Numbers 26:63-65
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This verse is the final summary of a massive census, but it's easy to overlook the "who." It wasn't just Moses, but also Eleazar the priest – signifying that this official count, crucial for inheriting the land, was deeply tied to God's covenant and the sacred role of the priesthood.
These were those listed by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who listed the people of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. But among these there was not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had listed the people of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the LORD had said of them, “They shall die in the wilderness.” Not one of them was left, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague and nearly 40 years of wandering. It serves as a final accounting by Moses and Eleazar before the people are about to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that nearly everyone counted in the first census had perished, a stark reminder of God's judgment and faithfulness.
Why did Moses and Eleazar count Israel again? This wasn't just about population control; it was about God's faithfulness.
This final census in Numbers 26 is more than just a headcount. It's a powerful act of covenant confirmation.
A New Generation, A Renewed Promise
After the generation that left Egypt perished in the wilderness due to their rebellion, God commanded this new census. It served as a profound declaration: even though the old generation was gone, God's promise to give them the land still stood.
The numbers themselves are a testament to God's grace. Despite the immense loss of life, the total number of Israelites was remarkably similar to the original census taken at Sinai. This wasn't a natural occurrence but a miracle of God's faithfulness, ensuring the continuation of His covenant people and the fulfillment of His promises.
Dividing the Inheritance
The results of this census were directly linked to the division of the Promised Land. As the text states, "To many you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the few you shall give a smaller inheritance; to each according to those who were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given" (Numbers 26:54). This shows that the census was practical, preparing them to possess what God had promised.
This census highlights a stark contrast: the judgment of the rebellious and the preservation of the faithful.
Numbers 26:63-65 brings to a close the account of the census, but it carries the weight of both judgment and grace.
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The "Not One" Principle
The text emphasizes a crucial point: "But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered... For the Lord had said of them, 'They shall surely die in the wilderness.' And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun" (Numbers 26:64-65).
This is a sobering reminder of God's judgment against the Israelites who grumbled and rebelled in the wilderness. Their disobedience meant they would not enter the Promised Land. The census, in its exclusion of all but two from the original generation, serves as a stark testament to this judgment.
The Exception Proves the Rule
However, the mention of Caleb and Joshua is not just about judgment; it’s about God's enduring grace and faithfulness to those who remained obedient. Despite the pervasive judgment, God preserved these two men, ensuring that someone from the original generation would indeed inherit the land and serve as witnesses to His promises.
Their inclusion highlights that God's faithfulness to His covenant is steadfast, even when His judgment falls upon the disobedient. It’s a powerful picture of how God can uphold His promises through a remnant.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A sacred office established by God to represent the people before Him, perform sacrifices, and provide instruction in the law. A priest acts as a mediator who ensures the maintenance of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
An uncultivated, desolate area characterized by sparse population and dangerous conditions. In biblical theology, it is often a place of testing, refinement, divine judgment, or intimate revelation from God.
This final census in the plains of Moab serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment on the previous generation's disobedience, while simultaneously highlighting His faithfulness in preserving a remnant and preparing them to inherit the promised land.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery, are miraculously delivered from Egypt under Moses' leadership.
c. 1446 BC
Census at Sinai
The first census of Israelite men fit for military service is taken at Mount Sinai, totaling over 600,000.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Due to their rebellion and lack of faith, particularly after the report of the spies, the generation counted at Sinai is condemned to wander for 40 years until they perish.
c. 1406 BC
Plague and Rebellion
A severe plague sweeps through the Israelite camp, and the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram results in significant loss of life.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census
Moses and Eleazar conduct a second census in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River opposite Jericho, to determine the number of the new generation ready to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Preparation to Enter Canaan
With the census complete, the tribes prepare to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land of Canaan, dividing it according to the numbers recorded.
This passage describes the first census taken by Moses and Aaron shortly after the Israelites left Egypt, setting the stage for understanding the significance of the second census at the end of their wandering.
Joshua 14:6-15This passage highlights Caleb, one of the two survivors of the original census mentioned in Numbers 26:64-65, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who remained obedient and their inheritance of the promised land.
Deuteronomy 2:14-16This passage reiterates the consequence of the rebellion in the wilderness, explaining that the generation numbered at Sinai perished, reinforcing the finality of God's judgment recorded in the Numbers census.
1 Corinthians 10:11-12This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel to the Israelites' experiences, warning believers not to fall into similar patterns of sin and rebellion, using their censuses and judgments as examples for spiritual caution.
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
gillNumbers 26:63: "These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho."
These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest,.... That is, these were the Levites, their families, and the number of males in them, which was taken by Moses and Eleazar, who might be only concerned in numbering the Levites, of which tribe they were: and who also numbered the children of Israel; all the tribes o…
This verse is the final summary of a massive census, but it's easy to overlook the "who." It wasn't just Moses, but also Eleazar the priest – signifying that this official count, crucial for inheriting the land, was deeply tied to God's covenant and the sacred role of the priesthood.
This verse concludes the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague and nearly 40 years of wandering. It serves as a final accounting by Moses and Eleazar before the people are about to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that nearly everyone counted in the first census had perished, a stark reminder of God's judgment and faithfulness.
This verse concludes the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague and nearly 40 years of wandering. It serves as a final accounting by Moses and Eleazar before the people are about to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that nearly everyone counted in the first census had perished, a stark reminder of God's judgment and faithfulness.
"These were those listed by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who listed the people of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. But among these there was not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had listed the pe…" — This verse is the final summary of a massive census, but it's easy to overlook the "who." It wasn't just Moses, but also Eleazar the priest – signifying that this official count, crucial for inheriti…
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Last reviewed October 2026
