NOTES for Num 26:1-65

Why does Holy Scripture tell us the results of a census taken thousands of years ago? What do these lists of names and genealogical tables tell us? For an Israelite, belonging to his people, as confirmed by such genealogies, meant sharing in salvation and in the eternal promises God had given His people. Can everyone who now belongs to God’s people by believing His word be enrolled in a census? And is that even necessary? The Lord knows each of us personally.