Joe: Alright, so what do we got going on in Numbers 26?

Bible Expert: Well, Numbers 26 is a census of the people of Israel, taken as they are about to enter the Promised Land. It's a very important chapter because it gives us a record of all the people who will be entering the land.

Joe: Whoa, hold on a second. A census? That sounds pretty boring.

Jamie: Actually, Joe, it's pretty interesting. It records the names of all the families and clans, their size and even their wealth.

Joe: Alright, alright. So what happens next?

Bible Expert: Well, the chapter then goes on to discuss the divisions of land among the various tribes, and gives instructions for how the land is to be divided. The chapter ends with a list of the families of the Levites, who are the priests of Israel.

Joe: That's pretty cool. What's the significance of the Levites?

Bible Expert: Well, they were the ones responsible for serving in the Tabernacle and offering sacrifices. It was their job to represent the people before God and to be mediators between God and the people.