In this episode of Reading Through the Bible Together, we’re reading Numbers 26–31, where God brings Israel to the edge of the promised land again, and prepares the next generation to walk in what the last generation refused.

A new census is taken, not as busywork, but as a sober reminder: the wilderness did exactly what God said it would do. Then the Lord begins setting the future in order, even through unexpected people, like the daughters of Zelophehad, showing His justice and care in the details. Moses is told his leadership will soon end, and Joshua is appointed, because God’s mission doesn’t rise or fall on one man. The offerings and vows are repeated, pressing home that worship and obedience are not optional for a people who belong to the Lord.

And then the tone sharpens. Numbers 31 shows holy judgment against Midian, tied directly to the temptation and idolatry of the previous chapter. God is teaching Israel that compromise is not harmless. It destroys. He will not let the infection spread.

These chapters are about transition: from old to new, from wandering to entering, from rebellion to renewal. And they point us to Jesus, the greater Joshua, who leads His people into the true inheritance, cleanses what is unclean, and keeps God’s promises all the way to the end.

If you haven’t read Numbers 26–31 yet, pause and do that now, then come back and let’s read it together.

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