Numbers 1: People Count!
WE LIVE IN the age of the survey. Demographic studies measure every possible facet of American life. We seem to have an obsession with categorizing people. In Numbers categories play an important part—two censuses are recorded. The Israelites have secured their freedom from Egyptian slavery, and Moses calls for a count of the twelve tribes.
Warming Up to God
What groups do you feel particularly a part of and identify with?
Read Numbers 1. »
Discovering the Word
- For what reasons does God ask Moses to take a census of all the people (vv. 2-3)?
- Why do you think it was important for the Israelites to maintain their tribal identities?
- God sets apart the Levites to take care of the tabernacle (vv. 47-53). Why is it important for those with spiritual responsibilities to be singled out?
- What special challenges might there have been for nomadic people maintaining the tabernacle and God's laws?
Applying the Word
- What personal characteristics about you might God count as most important?
- How can you specifically build up your "tribe" (this could mean family, church or group) as a unit mobilized to serve God?
Responding in Prayer
In God's eyes people count. Praise him for caring about the details of our lives. Ask him to help you today to make your "tribe" a stronger one.
For Further Study
Numbers by Gordon J. Wenham