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There were two censuses of the lay tribes in Numbers, one in ch. 1 and this one in ch. 26. In both instances notations about the Levites follow the census (1:47-53; 26:57-62). Furthermore, both censuses came on the heels of a recent event that is introduced with an “after . . .” clause (. . . after the Israelites came out of Egypt [1:1]; after the plague [26:1]. And last, both censuses were limited to men in Israel twenty years old or more (1:3; 26:4), those who were able to serve in the army (1:3; 26:2).
Alongside of the parallels between the two, one must also discern the differences. There are at least three. In the first place, the census of Nu 26 went beyond giving totals for tribes to include the emergence of subclans within each tribe (e.g., through Hanoch, the Hanochite clan; through Pallu, the Palluite clan [26:5]). This extra information served as a vivid reminder of the promise by God of swift multiplication of his people and of blessing on them.
Secondly, this second census is dotted throughout with brief flashbacks to earlier episodes in Numbers, and without exception it recalls negative events. Note first the replacement of Moses and Aaron (1:3) with Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron (26:1). The absence of Aaron thrusts one back to 20:22-29. Again, vv.8-10 recall the disastrous coup attempt led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (ch. 16) when numbering the Reubenites. The last few verses of the chapter, especially v.65, recall the unfaithful spies of chs. 13-14 and the unbelief they engendered among the people. These rewindings of the tape in this census were not merely for sake of recollection. They were loud and clear messages for the second generation. Her future is not guaranteed unconditionally. She may have as much of the grace of God as she desires, but she is not offered immunity from judgment.
Thirdly, vv.63-65 make it very clear that not one person of that first generation who exited from Egypt is included in this new census. Those in this census are born post-Exodus or post-Sinai (excluding Caleb and Joshua). Thus, one comes to the end of this chapter with a bit of excitement and a bit of apprehension. Here is a fresh start, a new beginning. But will this second generation rise above the temptations ahead? Or will they lower themselves to the level of the preceding generation?