What kind of census did the Lord ask Moses and Aaron to draw up, and why? Num. 1:2, 3.
  
   This is a very powerful. In this census God wanted to get a number
   of all the men who were able to go to serve in the army. Also they
   did this one by one family by family, and clan by clan.
  
   Before any army can go to war they must understand what type
   of army they have. An understanding of your troops and and a
   thorough organization of your resources will allow you to plan
   strategically for success.
  
Read Genesis 15:14-16 (see also Deut. 9:5). What's implied here? How can they help us understand Israel's wars with the Amorites?
  
   In these passages God is planning to execute Judgment on the land. Here
   in this passage He is letting the people know that He is going to use
   them not because of their righteousness but because of the people's
   wickedness.
  
   Essentially God wants to use His people in order drive out the nations.
   The war against the Amorites is not something which is arbitrary or
   something which is economically motivated. This is a war instituted by
   God because of the wickedness of the nations which He sent his
   people to possess.
  
Many folks are troubled by the Israelite destruction of these people, and understandably so. Why, in cases such as this, in which there is much we don't understand, do we simply need to go by faith, trusting in the goodness of God, who has revealed Himself to us in Jesus? John 14:9.
  
  
   We must understand that God is a God of love. He does not take joy
   in the destruction of the wicked. He desires that all should be saved.
   The other side is the God does not force His love on anyone so
   He allows people to make a choice for Him or against Him.
  
Prayer: Father God please help us to understand your love more completely. Assemble us for your heavenly army. May we be willing soldiers to go where you lead. Thank you in Jesus name amen.