Census

the ancients always opposed the taking of a census, “numbering the people. It was held unlucky to count cattle or other possessions. 88:1.6

Caesar Augustus decreed census in 8 B.C. The Jews had always been greatly prejudiced against any attempt to “number the people” 122:7.1

Joseph did go to the City of David, Bethlehem, to be registered for the Roman census, because Joseph’s paternal ancestor, being an orphan, was adopted by a direct descendant of David 122:4.3

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Numbering the people 88:1.6 — Ex 30:12-16; 1 Ch 21:1-4; 1 Ch 27:23-24; 2 Sam 24:1-4.
• “Number” people for taxes 122:7.1 — Lk 2:1,3. *Reactions against numbering the people*: 1 Ch 21:1,5; 2 Sam 24:1-4,10.
• Joseph does not descend from Davidic line 122:4.3 — Mt 1:1-16; Lk 1:27; Lk 2:4.
• Joseph to Bethlehem 122:4.3 — Lk 2:4.
• Adopted ancestor 122:4.3 — Mt 1:14-16; Lk 3:23-24.