February 11
Numbers 1–2
Scripture Text: Numbers 1:1–2:34
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
The simple reason for the title "Numbers" is God's command to take a census. A purpose of the census may have been to show how God had multiplied the people. But the stated purpose is to determine Israel's fighting force. Thus, the census was only of those fighting age (20 years old) and older who were able to fight.
By the time each of the 12 houses or tribes is counted, the the total fighting force is 603,550. That is roughly half the number of the combined military of the USA today.
The tribe of Levi was exempted from this military census. The Levites' job was to carry and guard the tabernacle, as well as perform the religious duties of their tribe. The other tribes surrounded them, protecting them and the tabernacle. Why do you think the protection of the tabernacle was so critical?
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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