“Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, 3 from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. 4 And with you there shall be a man from every tribe, each one the head of his father’s house. 5 “These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur; 6 from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; 7 from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; 8 from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; 9 from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon; 10 from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur; 11 from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni; 12 from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; 13 from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran; 14 from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; 15 from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.” 16 These were chosen from the congregation, leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the divisions in Israel.” Numbers 1:1-16 NKJV
Father God,
So we move from Exodus to Numbers. The book that orders the way the Exodus should occur. How they camp, how they behave and who does what. And right at the outset it calls by name those who will organise themselves to attack or defend against any enemies that arise. I pray Lord that I never get a passage like this to read out loud. Thank goodness for being able to look up pronouncing names on Google or listen to audio scripture!
And I ask myself about Your family today Father in the church. I am fascinated by the picture You give us through Paul of being dressed in armour. The whole armour not just a part (Ephesians 6:11). But then all we are asked to do is stand (Ephesians 6:7-14). I am increasingly learning that in times of threat or when everything around me goes wrong i need to learn to stand still, recognise I am under attack by the enemy or life is throwing me a wobbler. Then ask You to battle for me. You do not call me to fight but stand trust and know You are God.
Even when we fight against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12) We are to stand. It is Your armour which is active protects us and defeats the enemy. Your Word of truth dispels lies, Your Spirit cuts through enemy forces, giving us faith in You. And Your gospel that enables us to stand safe and unmoved.
How wonderful that You know all the names of those who are able and can stand for You in our day. We are numbered amongst those who are Yours. And just as You fought with the Israelites You fight for us. But now it is not to kill our fellow man, it is to silence the enemy, stand safe in faith and save the lives of the lost.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 10th February 2026
Some songs should, as it were, stay in Your arsenal.
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
(repeat)
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
Chorus
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
Repeat Verse . . .
Chorus
Power and strength to the Lord
Chorus
The battle belongs to the Lord . . .
Lyrics: Jamie Owens-Collins