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Numbers 26:52

KJV

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read it in context Inheritance by Lot
Start reading at Numbers 26:52 (Numbers 26:52 to Numbers 26:56). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

A new numbering and instructions prepare the people who will enter the land, including Joshua's appointment.

  1. 26:52 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
  2. 26:53 Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.
  3. 26:54 To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.
  4. 26:55 Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
  5. 26:56 According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Numbers 26:52, Numbers 26:56, John 3:14, John 3:15, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:12

Who wrote it, and how we know

Moses (traditional) Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book states that Moses wrote the record of the journeys at the LORD's command. Numbers 33:2
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition names Moses.
What is debatedSource-critical theories propose later editing.

Time covered by Numbers

About 38 years
  1. Second year after the exodusBeginning · Numbers 1:1

    Israel is counted at Sinai

    The opening census is dated to the first day of the second month in the second year after leaving Egypt.
  2. Fortieth year after the exodusClosing wilderness period

    Israel prepares to enter the land

    Aaron’s death is dated to the fortieth year. The closing instructions are given on the plains of Moab before Israel crosses the Jordan.
The dated narrative moves from the second year toward the end of the fortieth year, an interval of roughly 38 years.
View historical notes and sources
This is an approximate span of the narrative, not an exact count of days and not the date when the book was written. Numbers 33:38 dates Aaron’s death; Numbers 36:13 identifies the closing setting. Deuteronomy 1:3 places Moses’ subsequent address in the fortieth year.

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Macro-Structure of Numbers

Numbers follows Israel in the wilderness and toward the plains of Moab. The narrative moves from one numbered generation to another, combining events with commands for Israel. Distinguish the date of a narrated event from a proposed date of composition.

Numbers 1:1 Numbers 14:29 Numbers 26:64

Ordering the camp
Numbers 1:1–10:10

FocusNumbering, worship, and preparation

Connection to the wholeThe camp is organized around the tabernacle and prepared to depart from Sinai.
interpretation
The journey and the refusal to enter
Numbers 10:11–14:45

FocusComplaint, leadership, and unbelief

Connection to the wholeTravel and repeated complaints culminate in the refusal to enter the land and the sentence upon that generation.
interpretation
Life under the wilderness judgment
Numbers 15:1–19:22

FocusPriesthood and cleansing

Connection to the wholeFurther rebellion and instructions about service and cleansing develop the people's life during the wilderness period.
interpretation

FocusLoss, conflict, blessing, and unfaithfulness

Connection to the wholeDeaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.
interpretation
The next generation prepared
Numbers 26:1–30:16 You are here · 26:52

FocusInheritance, leadership, offerings, and vows

Connection to the wholeA new numbering and instructions prepare the people who will enter the land, including Joshua's appointment.
interpretation
Final arrangements east of Jordan
Numbers 31:1–36:13

FocusJudgment, settlement, and boundaries

Connection to the wholeMilitary action, settlement requests, the travel record, and land provisions complete the preparation for entry into Canaan.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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