obvious, and in a thousand different ways this will again become evident. When the book of Numbers is complete, the Person and work of Jesus Christ will have been highlighted so many times that you will never look at this book in the same way again.

If we were to sum up the book of Numbers with a single thought which carries us from Leviticus and then into the continued life of Israel, it would be that “The Lord has prepared a path for His people, and despite our failure to walk upon it, the mercy of God found in Jesus Christ remains open for His redeemed people.”

A new book to study, seeking out its veins of gold
A new adventure as we seek the Lord’s face
Thirty-six chapters set before us, ready to unfold
Lessons for all people, in every generation and every place

What is in store for us as we begin our trek?
Numbers seems so vast and complicated at this time
Will we have a headache even down to our neck?
Or will the book come to seem glorious and sublime?

Open our eyes, O Lord, to what lies ahead
Direct the understanding of our eyes and our heart
This is what we petition; looking to be fed
This is what we ask for, today as we start

Show us the riches of Christ in this new book
Be with us as we open it, and for its treasures we look

II. A Census of All the Congregation (verses 1-19)

Now the Lord spoke

v’daber Yehovah, “And spoke Yehovah.” Though the Hebrew name of the book is b’midbar, or “In the wilderness,” as in most Hebrew Bibles, some call the book v’daber, or “And spoke.” Despite this, beginning the book with the word “And” signifies that this is a continuation of what has already been presented. The book of Leviticus closed out, but it did not really end. The thought process is simply continued with the opening of the book of Numbers.

^{1 (con’t)} to Moses 

Despite liberal criticism of the Bible concerning the authorship and dating of Numbers, the book was undoubtedly written by Moses. Several times, Jesus mentions “Moses and the prophets” when speaking of those who authored the Old Testament books. That is a term speaking of the body of Scripture known at that time. Further, Numbers 21 details the account of the bronze serpent raised on a pole. Jesus equates that with Himself with these words in John 3 –

“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. ¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:13-15

Referring to Moses in these ways means that either what Jesus says is correct, or the Bible is not the authoritative word of God.

^{1 (con’t)} in the Wilderness

b’midbar, “in the wilderness.” It is the fifth word of the book in the Hebrew, and it is the basis for the common Hebrew name. The entire duration of the events of the book are in the wilderness.

^{1 (con’t)} of Sinai, 

The Wilderness of Sinai is where the Israelites have been. They arrived there after the Exodus, and it is where they received the Ten Commandments, and where Moses continued to meet with the Lord, receiving the law. During this time, the sanctuary was constructed and set up, and the laws of Leviticus have been received. They have stayed in this same location during that entire time. It is in this area where the Lord speaks to Moses…

^{1 (con’t)} in the tabernacle of meeting,

The translation is poor. The Hebrew says b’ohel moed, or “in the tent of meeting.” It is Moses who meets with the Lord, and it is in the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, but the location is given as “the tent of meeting.” The terminology is used because it is in this spot where the Lord meets with Moses to give him instructions.

^{1 (con’t)} on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying:

The Israelites arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the third month of the first year (Exodus 19:1). Therefore, It is now exactly 11 months since their arrival. It is also exactly one month after the Sanctuary was raised up, as was seen in Exodus 40:17. This is the book’s starting date. For the exact length of time that the book of Numbers details, two key verses must be compared. The first is this verse. The second is Deuteronomy 1:3, which says –

“Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,”

Deducting one date from the other gives us a period of exactly 38 years, 9 months in which the events of Numbers occur. In the books of Moses, no name of the second month is given. However, we find its Hebrew name, Ziv, in 1 Kings 6:1. The name signifies “brightness,” and thus it is figuratively, “the month of flowers.” The name was changed to Iyar after the Babylonian exile. The second month corresponds to April/May in our calendar.

² “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel,

There are several reasons why a census should be taken, especially now that the trek to Canaan was to commence. The people were to depart shortly, and they should have arrived at their destination soon after that. The fact that it would actually be a total of forty years in the wilderness is irrelevant at this point. When the tribes came into the land promised to them, there would need to be an exact genealogical record for the purposes of land and inheritance rights, something specified during the book of Leviticus. Also, the known strength of each tribe would be needed for the granting of land appropriate to the numbers, and for the mustering of the people for wars as well. However, doing the census now, instead of at the borders of the Land of Promise, was also necessary so that the people could be properly arranged according to family around the tabernacle as they traveled, thus maintaining order.

^2 (con’t) by their families, by their fathers’ houses,

Two distinctions are made here. First “by their families,” and then “by their father’s households. The terms are somewhat changeable though. In general, it would be by clans and then by closer relationships. At this point, some scholars include in their comments that this excluded any of the mixed multitude who came out with Israel during the Exodus.

However, Exodus 12 explicitly states that “when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it” (v. 48). Any of the mixed multitude were to be counted as natives if they met this requirement in either the original Passover, or the one just observed. Understanding this can help alleviate difficulties in the numbers recorded in this book.

^2 (con’t) according to the number of names,

The words here probably concern the previous numbering of the people which was recorded in Exodus 30:12. Thus, the term “according to the number of names” is used.

^2 (con’t) every male individually,

kal zakar l’gulgelotam – “all males to the skulls.” In other words, the skull represents the man, and so it is a head by head count.

³ from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

The census is solely for the males, and only those who are twenty and older. It is then explained by, “all who are able to go to war.” In this, there appears to be an allowance for the aged or infirm, but no specific age is given. At David’s time, the men fought until they could no longer fight, without regards to age, and it appears that this was the case here. This is seen, for example, in 2 Samuel –

“When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. ¹⁶ Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. ¹⁷ But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, ‘You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.’” 2 Samuel 21:15-17

^3 (con’t) You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

Moses and Aaron are called by name to conduct the census, and they would be in charge of anyone selected for the counting of each clan and family. This would be a major undertaking considering the number given in verse 46. In 2011, the US Census Bureau showed Sarasota, Florida totaled 382,448 people. The number of men above 20 alone is more than a third more than that.

⁴ And with you there shall be a man from every tribe, each one the head of his father’s house.

There will be twelve tribes counted, and yet the tribe of Levi will not be counted. The way this comes about is that Joseph is divided into two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh. This is in accord with Joseph’s words recorded in Genesis 48:5. From each of these tribes, one man would be selected as the head of that tribe, ensuring that the census would be conducted in accord with the oversight of Moses and Aaron. These men are selected by the Lord, and they are generally listed in order of birth mother, Leah first, Rachel next, and then of the handmaids, Bilhah and Zilpah.

⁵ “These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

The first tribe is Reuben, the first son of Israel. Elizur means God of the Rock. Shedeur means Spreader of Light.

⁶ from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai;

Simeon is the second son of Israel. Shelumiel means Peace of God. Zurishaddai means Rock of the Almighty.

⁷ from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab;

Judah is the fourth son of Israel. Nahshon means Enchanter, or Serpent-person. Amminadab means My Kinsman Is Noble or People of the Prince. Nahshon, and Amminadab, are included in the genealogy of King David in Ruth 4 and then they, along with Judah are listed in that of Christ Jesus in Matthew 1.

⁸ from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar;

Issachar is the ninth son of Israel, but the fifth son of Leah. It is interesting that his name is derived from what was said by Leah when her son Issachar was born, natan elohim sekhari, or “God has given me my wages.” The leader of the tribe fits the naming of the tribe. Nethanel means Given of God. Zuar means Little One.

⁹ from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

Zebulun is the tenth son of Israel, but the sixth son of Leah. Eliab means My God is Father. Helon means Very Strong.

¹⁰ from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud;

Now instead of selecting a man from Joseph, the eleventh son of Israel and the first son of Rachel, the line of Joseph is divided. First from Joseph is Ephraim the younger son of Joseph, but whom Jacob placed first in his blessing. Elishama means God has Heard. Ammihud means My Kinsman is Glorious.

^{10 (con’t)} from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur;

Manasseh is the first son of Joseph. Gamaliel means Reward of God. Pedahzur means The Rock has Ransomed.

¹¹ from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni;

Benjamin is the twelfth son of Israel, and the second son of Rachel. Abidan means Father of Judgment. Gideoni means Feller (as in one who cuts down).

¹² from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai;

Dan is the fifth son of Israel, and the first son born to Bilhah. Ahiezer means Brother of Help. Ammishaddai means My Kinsman is the Almighty.

¹³ from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran;

Asher is the eighth son of Israel and the second son of Zilpah. He is listed out of the ordinary birth order according to birth mother. It doesn’t seem to make sense, but this is because of how the tribes will ultimately be placed around the sanctuary in their midst. He is mentioned before his older brother born to Zilpah for this reason. Pagiel means Occurrence of God. Ocran means Troubled.

¹⁴ from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel;

Gad is the seventh son of Israel and the first born to Zilpah. Eliasaph means God has Added. Deuel means Known of God. As a side note to consider, this same person is listed as Reuel in Numbers 2:14. The letters Dalet and Resh are extremely similar in appearance and so they are often interchanged.

¹⁵ from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.”

The list ends with Naphtali, the sixth son of Israel, and the second born to Zilpah. Ahira means Brother of Purpose. Enan means Having Eyes. It is hard to be dogmatic about Hebrew names, and the meaning may vary with the translators choice of root words, but the twelve men selected by name by the Lord have names which closely reflect the Person of Jesus – God of the Rock / Peace of God / Serpent-person / Given of God / My God is Father / God has Heard / Reward of God / Father of Judgment / Brother of Help / Occurrence of God / God has Added / Brother of Purpose. And more curiously, the names of the leader’s fathers closely reflect the people of Israel in relation to Christ Jesus – Spreader of Light, Rock of the Almighty, My Kinsman Is Noble or People of the Prince, Little One, Very Strong, My Kinsman is Glorious, The Rock has Ransomed, Feller (as in one who cuts down), My Kinsman is the Almighty, Troubled, Known of God, Having Eyes.

¹⁶ These were chosen from the congregation,

Apart from the names, this verse has the first new word in the Bible found in the book of Numbers, qari, or chosen. It is an adjective, not a verb, and so it would better be translated as “the named” or “the called.” They were leaders, well known from their congregation, and called by God as such, and so they are…

^{16 (con’t)} leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the divisions in Israel.

In their capacity as the called, they are considered as the leaders of their father’s tribes of the twelve sons of Israel. As a secondary designation, they are rashe alphe Yisrael, or literally, “heads of the thousands of Israel.” However, “thousands” simply describes the highest number specified, and so we say “divisions.”

¹⁷ Then Moses and Aaron took these men who had been  mentioned by name,

As instructed in verse 3, both Moses and Aaron went forth and identified those called by God specifically. It is these fourteen men who went forth…

¹⁸ and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month;

On the same day as he was instructed to accomplish the task (as seen in verse 1), Moses went forth, got Aaron, rounded up the twelve called men, and together they called forth the entire congregation to conduct what the Lord had determined.

^{18 (con’t)} and they recited their ancestry by families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, each one individually.

The census is taken of the males, twenty and above, each according to his skull (meaning a head-count), and they recited their ancestry. This would have been by the tribe, then by the family within the tribe, and then finally by the father’s house within the tribe. It is these records which would be maintained carefully from this point on. It is certain that each family had kept a genealogical record up to this point which could be referred to. In the gathering of this information, the genealogy of all of Israel’s great people would have been known. But the listing is especially important in tracing out the most important genealogy of all; that of Christ Jesus. From this point on, the records would be carefully maintained as is evidenced by the books of Chronicles, and even the genealogical records of Christ which are found in Matthew and Luke.

¹⁹ As the Lord commanded Moses,

This is an important closing verse for today in a couple of ways. The words reflect the general sentiment of the conduct of Moses’ affairs. Words such as this are noted about Moses’ obedience from time to time, showing his faithfulness to the Lord. This includes his faithfulness to carrying out the census directed here.

The words, “As the Lord commanded Moses,” mean that Moses had not undertaken the census on his own. Despite being chosen as leader, he had not thought to magnify himself in such a manner. He simply led the people without caring about the size of those he was leading. It is, therefore, a statement of the humility of Moses. It is for reasons such as this that he will be called “very humble, more than all men who on the face of the earth,” in Numbers 12.

On the contrary, the words are then to be contrasted to those concerning David. In 2 Samuel 24, and a parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 21, David took a census without being directed by the Lord, and without seeking the Lord’s approval. It was an act of pride which ended in a great loss of life. As the King of Israel, David was instructed to read the words of the law every day of his life. That is recorded in Deuteronomy 17:18-20 –

“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. ¹⁹ And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, ²⁰ that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.”

David either didn’t read his Bible, or he failed to pay attention while he was reading it. Either way, the lesson of Moses didn’t transfer to him, he left the word behind, and it ended as a sad part of his story. But the failings of David in this situation led to other important developments in redemptive history, and at his death, the affair of the illegal census was not counted against him. The only failing that is noted as a permanent stain is found in 1 Kings 15 –

“…because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” 1 Kings 15:5

In speaking of Moses, however, a stain upon his record is recorded for us as well. What he did is found here in the book of Numbers, and it was something that kept him from ever entering the Land of Promise. The Bible doesn’t hide the faults of its heroes. Instead, it carefully records them to lead us to directing our eyes to the true Hero who has no faults at all.

*^{19 (fin)} so he numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai.

Again, the Wilderness of Sinai is mentioned explicitly here as it was in verse 1. This is then given to contrast it from another census which is recorded in Numbers 26, and which is said to have been conducted in the plains of Moab by the Jordan. By that time, very few of the people who are counted in this census will be left alive; literally a mere handful. And of them, only two will actually enter into the Land of Promise. It would be for a new generation, not counted in those twenty and above here, to enter the land and carry on the mission which should have been just a month or so away for the people at this point in the story.

So you know, the word “number” is found about 265 times in the Bible, of those about 108 are found in this book. There is a lot of counting, a lot of detail, and a jillion names to sort through. If it seems like a daunting task, remember that when we started Leviticus, that did too. And yet that turned out to be a pile of gold sitting in a golden bowl. Surely Numbers will be that way too.

For now, let us be happy to have entered into this book which is logically placed here by our loving Creator to show us hints and shadows of the glory which lies ahead in Christ Jesus. As we wind through its pages, we already have the assurance that He is to be found here. Wonderful references to Him are openly and explicitly cited in the New Testament, right out of Numbers. And so we can be sure that the few examples they have provided will be complemented by many that aren’t.

Indeed all of Scripture is given to lead us to an understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do. And so as we close today, let me take just a minute to explain to you what Christ means to each person, and why it is so important that you understand who He is and how what He has done will affect your eternal destiny.

Closing Verse: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39

Next Week: Numbers 1:20-54 Surely it will all eventually become clear and make sense… (Men of War, Offense and Defense) (2^nd Numbers sermon)

The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. He has a good plan and purpose for you. It may seem at times as if you are lost in a desert, wandering aimlessly. But the Lord is there, carefully leading you to the Land of Promise. So follow Him and trust Him and He will do marvelous things for you and through you.

A Census in the Wilderness

Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai
In the tabernacle of meeting, these things he was relaying
On the first day of the second month, in the second year after they
Had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 

“Take a census of all the congregation
Of the children of Israel; take it carefully
By their families, by their fathers’ houses
According to the number of names, every male individually 

From twenty years old and above
All who are able to go to war in Israel
You and Aaron shall number them by their armies
So shall you do as to you I tell

And with you there shall be a man from every tribe
Each one the head of his father’s house as I describe

“These are the names of the men who shall stand with you
From Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur
From Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai
From Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab for sure

From Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar
From Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon, him for sure
From the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim
———-Elishama the son of Ammihud
From Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur

From Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni
From Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai

From Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran
From Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel
From Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan
These are chosen as to you I tell

These were chosen from the congregation; as the word did compel
Leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the divisions in Israel

Then Moses and Aaron took these men
Who had been mentioned by name
And they assembled all the congregation together
On the first day of the second month, together they came

And they recited their ancestry by families
By their fathers’ houses, as instructed accordingly
According to the number of names
From twenty years old and above, each one individually

As the Lord commanded Moses, by and by
So he numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai

Lord God, we are even now in a wilderness
And we are wanting to be led by You
Without You to direct, our lives would be a mess
And so be our guide, O God; You who are faithful and true

We long for the water in this barren land
May it flow forth from the Rock, our souls to satisfy
Give us this refreshing, spiritual hand
And may we take it, and to our lives daily it apply

And we shall be content and satisfied in You alone
We will follow You as we sing our songs of praise
Hallelujah to You; to us Your path You have shown
Hallelujah we shall sing to you for all of our days

Hallelujah and Amen…