Surveys are an important tool that God uses to accomplish His purposes and reveal His will. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God commanding surveys and using the resulting data to guide His people.
One of the first biblical surveys occurred when Moses sent twelve men to explore the Promised Land and report back on its conditions (Numbers 13:1-33). God instructed Moses to choose one leader from each tribe to scout out the land. The survey provided crucial information, such as the fertility of the land and the strength of its inhabitants. Though the report disheartened the Israelites at first, it ultimately motivated them to fully rely on God to deliver the land into their hands.
Later, in the book of Joshua, we read about another survey conducted in Canaan. Joshua instructed the Israelites to survey the land and divide it into seven parts (Joshua 18:4-10). The results enabled them to fairly distribute the land according to each tribe’s size and needs. This ensured harmony among God’s people.
Surveys also helped Israel’s kings assess their military strength and plan their battle strategies. David conducted a census to ascertain the number of fighting men available from each tribe (2 Samuel 24:1-9). This ill-advised survey led to God’s judgment on the nation. But when done in accordance with God’s will, surveys furnished vital data that facilitated wise planning.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry began following a major survey conducted by Caesar Augustus. The Roman emperor decreed that a census be taken of the entire Roman world (Luke 2:1-7). This enabled Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem and fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born there. God even uses secular surveys to accomplish His divine purposes!
Surveys enabled leaders to make informed decisions based on accurate data. Moses surveyed Canaan to report on its conditions. Joshua surveyed Canaan to allot tribal inheritances. David surveyed Israel’s warriors to gauge military readiness. Augustus surveyed the Roman Empire to levy taxes. In each case, the survey provided crucial information to guide the next steps.
For today’s Christians, surveys continue to serve an important function. Churches may survey their attendees to assess needs and plan ministries. Businesses may survey customers to improve products and services. Nonprofits may survey supporters to choose programs and allocate resources. When conducted properly and for the right reasons, surveys help us make wise choices according to facts rather than speculation.
However, like all tools, surveys do have limitations. Human judgment and sin can distort analyses and conclusions drawn from surveys. Critics may question survey methodology, sample size and selection, and determinations of cause and effect. Christians should view survey results as helpful input for decision-making but not as inerrant truth. Wise leaders prayerfully consider survey findings in light of God’s principles and Spirit-guided discernment.
In summary, biblical and modern surveys share several valuable functions. Surveys reveal current conditions and needs. They inform planning and resource allocation. They enable leaders to make wise, data-driven decisions for their constituents. However, like any tool, surveys must be wielded carefully – with technical precision, moral integrity, and Spirit-guided discretion. Employed well, surveys unlock insight that moves God’s people forward in fulfilling His purposes.
Throughout Scripture, we find examples of God’s people taking surveys and census counts for important purposes:
- Moses surveyed Canaan by sending 12 tribal leaders to scout out the land (Numbers 13:1-33)
- Joshua surveyed Canaan by instructing Israelites to map out the land (Joshua 18:4-10)
- David surveyed Israel’s potential fighting force by taking a military census (2 Samuel 24:1-9)
- Augustus surveyed the Roman world by decreeing a census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7)
Key reasons why biblical leaders conducted surveys include:
- Reconnaissance – Assess current conditions (Moses surveying Canaan’s terrain and inhabitants)
- Allocation – Distribute resources appropriately (Joshua surveying Canaan to allot tribal inheritances)
- Readiness – Evaluate capabilities and preparedness (David assessing Israel’s military strength)
- Taxation – Levy taxes by household (Augustus’ Roman census)
- Planning – Inform decisions and strategy (all of the above used surveys to guide next steps)
For today’s believers, helpful applications include:
- Churches – Survey attendees to assess needs and plan ministries
- Businesses – Survey customers to improve products and services
- Nonprofits – Survey supporters to choose programs and allocate resources
Guidelines for using surveys in a biblical manner:
- Employ sound methodology, sample size, and survey design
- Avoid biased questions that skew results
- Use surveys as helpful input, not inerrant truth
- Consider results in light of God’s principles and Spirit’s guidance
- Implement surveys morally and ethically
In summary, when used properly, surveys provide valuable data to make wise choices and aid leaders in accomplishing God’s purposes for their respective organizations and constituencies.
The Bible contains several examples of God commanding His people to take surveys and census counts. Let’s explore some of these instances and what we can learn:
Moses Sending Men to Spy Out Canaan
In Numbers 13, God instructs Moses to send 12 men, one leader from each tribe, to explore and survey the Promised Land of Canaan. The purpose was to gather reconnaissance about the land’s terrain, natural resources, cities and people. The survey provided crucial information, such as the land flowing with milk and honey as well as strong, fortified cities. This intel shaped Israel’s strategy for eventually settling Canaan.
Joshua Surveying Canaan
Once Israel finally entered Canaan, Joshua commissioned a survey to allot specific portions to each tribe as their inheritance (Joshua 18:4-10). Men mapped out the land’s seven sections and detailed the cities and resources of each. This enabled the fair distribution of land according to each tribe’s size and needs. The survey facilitated effective allocation and prevented potential disputes.
David Taking a Military Census
Second Samuel 24 describes King David ordering a census to assess Israel’s potential military manpower. Though well-intentioned, this survey incurred God’s judgment as it represented a lack of faith in God’s provision for national defense. However, censuses were commonly used to determine battle readiness and formulate military strategy (see 1 Chron. 21:5). Surveys assessed strengths, weaknesses and logistics.
Roman Census Under Augustus
In Luke 2, Caesar Augustus decrees that a census be taken of the entire Roman world. Joseph brings the pregnant Mary to Bethlehem to register, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah’s birthplace. This massive survey enabled taxation and consolidation of Roman power, while simultaneously accomplishing God’s plan.
These examples showcase some key functions of biblical surveys:
- Gather intelligence and assess current conditions
- Carefully distribute resources as needed
- Evaluate capabilities and readiness for the task at hand
- Inform planning, strategy and decision-making
Although useful, surveys were sometimes conducted without regard for God’s will and principles. Christians should employ surveys judiciously and view them as helpful input, not inerrant truth.
Modern Applications
For today’s believers, some helpful applications of surveys may include:
- Churches surveying their attendees to assess spiritual needs and plan appropriate ministries accordingly.
- Businesses surveying their customers to gain feedback for improving products and services.
- Nonprofits surveying supporters to inform decisions on programs offered and optimal allocation of resources.
Guidelines for conducting surveys in a biblical manner:
- Use sound methodology and proper sampling to ensure accurate representation.
- Avoid biased survey design that skews results toward a predetermined outcome.
- View survey findings as helpful input, not inerrant truth.
- Prayerfully consider results in light of biblical principles and Spirit-guided wisdom.
- Implement and use survey data ethically and morally.
In summary, when employed carefully and righteously, surveys provide valuable data for individuals and organizations seeking to make wise, informed decisions and steward resources well. Surveys should supplement, not replace, prayerful dependence on God’s Spirit for guidance and discernment.