Numbers 26 is not just a record for the Census Bureau or statistic junkies. It is a tangible testimony to the high cost of low living. Because of their refusal to enter the land Israel was condemned to the longest funeral procession in history – a forty year long line of carcasses strewn across the desert floor. To reinforce the solemnity of this sin and its lethal consequence God itemizes the decrease of fighting forces among the Hebrews in Numbers 26. Not only has an entire generation perished but the number of men has dwindled from 603,550 to 601,730. This is more than math.
Sin is never victimless! When one person sins numerous people suffer. Among those who suffer are the children. In Israel’s case, the younger generation was forced to watch their parents openly flaunt the express will of God and die one by one. Every burial was an anguished reminder of the curse under which the nation was living. Additionally the number of citizens was diminished because of the sin of the prior generation. This is despite the promise of God to bless and grow the nation (Gen. 12: 2; 15: 5; 22: 17; 26: 4). If sin could damage the chosen people of God so disastrously, what may be the hurt in the life of Christians?
Disobedience is deadly. God told Adam that if he disobeyed he would certainly die (Gen. 2: 17). With Adam’s sin graveyards opened for business and they remain the world’s highest volume industry to this day. Everyone must face death but disobedience may hasten it for yourself and others. Just as a father who drives recklessly with his family in the vehicle may bring all their lives to a premature end so the sin of a parent may shorten the lives of children.
Since the number of men eligible for military service lessened success on the battlefield could have been a consequence. Likewise our sin may contribute to the inability of the succeeding generation to wage spiritual battle. We may not only be defeated because of our sin but may contribute to the defeat of those who follow us.