The first census was taken in the desert of Sinai. Its purpose was for military organization to take possession of the Promised Land. But because of their unbelief, God had disciplined the Israelites in the desert until the entire generation of men died except Joshua and Caleb. They were now on the plains of Moab, across from Jericho. The second census was again for military organization. It was also for dividing the land after the conquest. In the first census, Israel counted 603,550 men (1:46). In the second census, the total number was 601,730 - a loss of 1,820 men. The population virtually stayed the same over the wilderness period. In the wilderness, they had not grown nor advanced but went in circles under God's discipline. The second census reminded them of God's faithfulness to his promise as well as his people's sins and faults before God. Numerous times, they had committed the sins of idol worship, rebellion, and immorality, and provoked God's anger. But in his love, God had been with them and purified them.

We are on our journey to the "Promised Land." We are frail and sinful. But God, who has called us, is purifying us and disciplining us during our life journey. We need to renew our repentance and grow as soldiers of Christ to serve his faithful, life-giving work.


Application: Lord, thank you for your discipline for your people. Help us fight a good fight to the end.
One Word: We are soldiers of Christ.