They stood, poised for a new beginning, carefully recorded and ready to claim the Promised Land.
“These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the sons of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.” (v.63) In this verse from Numbers 26:63, we see a summary statement about the census taking place under the guidance of Moses and Eleazar. This event occurs in the plains of Moab, a region east of the Jordan River that served as a final encampment area before Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land. Historically, Moab was a kingdom located northeast of the Dead Sea, and commentators note that the plains there are a transitional space in Israel’s journey after the exodus from Egypt (which is likely around 1446-1444 BC) and before the conquest of Canaan. The mention of the Jordan River connects to the future fulfillment of God’s promise; eventually, Israel would cross that river to settle in Canaan (Joshua 3:17). Jericho, located just west of the Jordan, is often cited as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and would become Israel’s first major military victory in the Promised Land (Joshua 6:1-27).
The verse specifically highlights “Moses and Eleazar the priest” (v.63). Moses, who lived from approximately 1526-1406 BC, leads the people faithfully under God’s direction, while Eleazar, his nephew and son of Aaron (the first high priest), rises to assist in spiritual and administrative duties. By the time of this census, Aaron had died (Numbers 20:28), making Eleazar the primary priestly figure for the nation. This collaborative effort in numbering the people emphasizes the unity of civil and religious authority in ancient Israel, pointing forward to the future partnership between priestly and kingly roles—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who embodies both the royal and priestly offices in His ministry (Hebrews 7:26).
When the text states “who numbered the sons of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho” (v.63), it underscores both the physical location and the spiritual dimension of the moment. The people are on the threshold of God’s promise, just across the Jordan from Jericho, poised to inherit their long-awaited land. This census reaffirms Israel’s continuity and keeps track of the tribes for the inheritance allotments that will soon be distributed. It also illustrates that God’s plan for His people is both intimately practical—ensuring every family’s inheritance—and profoundly redemptive, reflecting His faithfulness to His covenant promises, which Christians recognize are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:68-73).
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Numbers 26:63 meaning
“These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the sons of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.” (v.63) In this verse from Numbers 26:63, we see a summary statement about the census taking place under the guidance of Moses and Eleazar. This event occurs in the plains of Moab, a region east of the Jordan River that served as a final encampment area before Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land. Historically, Moab was a kingdom located northeast of the Dead Sea, and commentators note that the plains there are a transitional space in Israel’s journey after the exodus from Egypt (which is likely around 1446-1444 BC) and before the conquest of Canaan. The mention of the Jordan River connects to the future fulfillment of God’s promise; eventually, Israel would cross that river to settle in Canaan (Joshua 3:17). Jericho, located just west of the Jordan, is often cited as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and would become Israel’s first major military victory in the Promised Land (Joshua 6:1-27).
The verse specifically highlights “Moses and Eleazar the priest” (v.63). Moses, who lived from approximately 1526-1406 BC, leads the people faithfully under God’s direction, while Eleazar, his nephew and son of Aaron (the first high priest), rises to assist in spiritual and administrative duties. By the time of this census, Aaron had died (Numbers 20:28), making Eleazar the primary priestly figure for the nation. This collaborative effort in numbering the people emphasizes the unity of civil and religious authority in ancient Israel, pointing forward to the future partnership between priestly and kingly roles—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who embodies both the royal and priestly offices in His ministry (Hebrews 7:26).
When the text states “who numbered the sons of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho” (v.63), it underscores both the physical location and the spiritual dimension of the moment. The people are on the threshold of God’s promise, just across the Jordan from Jericho, poised to inherit their long-awaited land. This census reaffirms Israel’s continuity and keeps track of the tribes for the inheritance allotments that will soon be distributed. It also illustrates that God’s plan for His people is both intimately practical—ensuring every family’s inheritance—and profoundly redemptive, reflecting His faithfulness to His covenant promises, which Christians recognize are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:68-73).