Readings: Numbers 26, Numbers 27, Numbers 28, Numbers 29, Numbers 30, Numbers 31

Numbers 31:49 – “Your servants have counted the warriors in our charge and not one of us is missing.”

Today’s readings begin with a second census. Israelite males 20 years and older are down slightly and Levites are up slightly. The census is taken in preparation for the battles ahead and for land allotment in the Promised Land. God then makes provision for families without sons. When the time comes, daughter(s) will inherit land for their families. Then Moses climbs the mountain to see the land that he will not enter. Moses asks God to appoint his successor. Joshua is named and then commissioned. Moses will not die, however, until the end of Deuteronomy.

Chapters 28-30 return to rules for holy living. The daily, Sabbath, and monthly regular offerings are detailed. Commands for the festivals and holy days are reiterated. Instructions for solemn promises and pledges are laid out. A man’s word stands on its own. Attached girls and women must have male kin join their word to hers to be binding.

Chapter 31 details the war with Midian. This war is to “execute the Lord’s just punishment” for the sin at Baal of Peor. 1,000 men from each tribe March into battle. They kill every Midianite adult male and Balaam. Moses gets angry that they let the woman live. They caused the last plague. The non-virgin females and the males are killed. The soldiers and spoils of war are purified, then divided up between the warriors and the community. A portion goes to the priests and a portion goes to the Levites. When all this is done, the commanders come to Moses and say, “Your servants have counted the warriors in our charge and not one of us is missing.” Not an Israelite soldier was lost. Clearly God is with Israel. A reconciliation offering is then given by the warriors. Israel is moving closer to being ready to enter the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, you steadily move forward, preparing your people for what lies ahead. Order and obedience are present and are required. Continue to lead us forward in faith. Continue to be our Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.