Numbers 26

This census has more to do with preparing for the future occupation of the land rather than fighting for it.  The concern was that each tribe get a fair share of the coming blessing.  Every family was listed.  The number of the people listed is significant for several reasons. The two most striking facts are:

1. There is little change in the actual total.  This is accounted for by God’s warning that those who had the chance to see the promised land during the time of the sending out of the spies would not enter.  
2. There is a significant reduction in Simeon’s tribe.  This has mostly to do with the plague, and Zimr’s relationship with the Moabite Cozbi, that led to it.

LORD, get us ready for the future that awaits us.