Numbers 26

The Israelites stand across Jericho.

Oooo...will they attack and enter? Nope

There has been numerous die-offs since the first, so a second counting happens.

So, a second censes count of Israel is in order and there still are over 600,000 fighting men.

I was thinking about the plight of their lives. They are told they cannot enter the Promised Land. But they win battles, they experienced freedom from slavery, manna falls from the sky....the Israelites have several repeating complaints:

They will die in the desert

Manna is boring

Why did we leave Egypt?

The first is legitimate, I think. It sucks to know the limits of your life. But in the context of their lives, it is awesome. They were slaves, they became free, God performs a miracle every day in the sense of manna falls from the sky...why should they complain? But alas, they do. I think we would kid ourselves if we think we would not do the same. Some would, some would not. Seriously, ask yourself, if the next 40 years, every meal will be free and taken care, but it will only be honey-tasting cake....what would you say?

After a day - nice food

After a week - ok food

After a month - protein, please?

After a year - blah

After 10 years - I forgot the taste of anything else

if this is all about a relationship with God, relationships become monotonous. Monotony of free food, even today, draws out complaints and not gratitude. Trust me, we have firm meetings and the same sandwiches show up.

I don't think complaining itself is wrong. If life sucks, if you are in the wilderness, I think it is healthy to admit it. The problem, and what seems to offend God, is when you say, "I was better off without you, God.". Even if everyone, including yourself, knows that is not true, we might say it anyway.

Back to Numbers. The second census shows that the mass killings have not decimated the Israelite community. Likewise, in some ways, it is a starting over.

But nevertheless, the army is poised to strike Jericho. What happens next?

Side question - and I think is something that affects our perspective during the "die offs", were these people who died "saved". Personally, I think yes, but I recognize that Christians have a variety or viewpoints of salvation in the pre-Christ era.