Arikm, This is actually second census of the SECOND GENERATION. The need for this was, if you would have read the preceeding chapter is that after Israel's victory over the Kings Sichon and Og, the nations of Midian, Ammon and Moab conspire to destroy Israel. Moses in Devarim states that they stayed in Pe'or "a long time". It was during this time, that Balaam was hired pronounce a curse on Israel, but thwarted, he returned to his "bosses" and with the Midianite chieftans, hatched a plan to ensnare the Israelite men in idolatry. The Israelite men took the bait and before long Israel was sinking into idolatry. Moses and Aaron were thwarted in their attempts to curb this. A Plauge ensues which decimateds Israel; almost wiping out the entire tribe of Simeon. It would be Phineas' zealous actions which set into motion a "jarring back to reality" and his actions stops the plague.

It was for THIS reason that the second census of the SECOND Generation was taken. The survivors of the first wouldn't be counted because they were now exempted from serving due to their age and therefore not also permitted to enter the land. G-d did NOT kill off the first generation arbitrarily. Each died according to his lifespan, the young were not killed before the old and neither were the old beore the young. But this does NOT say anything about the women of the age as it was as Moses would say 'THE FIRST GENERATION OF WARRIORS":


The first generation died off their natural lifespan outside of the promised land because they did not enter the promised land like they were instructed to do. There is no argument that the second generation went in; so we don't have to go over that point.

If I understand you correctly, you are of the opinion that it was because of idoltary, not disobediance to God's command to them to enter the promises land, was the reason the first generation didn't make it in? Did I understand you correctly?

If so, that is contrary to what I read. It is because the Israelites were afraid because the land was reported to be full of giants and didn't believe that God would give them the land regardless.

It was God who told them through Moses to send spys into the promised land:

Numbers kjv 13:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

13:2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.


So the spys were sent. Comment from another site... Sending out the spies was a test for Israel in faith and obedience. God knew what they would find in the land. But would Israel have faith to act upon God's Word in blind obedience or would they be plagued with doubt and fear?

When the spies came back, all were fearful of the giants they found, but Caleb and Joshua. So God let just Caleb and Joshua of their generation in. I am not sure about the women and children. I would have to read a specific passage regarding them.

13:25 And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

13:26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

13:27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.


So, the first generation didn't make it in because they did not go in like God told them to as it says in this passage...


Deutronomy 9:23 Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.


Without going all over the place, simply, what does your text say in that same passage, Deutronomy 9:23? Please provide a copy and paste in your reply and commentary.

Sophiee's version probably has something about a lack of trust instead of "ye believed him not", which I don't have a problem with.


Doug L.