Numbers 1-4: First Census

Numbers 1-2: The First Census

Why count the people? [Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty 1]
- To confirm God's promise to Abraham that his descendants will be multiplied
- To assert the concern of God to everyone of His people that He is the Shepherd and He knows His sheep
- To separate between the Israelite and the foreigner, that all may draw near to Him (Eph 2:14)
- Because God is a God of Order not confusion
- To ensure a documented genealogy of the people of Israel so that the identity of Christ can be confirmed and validated when He comes
Why did God wait to count the people? [Origen 1.2.2, Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty 1]
- After they were separated from Satan (Pharaoh)
- After they have gone through the second birth through Baptism (Red Sea)
- After they had struggled against the powers of darkness (Amalekites)
- After they had consumed the Bread of Life and the Living Water (Manna and Water from Rock)
- After they had heard the word of God in His commandment (The Law)
- After they had attained a life of virtue through God's dwelling (Tabernacle)
- After they had obtained a permanent union with God through sacrifice (Sacrifices)
- Then they were counted
How did they do the census?
- Each tribe had a leader chosen by God
- The names of the leaders correspond to that of the tribe (see Fr Tadros Yacoub Malaty on Ch 2)
Why didn't they count women, children, slaves? [Origen 1.1.1]