These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

NUMBERS 26:63KJV
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Numbers 26:63 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:63 mean?

Numbers 26:63 states that Moses and Eleazar the priest counted the Israelites while they were camped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River by Jericho. This verse summarizes who conducted the census and where it took place as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Moses and Eleazar, the new high priest after Aaron, are leading the people at this point in Israel’s journey. The census was an important event, marking a new generation after years of wandering in the wilderness. The location—by the Jordan across from Jericho—signals that the Israelites are on the verge of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:63

  • The word “numbered” (פָּקַד, paqad) is used twice here and often means to count, appoint, or take note of. In this context, it emphasizes an official and careful counting of the people, not just a rough estimate.
  • “Plains” (עֲרָבָה, aravah) refers to the flat, open land east of the Jordan River. This detail grounds the story in a real, specific place, showing the Israelites’ progress toward their destination.
  • “Moab” (מוֹאָב, Moav) and “Jordan” (יַרְדֵּן, Yarden) are named to clarify exactly where this census happened, highlighting that the people are right on the border of the land they’ve been journeying toward.

Why Numbers 26:63 matters

  • Numbers 26:63 clarifies that this census is different from the earlier one in the book, marking a new generation after the previous one died in the wilderness.
  • The verse emphasizes the leadership transition from Aaron to Eleazar, showing continuity in Israel’s priesthood and guidance.
  • By naming the location, Numbers 26:63 connects the census to the fulfillment of God’s promise, as the people are now poised to enter the land long awaited by their ancestors.

Where else these words appear

“Jericho” Hebrew H3405 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

“plains” Hebrew H6160 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.