Numbers-Chapter-26
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Remember the following truth from our beloved
Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO
THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL
YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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Part One..
Verses 1 to 32..
With Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction
Numbers Chapter 26 marks a pivotal transition
in the wilderness narrative. After forty years of wandering and the passing of
the generation that left
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Let us read Numbers
Chapter 26, verses 1 to 32: (JPS-1917 version of
the Torah). Below this chapter you will find my commentary for this study.
1 “And it came to
pass after the plague, that יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Eleazar
the son of Aaron the priest, saying: 2 ‘Take the
sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old
and upward, by their fathers’ houses, all that are able to go forth to war in
Israel’. 3 And Moses and Eleazar
the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho,
saying: 4 ‘Take the sum of the people, from twenty
years old and upward, as יְהוָה - the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, that came forth
out of the land of Egypt’. 5 Reuben, the first-born
of
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My Commentary on Numbers 26, 1 to 32:
Verses 1-4: The timing of this census is crucial, occurring immediately “after
the plague” (the incident at Baal-peor). This serves
to demonstrate that despite the losses sustained due to recent transgressions,
the nation remains resilient and ready for its mission. The age requirement twenty
years old and upward specifically targets those “able to go forth to war”,
emphasizing that the immediate future of the people requires strength and
readiness to secure their borders.
Verses 5-11: The census begins with Reuben, the firstborn. While tracing the
families (Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi), the text pauses to recall the rebellion
of Dathan and Abiram. This serves as a stark
legal and moral reminder that leadership and inheritance are tied to communal
responsibility. Notably, the text clarifies that “the sons of Korah died not”, preserved through their own merit or
choice, highlighting the theme of individual accountability even within a
flawed family line.
Verses 12-14: The tribe of Simeon is listed next. Historically, Simeon shows the
most significant decrease in population since the first census in the
wilderness. This reduction is often understood as a consequence of their heavy
involvement in the recent incident at Baal-peor,
illustrating the tangible impact of communal ethics on the physical survival
and strength of a tribe.
Verses 15-18: The descendants of Gad are enumerated according to their seven
primary families. Gad remains a significant military force, positioned
alongside Reuben. Their inclusion here confirms their status as full
participants in the national destiny, despite their eventual request to settle
on the eastern side of the
Verses 19-22:
Verses 23-25: Issachar is detailed through the families of Tola,
Puvah, Jashub, and Shimron. This tribe is characterised by its stability and
consistent growth, providing a solid foundation of familial continuity that is
essential for the agricultural and spiritual life envisioned for the
Verses 26-27: Zebulun follows, divided into three main
families. Along with Issachar, Zebulun represents the
northern strength of the nation. Their census numbers reflect a thriving
community ready to take up its allotted portion in the
Verses 28-32: The sons of Joseph are introduced, beginning with Manasseh. The detail provided for
the families of Machir and
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My Closing Message:
This chapter teaches us that every individual
counts toward the collective strength of the community. The census is a
testament to the fact that while leaders may pass and generations may change,
the identity of the people remains unbroken. As we look at these ancient names
and numbers, we see a blueprint for a society built on the principles of
equity, memory, and the shared goal of building a home. It reminds us that our
greatest strength lies in our ability to organise, remember our history, and
move forward with a unified purpose.
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