What does Numbers 26:56 mean?
"According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few." - Numbers 26:56

Numbers 26:56 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states: "According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few."
This verse is part of a census taken by Moses and Eleazar the priest in the wilderness of Moab, near the Jordan River, just before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land. The purpose of this census was to help determine the allocation of land among the different tribes of Israel. In this particular verse, God instructs Moses on how the land should be divided amongst the Israelites.
The underlying theme of Numbers 26:56 is the concept of fairness and equality. In the allocation of land, God wants to ensure that each tribe receives a portion that is appropriate to its size, resources, and needs. This verse emphasizes the impartiality of God's judgment and his concern for justice in the distribution of the land.
In a broader context, this verse reflects the importance of fairness and equity in the social and economic systems of the ancient Israelite society. The division of land according to the lot was meant to prevent favoritism or inequality, and to ensure that each tribe had an opportunity to thrive and prosper in their new homeland.
The symbolism of the "lot" in this verse is significant. The use of the lot was a common practice in the biblical times to make decisions or allocate resources, and it was seen as a way of seeking God's guidance and wisdom. In this case, the casting of lots was a way for the Israelites to trust in God's providence and sovereignty in the distribution of the land.
Furthermore, the phrase "between many and few" speaks to the idea that God's provision is not based on human standards of wealth or power. Regardless of the size or strength of a tribe, each one would receive a portion of the land according to God's wisdom and plan. This highlights the principle of God's impartiality and his care for all his people, regardless of their social status or influence.
On a spiritual level, Numbers 26:56 can also be seen as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for his people. Just as he ensured that each tribe received an inheritance in the Promised Land, God continues to provide for the needs of his followers today. This verse invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, knowing that he will allocate resources and blessings according to his perfect plan.
In summary, Numbers 26:56 conveys the themes of fairness, equity, and trust in God's provision. It portrays God as a just and impartial ruler who cares for the well-being of his people. The use of the lot as a symbol of God's guidance and wisdom underscores the divine authority behind the division of the land. This verse serves as a reminder of God's providence and care for his people, both in ancient times and in the present day.
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Numbers 26:56 - "According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few."
"According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few." - Numbers 26:56
Numbers 7:56 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"
Matthew 26:56 - "But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled."
Numbers 33:56 - "Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them."
"One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:" - Numbers 7:56
"But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled." - Matthew 26:56
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 26:8 - "And the sons of Pallu; Eliab."
Numbers 26:26 - "¶ Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites."
Numbers 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."
Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."
"Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them." - Numbers 33:56
Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."
Israelites taking census in Numbers 26
Numbers 26:52 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 26:36 - "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."
Numbers 26:53 - "Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names."
Numbers 26:39 - "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."
Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"
Numbers 26:6 - "Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites."
Numbers 26:49 - "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."
Numbers 26:24 - "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites."
Numbers 26:17 - "Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites."
Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."
Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."
Numbers 26:16 - "Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:"
Numbers 7:26 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"
Numbers 26:60 - "And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."
Numbers 26:14 - "These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred."