Numbers 1: Counting the People, Preparing for the Promise
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.
Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.
These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by their names:
And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.
Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.
So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel;
Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying,
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they.
Numbers 1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey. Having entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord, the time had come to organize themselves for the march towards the Promised Land of Canaan. This chapter details the meticulous process of taking a census, a critical step in preparing the nation for both its inheritance and the challenges that lay ahead.
A Census for War and Worship (Numbers 1:1-3)
The book opens with the LORD's command to Moses to conduct a census of the entire Israelite community. This wasn't just a head count; it was a strategic assessment of Israel's military strength. Specifically, the count included "every male, head by head," twenty years old or more, and "everyone who can serve in Israel’s army" (Numbers 1:2-3). This census served to evaluate Israel's readiness for potential conflict with the Canaanites as they approached the borders of the land promised to them. It highlights the practical necessity of organization and preparation when facing future challenges.
Tribal Lineage and Orderly Arrangement (Numbers 1:17-43)
The twelve tribes listed in this chapter trace their lineage back to the sons of Jacob (Numbers 1:20-43). Notably, Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, are included in the count, effectively replacing the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for a different purpose. The Levites, designated as priests and temple servants, would not receive a land inheritance amongst the other tribes.
The order in which the tribes are listed is significant. It's not based on birth order, but rather on the arrangement they would assume within the camp (as detailed in Numbers 2:1-34). This highlights the importance of order and structure within the community, reflecting God's design for harmony and efficiency.
The Magnitude of the Congregation (Numbers 1:44-46)
The census revealed a formidable fighting force: 603,550 men aged twenty years or older (Numbers 1:46; see Exodus 12:37). This suggests a total population, including women and children, of well over two million. The sheer scale of this traveling nation underscores the logistical and organizational challenges involved in leading and caring for such a massive group.
The Levites: Set Apart for Sacred Service (Numbers 1:47-50)
The Levites were excluded from the general census (Numbers 1:47-49). This distinction emphasizes the paramount importance of worship and spiritual service, even in times of potential war. The Levites were specifically designated to care for "the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it" (Numbers 1:50). Their role was to maintain the sacred space and ensure that the presence of God remained central to the life of the community.
The Tabernacle: The Center of the Camp and God's Presence (Numbers 1:51-54)
The Israelite camp was meticulously arranged around the tabernacle, forming a cross shape, with three tribes positioned on each side. The Levites camped closest to the tabernacle, acting as intermediaries between the people and God. This physical arrangement served as a constant reminder of the need for mediation in approaching a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between humanity and God (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6).
The chapter concludes with a stern warning: "And when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And any outsider who comes near shall be put to death" (Numbers 1:51). This reinforces the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him without proper authorization. The Levites' careful ministry in caring for and transporting the tabernacle was crucial to prevent God's wrath from falling upon the community (Numbers 1:53). The chapter ends on a positive note: "Thus the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses; so they camped by their standards and so they set out, each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses" (Numbers 1:54). This obedience sets a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.
Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.
These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by their names:
And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.
Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.
So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel;
Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying,
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they.
Numbers 1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey. Having entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord, the time had come to organize themselves for the march towards the Promised Land of Canaan. This chapter details the meticulous process of taking a census, a critical step in preparing the nation for both its inheritance and the challenges that lay ahead.
A Census for War and Worship (Numbers 1:1-3)
The book opens with the LORD's command to Moses to conduct a census of the entire Israelite community. This wasn't just a head count; it was a strategic assessment of Israel's military strength. Specifically, the count included "every male, head by head," twenty years old or more, and "everyone who can serve in Israel’s army" (Numbers 1:2-3). This census served to evaluate Israel's readiness for potential conflict with the Canaanites as they approached the borders of the land promised to them. It highlights the practical necessity of organization and preparation when facing future challenges.
Tribal Lineage and Orderly Arrangement (Numbers 1:17-43)
The twelve tribes listed in this chapter trace their lineage back to the sons of Jacob (Numbers 1:20-43). Notably, Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, are included in the count, effectively replacing the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for a different purpose. The Levites, designated as priests and temple servants, would not receive a land inheritance amongst the other tribes.
The order in which the tribes are listed is significant. It's not based on birth order, but rather on the arrangement they would assume within the camp (as detailed in Numbers 2:1-34). This highlights the importance of order and structure within the community, reflecting God's design for harmony and efficiency.
The Magnitude of the Congregation (Numbers 1:44-46)
The census revealed a formidable fighting force: 603,550 men aged twenty years or older (Numbers 1:46; see Exodus 12:37). This suggests a total population, including women and children, of well over two million. The sheer scale of this traveling nation underscores the logistical and organizational challenges involved in leading and caring for such a massive group.
The Levites: Set Apart for Sacred Service (Numbers 1:47-50)
The Levites were excluded from the general census (Numbers 1:47-49). This distinction emphasizes the paramount importance of worship and spiritual service, even in times of potential war. The Levites were specifically designated to care for "the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it" (Numbers 1:50). Their role was to maintain the sacred space and ensure that the presence of God remained central to the life of the community.
The Tabernacle: The Center of the Camp and God's Presence (Numbers 1:51-54)
The Israelite camp was meticulously arranged around the tabernacle, forming a cross shape, with three tribes positioned on each side. The Levites camped closest to the tabernacle, acting as intermediaries between the people and God. This physical arrangement served as a constant reminder of the need for mediation in approaching a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between humanity and God (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6).
The chapter concludes with a stern warning: "And when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And any outsider who comes near shall be put to death" (Numbers 1:51). This reinforces the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him without proper authorization. The Levites' careful ministry in caring for and transporting the tabernacle was crucial to prevent God's wrath from falling upon the community (Numbers 1:53). The chapter ends on a positive note: "Thus the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses; so they camped by their standards and so they set out, each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses" (Numbers 1:54). This obedience sets a strong foundation for the journey ahead.