A Theocracy!

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 26

A long time has elapsed since Numbers 1, when Moses and Aaron took a census. The adult generation at that time has died off except for Joshua, and Caleb. I missed any mention of years passing. It's clear that although Israel is said to have "wandered in the desert" for forty years, there must have been times when they settled at a particular location for several years.

The new census taken by Moses and Eleasar has about the same number of adult men as the first one.

It’s interesting that the land will be apportioned by “lot,” the root word for lottery. Perhaps like flipping a coin to make a decision, a random draw is a means to discern the LORD’s “will.” It’s divination without superstition, I guess.

Numbers 27

Women will get to inherit land if they have no brothers.

Joshua is appointed Moses's successor. YLT says (verse 20) "put of thine honour upon him, so that all the company of the sons of Israel do hearken" whereas the NRSV says "You shall give him some of your authority, so that all the congregation of the Israelites may obey."

"Some of your authority?"

I take it that while Moses was the leader, Aaron and his line were appointed to a priestly line akin to a monarchy. Aaron was Moses's mouthpiece in a virtual dictatorship, but Eleazar, Aaron's son, would have greater authority as titular head through whom other leaders, such as Joshua, would be anointed.

Israel isn't a nation-state, but organizationally, it's to be a theocracy.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)