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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Your decision regarding Zelophehad’s daughters is instructive and heartwarming. Here was a situation in which an unprotected family of daughters, who seemed to have no provision made for them within the existing legislation, appealed to your justice and fairness, and you heard and honored their appeal. What a wonderful example of your fatherly care. You see and understand, and you provide for my needs! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the second census of Israel which was taken after the plague at Peor. Thirty-eight years had passed since the first census recorded in Numbers. Just like the first, this census was taken to record all men aged twenty and over who were fit for military service (Num 26:2). Since you had just announced a campaign against Midian (Num 25:16–18), and the conquest of Canaan was imminent, a military census was appropriate. However, there was another reason for the census: to determine the relative sizes of the tribes so they could receive a territorial allotment which was proportional to their population. The census total was almost the same as it was at Sinai (601,730 as opposed to 603,550), but there was not a single man left alive from the original census. All of them except Caleb and Joshua died in the wilderness just as you said they would (Num 26:63–65). This shows me the terrible cost of rebellion against you. It also teaches me that although your promises may be delayed by sin, they will ultimately be fulfilled. Moses was now 120 years old, and you told him that his death was approaching quickly. Concerned for the people, Moses asked you to appoint Israel a new leader. You personally chose Joshua as Moses’ successor, and Moses commissioned him before all the congregation. This shows me the importance of succession planning. Leaders would do well to follow Moses’ example: pray, select, commission, and train (Joshua was co-leader with Moses during a transition period that ended with Moses’ death). Reflection The bones of those who rebelled against you are still buried beneath the shifting sands of the Sinai desert. They lie there as a warning to me of the inevitable death that comes from sin. Request Father, help me, as Paul said, not to “desire evil as they did” (1 Cor 10:6). Impress on my mind that whoever thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall! (1 Cor 10:12). Thanksgiving Thank you for your faithfulness in spite of the sin and wickedness of stubborn people. Your blessings are always available for those who find their delight in you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Do You Love the World?” by Barney E. Warren. Meditation Verse: Numbers 26:11.