Numbers 26 - 36

Psalm 103:10...the Lord kept on forgiving and so did Moses!
1st census: 603,550, final census before entering the Promised Land 601,730...good count after 40 years.

Counting the Nation – Another Census
A final census of the people ordered by Moses prior to entering the Promised Land, reveals that the old generation has died off – a fact that signals an end to the 40 years of wandering. Following the census, God designates a new leader to replace Moses. For although he survived the judgment of his generation, he would not lead the people into Canaan. In 27:13 we have confirmed the reason that Moses could not go into Canaan: “For you disobeyed My order in the wilderness of Zin during the strife of the congregation, to uphold My sanctity at the waters before their eyes. These are the waters of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin 20:10-12. Next Moses reviews for the new generation the various sacrifices of worship – as well as the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations – to insure that the nation does not overlook any of its holy obligations or divinely assigned remembrances.
Would you rather be known for your good reputation or your outstanding character? Though reputation and character are often used as interchangeable terms, their meanings are vastly different. You reputation is what others think you are, your character is what God KNOWS you are!
For all his humanness, Israel’s great leader revealed a striking depth of character when God told him that he would soon die, instead of complaining Moses expressed concern over the welfare of the people. 40 years of wilderness travel, during which time his ability and reputation as a leader were frequently under fire, served not to hatter his character, but rather to shape it.
What circumstance has God brought into your life to build your character: A difficult relationship? A conflict at work? A physical or financial problem? Complete this sentence by writing in the character-shaping experience you face today. God build my character today as I face the challenge __________.
The census taken in chapter 26 served at least 3 purposes besides merely “counting heads” 1. It measure Israel’s military strength, 2 it provided the records necessary to divide the land properly and 3 it supplied accurate genealogical records that would be needed by future generations.
God could have sent angels to do the Canaan 'clean up', but chose to work thru humands just as He does today.
Chapter 27 Calling a New Leader – Another Captain – verse 18 Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand upon him… (continues through v. 23
Moses could have pouted but instead he prepared others for the future. He used his winter season well...120 years yet strong.
Chapters 28- 30 Clarifying the Code of Worship – Another Challenge In chapter 30: The importance of what we SAY! New Testament says that we are to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Here we have a whole block of Scripture regarding making vows…perhaps it can be summarized in verse two: “he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Put simply: KEEP YOUR WORD! In this chapter, we have a picture of authority…not superiority but a structure of authority.
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Moses’ final acts of leadership before his death involve CONQUEST AND CONSOLIDATION. Midian, which had led Israel into idolatry is judged as 12,000 crack Israelite troops annihilate this powerful people and collect a wealth of spoils. Next, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses granted their request on the condition that they help the remaining ten tribes complete the conquest of the Promised Land first.
With the lands of Jazer and Gilead conquered, Reuben and Gad came to Moses wanting to settle there. They were willing to help conquer the rest of the land, but they liked what they saw east of the Jordan and weren’t willing to take a chance on what they hadn’t seen. Though this might at first seem prudent on their part, it was contrary to God’s intention for His people. He had already promised the entire nation victory over the Cannaanites if they would just trust Him. By settling for God’s second best, Reuben and Gad set the stage for future strife.
Often we can be defeated by the Unknown and fail to remember that it is NOT unknown to the Lord! “Fear is the beginning of defeat.”
Where is God asking you to step out by faith into unknown territory? The temptation will be there to settle for the security of the status quo – and miss possible blessings! Instead of being controlled by a fear of the unknown, let your actions be guided by a confidence of the Known – the God of Israel Who never slumbers or sleeps (Psa. 121:4) He’s waiting to talk to you right now!
Chapter 31 Defeat of the Midianites – Moses, the Commander In verses 15-16 we have a brief picture of the INFLUENCE OF WOMEN, although in this case it is definitely not influence toward that which is right! (READ) The End of Balaam. Israel’s conquest of Midian included the execution of Balaam 31:8 This judgment may seem unduly harsh for the one who had blessed the nation, until it is learned that Balaam masterminded the scheme to defile the Israelites with Medianite women v. 16.
Chapter 32 Decision of Reuben and Gad – Moses the Administrator
Chapter 33 Details of the Wandering – Moses, the Traveler We have record in this chapter that the world’s largest Mobile Home Park moved into 33 locations over the 40 years…8 locations in the last year! For application in this particular chapter, we should consider v. 52 and 55 carefully. The word ALL is critically important. They were told: drive out ALL the inhabitants of the land before you, and destroy ALL their figured …. (READ) v. 55 BUT if you will not drive out …. DOES THIS SPEAK TO YOUR HEART THAT GOD EXPECTS US TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON THE DETAILS OF WHAT HE DIRECTS US TO DO? When we don’t – what is it called? S I N!!!!
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Chapter 34 Dividing the Land – Partition
Chapter 35 Designating Cities of Refuge – Protection
Chapter 36 Detailing the Law of Inheritance – Provision
Now God specified the boundaries of the land and appointed the men who were to oversee the work of dividing it among the remaining tribes. The cities in which the Levites will live are designated, as well as the cities of refuge for those guilty of unintentional murder. Since the land is apportioned through the male side of the family, the case of a family in which there is no male heir is clarified by Moses, who specifies that all land must stay within the tribe of which it was originally given. 2 ½ tribes chose to stay on the other side of the Jordan.
A good subtitle for chapters 34 – 36 might be “How to Be Blessed with God’s Best.” We might ask ourselves the question, “Why do some people seem to enjoy the blessing of God more than others? God’s blessing for Israel was complete possession and enjoyment of the land of Canaan. The equitable division of the land among the tribes and families showed that God’s blessing was designed to touch every person in the nation. The only prerequisite for enjoyment of that blessing was believing faith demonstrated by obedience to God.
“The more we count the blessings we have, the less we crave the luxuries we haven’t.”
As you look at the people whose lives seem to overflow with God’s blessing, you may be tempted to think they have a special key to His storehouses that you don’t possess. Eph 1:1-14 – there you will find a reminder of just how rich you are as a Christian. Then on a deposit slip from your checkbook, itemize the pasts of your spiritual inheritance that you own but are not presently enjoying FORGIVENESS (unshackled from your past), ACCEPTANCE (seeing yourself as God sees you), REDEMPTION (set free from sin’s bondage to serve God), etc. Now, what do you need to do in order for you to enjoy what you already possess?
In chapter 35 the Right to a Fair Trial is actually address: Because the nearest relative of a murder victim had the right to avenge the death, cities of refuge were necessary to provide protective custody for an accused manslayer until the legal process could be carried out. In this chapter, you will find guidelines for judgment and such interesting things as capital punishment, ONE witness is not enough and there is no pardon for some.
In chapter 36 in the discussion of inheritance…we find an O.T. verse that parallels the N.T. verse of NOT being unequally yoked. 36:6 “Let them marry whom they think best; only they shall marry within the family of the tribe of their father. V.8 shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father….
“These are the commandments and ordinances which the Lord commanded the Israelites by Moses the plains of Moab by the Jordan (River) at Jericho.

Guilty sinners today can flee by faith (not to a city) but to Jesus to find refuge from judgment Heb. 6:18. Because Jesus is the ever living High Priest salvation is secure forever for "He ever lives to make intercession for them 7:25. He bore the guilty sinners' punishment therefore there can be no condemnation. Romans 8:11