Bible Dictionary

A Visit With Jesus
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Census

Government & Society • Both
A census was an official numbering of people or households. Scripture records several Israelite censuses and a Roman enrollment during Jesus’ birth.
Biblical Usage
Israel was numbered after the Exodus, before entering Canaan, during David’s reign, and after the Exile. Solomon numbered foreign workers, and the Roman government conducted an enrollment during the Lord’s birth.
Scripture References
Exodus 38:26 Numbers 26:51 2 Samuel 24:9 1 Chronicles 21:5 2 Chronicles 2:17 2 Chronicles 2:18 Ezra 2:64 Luke 2:1