1. Take a census of fighting men (1-51)

Forty years had passed since the Israelites left Egypt. They were now on the plains of Moab, just across the river from Jericho. They had defeated the Amorite kings east of the Jordan, but had been defeated by the women of Moab. God had purified them with a plague. Now the time had come to enter and conquer the promised land. The census was to count the men who could fight, and to remind them of the failures that had come from rebellion, disobedience and unbelief. The cowards of forty years before were all dead (64-65). The irreverent sons of Aaron and the rebels who joined Korah were dead (8-10; 61). No one should repeat the mistakes of the past.

2. To divide the inheritance (52-65)

This census was also a basis for dividing the land after the conquest. It planted in their hearts a sure hope of victory. God who promised them the land would give it to them when they boldly claimed it. They would begin the battle confident of victory.

Application: Lord, thank you for your discipline which trains us to fight the good fight of faith.
One Word: Ready to fight and win