Search Tools
New Defender's Study Bible Notes
26:2 Take the sum. The total adult male population at this time, forty years after the first census, was 601,730 (Numbers 26:51), less than it was when they started (603,550–see Numbers 1:46), in contrast to its rapid proliferation while in Egypt (Exodus 1:7). Many had perished in the wilderness in the various plagues and judgments sent by God, including all who were twenty years old or more at the time when the spies brought back their fearful report from the promised land (Numbers 14:29; 26:63-65).
26:10 opened her mouth. See note on Numbers 16:30. Numbers 26:11 indicates that “the children of Korah died not,” and it seems that their descendants actually became a singing group, under King David (see note on the title to Psalm 42).
26:61 strange fire. For the sad story of two sons of Aaron born to the priesthood, who presumptuously forfeited their inheritance and their lives, see Leviticus 10:1-7.
26:65 not left a man. See Numbers 14:20-39. None of those who were numbered in the first census had survived to be included in the second census except for Caleb and Joshua.