Numbers 1-3 Accurate Account
God calls for an accurate account of the people who left Egypt. Everyone 20 years old and above are to be counted; with some exceptions.
It has been more than a year since the people left Egypt. The Tabernacle was erected on the first day of the second year after their departure. “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 40:1) We know it took seven months to make the Tabernacle, so we can be fairly certain that this date is the first day of the new year since the people left. Almost a full year, as they left of the 14th of the first month of the year.
The census happened one month after the Tabernacle was erected. “The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, 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 people of Israel, by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head. From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you and Aaron shall list them, company by company.’” (Numbers 1:1-3)
I know that this isn’t an ‘exciting’ event, but it was an important one. And would really be important by the time they were allowed to enter the Promised Land. ALL those recorded in this census, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness. But that’s a story for another day. Let’s join in as the people line up to be counted.
♥ ♦ ♥
It has been a month since the Tabernacle was erected. The first three weeks were spent in a flurry of activity. On the first day, Moses anointed Aaron and his sons. He also anointed EVERYTHING in the Tabernacle. For seven days, Aaron and his four sons stayed in the Tabernacle. They preformed the required daily burnt offering sacrifices but little else. On the eighth day, Aaron offered several sacrifices for himself and the people. These were all prescribed by the Lord. Two of Aaron’s sons were killed when they offered unauthorized incense. Then the people brought sacrifices, tribe by tribe for two weeks. Each tribe brought the same sacrifice.
Moses is breathing a sigh of relief. The Tabernacle is a marvelous place to go to spend time with the Lord, and since the activity has decreased, Moses has some degree of privacy while there.
Aaron is feeling less stressed too. The flurry of activity kept his mind off the death of Nadab and Abihu; most of the time. The fact that the Lord has accepted all the sacrifices from his hands gave him great comfort.
Moses is spending time in the Tent of Meeting this morning when God speaks to him again. “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head. From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you and Aaron shall list them, company by company. And there shall be with you a man from each tribe, each man being the head of the house of his fathers. And these are the names of the men who shall assist you. From Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur; from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon; from the sons of Joseph, from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud, and 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 Ochran; from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.” (Numbers 1:2-15)
“Wow!” Moses thinks as God lists the names of the people. “God doesn’t need this census. He already knows ALL of our names. This census is for us.” Moses rises from where he had been kneeling and steps outside the Tent. He goes immediately to where Aaron is.
“The Lord has called us to take a census of the people. He has also provided the names of those who will assist us in this.”
Aaron waits patiently as Moses lists the men and their responsibilities. After the last name is listed, Aaron responds; “It will be done exactly as you have said.”
“How should we do this” asks Aaron. “Call each leader, clan by clan, or summon the entire congregation?”
“We will call the entire congregation. We can then set aside each leader, that the Lord named, and have him record the names for his tribe.”
“That would probably work best. You do realize that this is going to take a while. Have you SEEN how many people are among us?”
Moses chuckles. “Yes, I’ve noticed. Every time they came to me for judgment, I noticed.”
Aaron steps outside the outer curtain of the Tabernacle and blows the ram’s horn. The people have been trained well to respond to it. Withing minutes they are gathering in front of Moses and Aaron. Once the commotion and noise die down, Moses begins to address the people.
“The Lord has called for a census of all the people. We are to number all the men from 20 years old and above. These are the men who will assist in this task.” Moses recites the names of each man the Lord has identified. He knew these names too, as he worked with these leaders on a daily basis. “Each tribe is to gather together and record ALL the names required by the Lord. As the Lord has chosen to hold the tribe of Levi unto Himself, and not count them at this census, their numbers will assist anywhere needed as scribes and organizers. This WILL take time and patience. Be diligent in your work, for this too is for the Lord.”
Shouts go up from various locations. “The tribe or Reuben over here!” “Judah! Meet over by the tree on the north slope.” From all around, the men from clans, families, and smaller tribes begin to flow to their respective places. The women and children don’t have to stand in line. Their names will not be included in the census. As each man’s name is recorded, he is free to return to his daily activities. NO MAN leaves without registering his name. The leaders of the tribes are VERY grateful for the help of the Levit scribes. If it were not for them, this would have taken weeks! As it is, the process lasted ALL day.
“And how many are in your household?” “What are their names?” “Only those of 20 and above.”
As the light fades from the sky, the final names are added to the scrolls. Those who have been waiting all day are grateful that their task is finally over. They are also glad that their wives will have dinner waiting for them. The ‘work’ of standing and waiting wasn’t physically demanding, but it was certainly tiring.
The scrolls are brought to Moses as soon as the last name is applied. Moses is grateful for the assistance. Now, to tabulate all the scrolls. There are several scrolls for each tribe, as there were several doing the recording. Moses looks at all of them and groans. “I’m going to need some help too!” He stretches his back, twists this way and that to loosen the muscles that have gone stiff during the day, and decides that tomorrow he will begin the tabulation.
Moses rises early the next morning and goes to the Tabernacle. He waits and watches while Aaron presents the mornings burnt offering. He never tires of watching the Lord’s work. When Aaron finally removes his holy ephod, Moses approaches him.
“Good morning Aaron.”
“It certainly is. Good morning Moses. What can I do for you today?”
“I will need assistance in tabulating the scrolls from yesterday. There are several for each tribe. Who among the Levites would you suggest to assist me?”
Aaron quickly gives Moses three names. “These are the most reliable men I have ever met.”
“I would like to have one man for each tribe, if that is possible.”
“Ask the three who they would recommend. They know their brothers well.”
“That is a sound idea. Would you send someone to bring them to my tent please?”
“I would be happy to assist you. They will be there shortly.”
By the time Moses has the scrolls organized by tribe, twelve men appear at his door.
“Moses” comes a respectful voice.
“I am in here. Join me please” Moses calls from inside his tent.
“Is there room enough for us all” the voice asks.
Moses steps out and sees 12 men at his door. He smiles at them through his veil. “Probably not. Let’s work out here then.”
Moses ducks back inside and begins bringing out the bundles for each tribe, one at a time. He hands a bundle to the first man in front of him. The second to the one who takes his place, and so on, until all the tribes scrolls have been distributed for counting.
The counting begins. Moses makes certain to do any of his judging for the people away from those who are counting. He doesn’t want to disturb them in their work. By evening, the scrolls are tabulated. The leader of the Levites brings Moses a final count. The others follow him.
“This is what we came up with, my lord.”
“Thank you for all your hard work. I know it has been a long day. Would you all care to join me for evening meal? My sister is a fine cook.”
They all smile at Moses, but decline. “Our wives have been expecting us. Thank you for your gracious invitation though.” Mooses bows his head in respect and the Levites do the same. All retire to their own tents.
In the night, the Lord gave Moses instructions regarding the people and how they should camp, now that the Tabernacle was in their midst.
Moses is again watching Aaron conduct the morning sacrifice. He wants to share the numbers with him. When Aaron is finished, he joins Moses at the entrance.
“Good morning Moses.”
“It is indeed. Thank you for the assistance yesterday. I would have been counting in my sleep if it were not for your diligent assistants. Do you want to hear the numbers?”
“I would indeed! Should we share them with the congregation too?”
“They are probably curious too. Let’s share them.”
Aaron walks over to the ram’s horn where it is hanging and looks over at Moses. “Now?”
Moses smiles. “Yes, Aaron. Now would be fine.”
Aaron blows the ram’s horn and the people begin to assemble. The people quickly assemble. And, they are indeed curious to hear the numbers of their ranks.
Moses waits for all to quiet down before beginning.
“Here is the count of the people. I will not read the names, as they are MANY! I will give you total counts by tribe instead. For the tribe of Reuben, there are 46,500.”
Gasps of surprise can be heard moving throughout the group, but Moses presses on. “Of Simeon, there are 59,300. Of Gad, there are 46,350. Of Judah, there are 74,600. Of Issachar, there are 54,400. Of Zebulun, there are 57,400. Of Joseph, namely those of Ephraim, there are 40,500. Of Joseph still, namely those of Manasseh, there are 32,200. Of Benjamin, there are 35,400. Of Dan, there are 62,700. Of Asher, there are 41,500. Of Naphtali, there are 53,400.”
Moses let the people soak up those numbers for a moment before he continued. “The total of all those registered is 603,550 men able to go to war.”
“What of Levi” is shouted from the back.
“We did not count the tribe of Levi. For the Lord spoke to me saying, ‘Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel. But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle. When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.’ (Numbers 1:49-53)”
No one else voices any questions. Moses felt in his spirit that this was the perfect time to also give them the camp order that the Lord had given to him in the night. “There is another thing we need address, now that we have all been numbered.”
Silence reigns as the people wait to hear what Moses will say next. He watches the people, knowing that this is going to create some chaos. Hopefully not too much chaos.
“This is how the Lord would have us camp and set out as He calls us to move onward towards the Promised Land. “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side…’
Moses moves his arm to indicate the eastern side of the Tabernacle.
‘…Those to camp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah by their companies, the chief of the people of Judah being Nahshon the son of Amminadab, his company as listed being 74,600. Those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, the chief of the people of Issachar being Nethanel the son of Zuar, his company as listed being 54,400. Then the tribe of Zebulun, the chief of the people of Zebulun being Eliab the son of Helon, his company as listed being 57,400. All those listed of the camp of Judah, by their companies, were 186,400. They shall set out first on the march…’
Moses moves his arm to indicate the south side of the Tabernacle.
‘…On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben by their companies, the chief of the people of Reuben being Elizur the son of Shedeur, his company as listed being 46,500. And those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, the chief of the people of Simeon being Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, his company as listed being 59,300. Then the tribe of Gad, the chief of the people of Gad being Eliasaph the son of Reuel, his company as listed being 45,650. All those listed of the camp of Reuben, by their companies, were 151,450. They shall set out second…’
Moses points to the Tabernacle behind him next.
‘…Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard…’
Moses points west next.
‘…On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their companies, the chief of the people of Ephraim being Elishama the son of Ammihud, his company as listed being 40,500. And next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh, the chief of the people of Manasseh being Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, his company as listed being 32,200. Then the tribe of Benjamin, the chief of the people of Benjamin being Abidan the son of Gideoni, his company as listed being 35,400. All those listed of the camp of Ephraim, by their companies, were 108,100. They shall set out third on the march…’
Moses points towards the north now.
‘…On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan by their companies, the chief of the people of Dan being Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, his company as listed being 62,700. And those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, the chief of the people of Asher being Pagiel the son of Ochran, his company as listed being 41,500. Then the tribe of Naphtali, the chief of the people of Naphtali being Ahira the son of Enan, his company as listed being 53,400. All those listed of the camp of Dan were 157,600. They shall set out last, standard by standard.’” (Numbers 2:2-31)
Groans move in and out of the congregation. Many of the people are close to where their new assignments are, while others are far from their places. Rearranging the camp will take some doing. It may be difficult, but the people will do exactly as Moses, and God, have instructed them.
The Levites kept their places, as they had not been told exactly where to go. Any of them that were away from the Tabernacle, moved their tents closer.
Moses watched the activity in the camp. He also looked at his brother, Aaron, who seemed tired beyond words. To this point, Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar had been carrying the load of caring for the Tabernacle on their own. Moses thought to himself, “This is not good.” But he would not act until the Lord gave him instructions.
God heard Moses’ thoughts and responded to them right away.
“Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle. And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the people of Israel. And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. But if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death.” (Numbers 3:6-10)
Moses is pleased by this gift to Aaron. But the Lord isn’t finished with His directions regarding the Levites.
“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the people of Israel. The Levites shall be mine, for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast. They shall be mine: I am the Lord.” (Numbers 3:12-13)
Moses’ mind immediately goes back to that night in Egypt. The night of a million screams. The night when the blood of the lamb marked the Lord’s people for protection.
“It’s time to number the Levites” said the Lord. “List the sons of Levi, by fathers’ houses and by clans; every male from a month old and upward you shall list.” (Numbers 3:15)
Moses began this task first thing the next morning. Aaron helped call the Levites together at the Tabernacle. Once they were all assembled, they were divided into clans beginning at Levi’s sons; Gershon and Kohath and Merari.
The count was a LOT smaller than any of the other tribes. It still took a full day to accomplish, as Moses was the only recorder. Gershon number was 7,500. Kohath’s descendants numbered 8,600. And Merari’s descendants numbered 6,200.
Moses was ready the next morning to present them to Aaron, as the Lord had said. But before Moses could present all of them to Aaron to help him, the Lord told him what each clan’s duties and camp placement would be. Moses shared this with the clans early that morning.
“The clan of Gershon will camp on the west side of the Tabernacle. ‘The guard duty of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting involved the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar, and its cords—all the service connected with these.’” (Numbers 3:25-26)
“The clan of Kohath will camp on south side of the Tabernacle. ‘Their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen; all the service connected with these. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the chiefs of the Levites, and to have oversight of those who kept guard over the sanctuary.’” (Numbers 3:31-32)
“The clan of Merari will camp on the north side of the Tabernacle. ‘the appointed guard duty of the sons of Merari involved the frames of the tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the bases, and all their accessories; all the service connected with these; also the pillars around the court, with their bases and pegs and cords.’” (Numbers 36-37)
“On the east side of the Tabernacle, Aaron and his sons and I will camp.”
Moses looked around to see if anyone had anything to say or questions regarding the new arrangement. None did. “Once we are finished rearranging our tents, the whole camp will be as the Lord has decreed.”
(to be continued)
Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, Gad, Naphtali. Leah’s sons listen in order of birth, Rachel’s sons listed in order of birth, and the maids’ sons listed randomly. I wonder why. Birth order for the maids’ sons is Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and finally Asher. Manasseh and Ephraim are listed in order of blessing by Jacob; not age. Levi has a different census done separately.
I wonder if God actually used my timeframe. I know Aaron would have need help as soon as possible, but God doesn’t call for the first census until a month has passed. He must have given them extra strength to get through all that the early days required.
God setting out the order of “by clan and tribe” reminds me of grade school. We were often given seating assignments by last name, or even boy, girl, boy girl, stipulations from the teachers. One time in high school, a teacher, who was NOT liked at all, tried this with our class in the middle of the term. My friends and I promised that, when we came to class the next day, if the teacher tried to insist on his seating assignment, we would walk out and go to detention. He did, and we did. The seating chart was abolished after our school counselor had a talk with him about how he was treating us. It wasn’t all about the chart either.
Father God, thank You for bringing order out of chaos. I wonder how random the camp was before You gave it structure. How many of the people balked at this structure? You called them a “stubborn” and “stiff necked” people. My stubborn streak has a tendency to balk at others imposing their order on me. I have HORRIBLE memories of running afoul of external order on occasion. THANK YOU for mellowing me! I don’t even want to imagine how I would be without that gift from You. And it IS a gift from You. NOT something I accomplished on my own.
