Whist the book of Numbers is
not just about numbers, it does start with a lot of numbers: a census of the
Israelite community conducted by Moses and Aaron according to specific
instructions from God.
At first reading it may be
difficult to be inspired by the lists of names and figures that make up the
bulk of this chapter; however, all this data collection was an important part of
God’s plan – everything He asks has a purpose and we, like Moses, should be
ready to obey – even if that purpose may seem unclear. God specifically asks
(v3) for Moses and Aaron to count the number of men suitable for military
service. There is a struggle ahead and the Israelites must be prepared to fight
those forces that will threaten them on their way to the Promised Land. Taking
stock of the military assets at their command is an important first step.
Like the Israelites we face a
struggle. Ours is not against flesh and blood (Ephes. 6:12) but “against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Like the
Israelites we can prepare ourselves by ensuring that we recognise just who is
on our side. We may not have six hundred thousand, five hundred and fifty
Israelite men of military age in our corner (v46), but we do have One Father,
One Son and One Holy Spirit who will respond to our call. A regular roll-call is a good way of
reminding ourselves of this.