Back to: CODE 104: THE BOOK OF NUMBERS
Numbers Chapter 1
The book of Numbers was penned by Moses. It is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. This book is set during the 40 years of the wilderness wanderings. The book was named Numbers, because the Israelites were numbered during this time period. Their unbelief stops them from entering the Promised Land, until the doubters die off. In this book, we see the miraculous feeding of the multitude. Water comes gushing from a Rock to quench their thirst. Many other miracles take place during this time period. We will see types of the Lord Jesus in the smitten Rock and in the brazen serpent which was lifted up. We see an army of people walking 40 years in the wilderness without their shoes wearing out. Egypt symbolizes the world. God was not only trying to get them out of the land of Egypt, but was in fact, trying to get their worldly ways out of them. Only the children who believed would enter the Promised Land.
Verses 1 – 10:36: The first 10 chapters of Numbers record the final preparations of Israel necessary for the conquest of the land of Canaan. In this section, the Lord spoke to Israel through Moses (1:1; 2:1; 3:1, 5, 11; 14:44; 4:1, 17, 21, 5:1, 5, 11; 6:1, 22; 7:4; 8:1, 5, 23; 9:1, 9; 10:1), and Moses and Israel responded with obedience (1:19, 54; 2:33-34; 3:16, 42, 51; 4:49; 7:2-3; 8:3; 9:5, 18:23; 10:13; 14-28 in accordance with 2:34). These chapters divide into two parts (1:1 – 6:27 and 7:1 – 10:36), which both end with an invocation of the Lord’s blessing on Israel (6:22-27 and 10:35-36).
Numbers 1:1 “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,”
“The Lord spake”: A common phrase indicating that saving history begins with God speaking (Gen. 1:3; Lev. 11). Revelation is the foundation for a true belief. Here He speaks “In the tabernacle”, as in Leviticus He spoke “out of the tabernacle”.
The phrase “in the wilderness” constitutes the Hebrew title to the book (bemidbar). Taken from the first few words, as was the custom in early writings (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy), this literary device indicates the antiquity of the works. The thought closely associated is the almost 40 years spent in the wilderness as a result of Israel’s unbelief.
“On the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt”: Indicates there is a break of just one month between the erecting of the tabernacle, at the end of Exodus, and the start of Numbers. It was one year and two weeks since the Exodus from Egypt, and 10-1/2 months since their arrival in Sinai.
“In the tabernacle of the congregation”: The tabernacle, where the Lord’s glory resided in the cloud, had been erected one month earlier (Exodus 40:17). This was God’s dwelling place in the midst of his people. In (Num. 1:1 – 6:27), Israel was organized with the tabernacle as the central feature.
“The second year”: Numbers begins in the 14th month (337 days), after the Exodus from Egypt.
We find that the children of Israel had already been in the wilderness of Sinai since the third month after they left Egypt.
Exodus 19:1 “In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they [into] the wilderness of Sinai.”
In this tabernacle of the congregation, Moses had met with God.
Exodus 25:22 “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.”
This message is given directly to Moses from God.
Verses 2-16: After making the covenant and giving the Law at Sinai, the Lord told Moses to “Take ye the sum”: of all the tribes of Israel. Its purpose was not taxation or political control but preparation for military service, the next phase in Israel’s development. This census began one month after the tabernacle was erected at Mount Sinai (Exodus 40:17). In the second year of Israel’s history as a nation (1:1; 9:1).
Numbers 1:2 “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;”
The command “Take ye the sum” was given one month after the tabernacle was set up (compare Exodus 40:2, 17), and is probably the same as the command mentioned (in Exodus 30:12 and 38:21). There the men were counted in connection with the atonement money, that is, from that day forward, to pay for the daily offerings of the community. Since Exodus 30 does not state that the census was carried out, it makes sense to assume this census is the implementation of the payment. Also, the figures mentioned (in Exodus 38:26 and in Numbers 1:46), are identical (603,550 males from 20 years old and upward). This is the first of five Israelite censuses taken in the Old Testament. For the others (see chapters 3, 4, 26 and 2 Sam. 24).
“Every male by their polls” in an expression indicating the “skull, head, or person”. It is usually used for counting people (Exodus 46:16; 38:26; Num. 3:47; 1 Chron. 23:3-4).
There had been a tax levied in the tabernacle of a half-shekel of silver on each male, for the service in the tabernacle. The Jews kept accurate records, and that is why each family would be recorded separately. We will find they came up with the same numbers as found during the tax. It appears, they used round numbers, and not exact counting of each adult male. The “poll” is speaking of the tax records.
Numbers 1:3 “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.”
“Able to go forth to war” is a phrase that occurs repeatedly in this chapter (verses 3, 20, 22, 24), and stresses that the nation was being organized to invade the Promised Land. To opt out through doubt or fear was a great sin (chapter 14; Deut. Chapter 20). “Twenty years old and upward” indicated the prime of life, for (Leviticus 27:3-4), gave the highest valuation of people at this bracket. (Deut. 20:7 and 24:5), provide that those recently engaged or married were exempt from duty.
Those younger than 20 years old were not required to go to war. Females were not required to go to war at all, so they were not numbered. The task of the numbering, and the accuracy of the count, would be left up to Moses and Aaron.
Numbers 1:4 “And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.”
“A man”: One leader from each of the 12 tribes was to assist Moses and Aaron in the numbering of the men. These same leaders are mentioned (in Num. 2:1-34 and 10:14-28), as the heads of tribes and in (7:1-88), they bring gifts to the tabernacle.
There was one man from each tribe, and the tribe was numbered under his name. The tribes were comprised of the children of Jacob and his two wives, and their two maids. This numbering was for a totally different purpose. The one that was taken by the Levites for taxing the males. This is for military purposes. All of the men 20 years and older were soldiers in time of war.
Numbers 1:5 “And these [are] the names of the men that shall stand with you: of [the tribe of] Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.”
Be present with Moses and Aaron when numbering the people. Not merely as spectators of the affair, and inspectors of the accounts, but as assistants in the work. Each man in his tribe, being best acquainted with the families and houses in it. And these men were not pitched upon by Moses and Aaron, nor chosen by their respective tribes. But were appointed and named by the Lord himself, which was doing them great honor.
“Of the tribe of Reuben: or “for Reuben”, for the taking the number of men in this tribe; and so of all the rest (see Numbers 1:44).
Elizur the son of Shedeur (from Numbers 1:5). The names of those several men are given, which were very proper for Moses and Aaron to know, though of little importance to us. Nor the signification of their several names, given by Ainsworth and others. Only, as Bishop Patrick observes, most of them show how much God was in the thoughts of those who, imposed these names on their children. Several of them having in them “El” or “Eli”, “God” or “my God”, and “Shaddai”, “Almighty” or “all-sufficient”. To which may be added, that in some of them they seem to respect the Messiah. As Elizur, signifying “my God the rock”; and Shelumiel may be rendered, “God my peace”; and Zurishaddai, “my rock the Almighty”, or “all-sufficient”; and Pedahzur, “the rock redeemeth”. Nor is there anything of any moment to be remarked, unless the order in which the several tribes are placed.
And first the children of Leah, beginning with Reuben, the firstborn. And the rest, Simeon and Judah, are ranked according to their birth. Levi being omitted, because that tribe was not now numbered, and besides, Moses and Aaron were of it. And then Issachar and Zebulun. After those the children of Rachel, because of her honor and glory above the handmaids, as Aben Ezra remarks. Who further observes, that it begins with Ephraim, following Jacob our father. That is, because of the blessing of Jacob, who preferred Ephraim the younger to Manasseh the elder. And here Ephraim and Manasseh are set before Benjamin, because they were in the place of Joseph. And after that the account goes on with Dan, because, he was the firstborn of the handmaids. And after him Asher, though the second son of Zilpah, is placed before Gad, the first son, because, says the same Aben Ezra, the Lord knew that he would be the head of those that encamped by the standard of Dan. And so is placed next to him. And after him Gad, who was the firstborn of Leah’s handmaid. And Naphtali last of all, the second son of Bilhah. This order seems to be designed to suit with their encampments, and the form of them.
The princes of the tribes, selected (Num. 1:4) under divine direction, were for the most part the same persons as those chosen a few months previously at the counsel of Jethro (Exodus 18:21-26). Nahshon, prince of Judah, is mentioned in (Exodus 6:23), and Elishama, in (1 Chron. 7:26-27). The peers of men like these were no doubt entitled, among their fellows, to the epithet “renowned” (Num. 1:16).
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Reuben committed a terrible sin when he slept with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. Reuben of course, is dead at this time, but this is his tribe. Elizur would be the prince of the tribe of Reuben.
Numbers 1:6 “Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.”
See notes on Numbers 1:5.
Simeon was the second son of Jacob by Leah. Shelumiel is the head of Simeon’s tribe.
Numbers 1:7 “Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
The name “Judah” means God be praised. He is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. His brothers, who have the same mother he does, are Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. Nahshon is the leader of this tribe at the time of the census. Nahshon was the brother-in-law of Aaron. He is also, ancestor of David and Jesus Christ.
Numbers 1:8 “Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
The name “Issachar” means he will bring reward. Issachar is the 9th son of Jacob and the 5th of Leah. Issachar, Judah, and Zebulun, marched on the east of the tabernacle in the wilderness wanderings. Nethaneel was prince of this tribe at the time of the census.
Numbers 1:9 “Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Zebulun was the 10th son of Jacob and the 6th son of Leah. Eliab was prince of this tribe at census time.
Numbers 1:10 “Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
The name “Joseph” means may he, or Jehovah add. Joseph was the first son of Rachel and the eleventh son of Jacob. This is the same Joseph that went into Egypt, and then later saved his family from the famine. Ephraim and Manasseh were both his sons, born in Egypt. Manasseh was the firstborn, but Ephraim got the spiritual blessing of the right hand. Elishama, who was the prince of the tribe of Ephraim, was the grandfather of Joshua. Gamaliel was the prince of the tribe of Manasseh.
Numbers 1:11 “Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Benjamin was the twelfth son of Jacob and the second son of Rachel. Even though Rachel was the second wife of Jacob, she was his favorite. Rachel died soon after the birth of Benjamin. Abidan was the prince of the tribe of Benjamin. We notice that in all of the sons up to this time, were of the wives. The following sons will be from the maids of the two wives.
Numbers 1:12 “Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Dan was the first son of Bilhah and the fifth son of Jacob. Bilhah was not a wife. She was Rachel’s handmaid. Dan, along with the other sons of the handmaids, would receive inheritance with the sons of the wives. Ahiezer was the prince of the tribe of Dan at the time of the numbering.
Numbers 1:13 “Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, the maid of Leah. Pagiel was the prince of the tribe of Asher at the time of the census.
Numbers 1:14 “Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Gad was the first son of Zilpah and the seventh son of Jacob. Eliasaph was the head of the tribe at the time of the census.
Numbers 1:15 “Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:5).
Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah. Ahira was the prince of the tribe of Naphtali at the time of the census.
Numbers 1:16 “These [were] the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.”
The most famous and eminent among the people, for their birth and pedigree, or for their excellent qualities of wisdom, courage, and the like (Or captains, and governors). Or “the called of the congregation”. Whom God had called by name and selected from the rest of the congregation to the above service. Whereby great honor was done them: Aben Ezra says. The sense is, that the congregation did nothing until they had called them. With which agrees the note of Jarchi, “who were called to every business of importance in the congregation.”
“Princes of the tribes of their fathers”: As Elizur was prince of the children of Reuben (Num. 7:30). The same is there said of the rest in their respective tribes.
“Heads of thousands in Israel”: The congregation of Israel being divided into thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, by the advice of Jethro (Exodus 18:21). Each of these divisions had a ruler over them, and thousands being the highest number. These princes were chiliarches, rulers or heads of thousands.
Jacob was the father of twelve sons, who made up the twelve tribes of Israel. Each one of the princes were over the thousands of members of his tribe.
Verses 17-46: The numbers from the tribes were:
Reuben 46,500 (verse 21);
Simeon 59,300 (verse 23);
Gad 45,650 (verse 25);
Judah 74,600 (verse 27);
Issachar 54,400 (verse 29);
Zebulun 57,400 (verse 31);
Ephraim 40,500 (verse 33);
Manasseh 32,200 (verse 35);
Benjamin 35,400 (verse 37);
Dan 62,700 (verse 39);
Asher 41,500 (verse 41);
Naphtali 53,400 (verse 43);
Total 603,550 (verse 46).
The tribal order follows the pattern of Jacob’s wives: First, the sons of Leah, second, the sons of Rachel; and third, the sons of the maids, except Gad (born of Leah’s maid), who replaced Levi in the third-born position (compare Gen. 29:31 to 30:24, 35:16 to 20).
Numbers 1:17 “And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by [their] names:”
They doubtless sent for them, and acquainted them with the nomination of them, by the Lord himself, for such a service. And they took them with them to the place where the number of the people was to be taken.
“Which are expressed by their names (in Num. 1:16), and that as declared by the mouth of God himself.
In the last lesson, we saw the names of the various tribes mentioned, and the princes who would be the leaders of each tribe. Moses and Aaron are in charge of this numbering. All the men 20 years and older, who could go to war are to be counted.
Numbers 1:18 “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.”
The month Iyar, as the Targum of Jonathan, answering to part of April and May. This was done on the selfsame day the Lord spake unto Moses about this affair (Num. 1:1). So expeditious were he and Aaron in doing the will of God.
“And they declared their pedigrees”: Either Moses and Aaron, according to Aben Ezra, who inquired when they were born, because of the computation of twenty years. And then their birth was written down, as he says. Or rather the people declared their pedigrees, of what tribe, family, and house they were, who was their parents, when born, and so of course, how old they were. Jarchi interprets it, they brought the books of their genealogies, and witnesses to confirm the birth of every one of them, to show their genealogy according to their tribe. Nor is it at all unlikely that every family and house, or master thereof, kept a register of those born to him in it, whereby their age could be ascertained as well as pedigree.
“After their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of their names, “from twenty years old and upwards, by their polls”: That is, every tribe gave an account of the families in it. Every family what houses were in it, and every house what number of males were in it, and of what age. And such were numbered who were twenty years old and upward.
The “pedigrees” are speaking of their right by birth to be of a certain tribe. They were separated into groups, who represented the families of the 12 tribes of Israel. In the group who were equipped for war, there was no mention of the Levitical tribe. That tribe is set aside for God’s purposes. This number closely coincides with the number that had been polled for the tax in the tabernacle.
Numbers 1:19 “As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.”
In this Moses and David differed in numbering the people of Israel. The one did it by an express command from God, and in obedience to it. The other without one, and against his will (1 Chron. 21:17).
Like Abram (Abraham, in Genesis 12:4), “Moses” obeyed “as the LORD commanded”. The Book of Numbers, however, describes a litany of events in which the people did not heed the Lord (e.g., chapters 13-14), and even a sad occasion when Moses did not (20:1-13). Obedience has to be ongoing; occasional obedience is not enough for the children of God.
This command is no different than what we read about in Exodus. God gave the message to Moses, Moses gave the message to Aaron, and Aaron gave the message to the people. The numbering was done in the wilderness of Sinai.
Numbers 1:20 “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;”
Were numbered first, and next to them those of Simeon and Gad, for they were numbered according to the order in which they were to be encamped. For under Reuben’s standard were Simeon and Gad, and under Judah’s Issachar and Zebulun, and under Ephraim’s Manasseh and Benjamin, and under Dan’s Asher and Naphtali. And according to their order were the tribes numbered.
“By their generations”: Or “their generations”, the birth, descent, and pedigree of them.
“After their families, by the house of their fathers”: According to the families and houses to which they belonged.
“According to the number of the names by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward”: Their names were taken down, the number of them counted by their heads, even all the males that were above twenty years of age.
“All that were able to go forth to war”: Which phrase, as it suggests that before this age they were not reckoned able bodied men for war, in common, though some might. So it seems to except all infirm persons, by reason of age and otherwise.
Now in all the other account of the numbering of the rest of the tribes, the same forms of expression are used as here. Only the tribe of Simeon, which is the next, these words are left out, “by their polls, every male”, which being twice observed, need not be repeated. Since by these instances it might be sufficiently known that the number was taken by a poll, and only of males. So that in (Num. 1:23), there is nothing material to observe, or anything different from what is in this verse, but the particular sums of each tribe numbered.
Which stand thus: Of the tribe of Reuben 46,500; of the tribe of Simeon, 59,300; of the tribe of Gad, 45,650; of the tribe of Judah, 74,600; of the tribe of Issachar, 54,400; of the tribe of Zebulun, 57,400; of the tribe of Ephraim, 40,500; of the tribe of Manasseh, 32,200; of the tribe of Benjamin 35,400; of the tribe of Dan, 62,700; of the tribe of Asher 41,500; of the tribe of Naphtali, 53,400.
In which may be observed the various increase of the tribes, agreeably to divine predictions, and according to the sovereign will and infinite wisdom of God. Reuben, the firstborn, did not excel in number. Six of the tribes having more in number than he. Judah had by far the greatest increase of them all, from whom the chief ruler was to come, and even the King Messiah. And in process of time was to become a kingdom of itself. Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, was much more fruitful than Manasseh, his elder. More than eight thousand being numbered of the former than of the latter, all which agree with Jacob’s prophecies (Gen. 49:4). Nor had they always the greatest number who had the most sons at their going down into Egypt. For though Simeon, who had then more sons than Reuben, had at this time a larger posterity; yet Gad, who had more than Simeon, had now fewer descendants. And Dan, who had but one son at that time, had now almost double the number of Benjamin, who then had ten sons. And it may be observed of other tribes, that their increase was not in proportion to the number of the sons of the patriarchs then (see Gen. 46:8).
We discussed in lesson one, that Reuben was the first son of Jacob’s wife, Leah.
Numbers 1:21 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Reuben, [were] forty and six thousand and five hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
We also discussed that the number is probably not accurate to the last man, but was very close. Perhaps that is why the number is rounded to 46,500.
Numbers 1:22 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:23 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Simeon, [were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
All of the same things apply here, as in the verses before, but the number is different. There were 59,300. Simeon was Leah’s second son.
Numbers 1:24 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:25 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
The number of Gad’s family was not rounded to the nearest hundred, but to the nearest fifty. There were 45,650 in Gad’s tribe. You will notice, this is in a different order than the listings earlier. Gad was encamped with Reuben and Simeon, and perhaps that is the reason for this order here. Gad was from the handmaid Zilpah.
Numbers 1:26 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:27 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Judah, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
The tribe of Judah is the tribe that Jesus was born into. Judah is the fourth son of Leah. Those that were numbered of the tribe of Judah were 74,600.
Numbers 1:28 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:29 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Issachar, [were] fifty and four thousand and four hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Issachar was the fifth son of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Those that were numbered of them are 54,400. We must remember all of these children are of Jacob. All 12 tribes stem from him. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel by God.
Numbers 1:30 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:31 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Zebulun, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Zebulun was the sixth and last of the sons of Leah. Those that were numbered of Zebulun’s tribe were 57,400.
Numbers 1:32 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:33 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Ephraim, [were] forty thousand and five hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
We find, in this, a separation of the tribe of Joseph. Of the tribe of Ephraim of the tribe of Joseph, they counted 40,500. Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob.
Numbers 1:34 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:35 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Manasseh, [were] thirty and two thousand and two hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Manasseh is another son of Joseph. This tribe of Manasseh is also from the root tribe of Joseph. Those that were numbered of Manasseh’s tribe were 32,200.
Numbers 1:36 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:37 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Benjamin, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Benjamin was the younger brother of Joseph. Rachel was their mother and Jacob their father. Those numbered of his tribe were 35,400.
Numbers 1:38 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:39 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Dan, [were] threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
It is very strange that the tribe of Dan is not mentioned (in chapter 7 of Revelation), where they are sealed for protection. His tribe, above, numbers 62,700.
Numbers 1:40 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:41 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Asher, [were] forty and one thousand and five hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
The tribe of Asher numbered 41,500.
Numbers 1:42 “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;”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Numbers 1:43 “Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Naphtali, [were] fifty and three thousand and four hundred.”
See notes (on Numbers 1:20).
Naphtali’s tribe numbered 53,400.
Numbers 1:44 “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.”
Or, as the Targum of Jonathan, these are the sums of the numbers. Namely, those before given of the several respective tribes.
“Which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men”: For though the tribe of Levi was not numbered, yet Joseph having a double portion. His two sons are reckoned as distinct tribes. So that one out of each tribe made up the number twelve.
“Each one for the house of his fathers”: For the tribe he belonged to, with which it might reasonably be supposed he was best acquainted, and could more readily take the number of them.
The princes mentioned here are 12. We know that this list does not exactly follow the list of the sons of Jacob, because Levi is left out. They were not to go to war. The sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), take up the space of the Levitical tribe.
Numbers 1:45 “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;”
Of all the tribes, excepting Levi. That is, all the sums of the number of the children of Israel; all put together made the sum total given in the next verse.
“By the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel”: All in every tribe, family, and house, that were above twenty years of age. Healthful and strong, and fit for war.
We must remember that the women and children, both male and female, were not numbered. They were not warriors. We may safely assume the really old men were not counted as well.
Numbers 1:46 “Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.”
“Six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty”: This number, combined with the 22,000 Levite males a month old and above (3:39), allows for a total population of well over 2,000,000 Israelites. Since this number seems too high for the wilderness conditions and relatively few firstborn sons (3:43), some have reinterpreted the plain meaning of the text by:
(1) Saying “thousand” means “clan” or “chief” here; or
(2) Stating the numbers are symbolic.
However, if “thousand” is not the meaning in this chapter (1:46 would read 598 “clans” or “chiefs” with only 5,500 individuals). Thus, the meaning “thousand” must be retained. Further, there is no textual indication that these numbers are symbolic. The only conclusion is that God took care of well over 2,000,000 people in the wilderness during the period of 40 years (compare Deut. 8:3-4). Tampering with the number is tampering with God’s purpose for these numbers, to show His power in behalf of Israel.
The total of all the young men counted from all of the tribes was counted 603,550. This number has increased about 13,000 people since the Exodus. We can safely assume from this, that the entire population count of all the Israelites would be somewhere between 2 and 3 million. From the spiritual standpoint, we can easily see that God’s army is a large number of people. Every person who proclaims Christianity is in God’s army.
Numbers 1:47 “But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.”
The nonmilitary tribe of Levi had a separate census and did not receive a tribal allotment of land. They were to transport, erect, and guard the tabernacle. They had to camp around it to prevent ordinary laymen from approaching it unprepared, so that “no wrath upon the congregation” (verse 53), from the Lord would come upon them. If someone approached wrongfully, he was to “be put to death”. This drastic measure certainly would express the reality of God’s presence with His people (Exodus 19:11-13, 21-24). Even today men must approach God with reverent fear (Matt. 5:23-26; Acts 5:1-5; 1 Cor. 11:27-32; Heb. 12:18-29).
The Levites were to care for things of the tabernacle, and were not to be weighted down with serving in war. They were the spiritual leaders of their people.
Numbers 1:48 “For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,”
Again, we see that every detail is given to Moses directly from God.
Not to number the Levites, when he gave him the orders to number the rest of the tribes. This is observed, lest it should be thought that this was what Moses did of himself, out of affection to the tribe he was of. And to spare it, that it might not be obliged to go forth to war when others did. Not that they were forbid to engage in war, or that it was unlawful for them so to do, for when necessity required, and they were of themselves willing to engage in it. They might, as appears in the case of the Maccabees, but they might not be forced into it. They were, as Josephus says, exempted from it. And so all concerned in religious service, both among Heathens and Christians, have always been excused bearing arms.
“Saying”: As follows.
Numbers 1:49 “Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:”
That is, along with the other tribes, for it might be numbered by itself, as it afterwards was (Num. 3:43).
“Neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel”: Which confirms what is before observed. Now this being the declared will of God clears Moses from all partiality to his own tribe, he doing nothing but what he had a command of God for it.
God had strictly forbidden the numbering of the Levites with the warriors.
Numbers 1:50 “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.”
The tribe of Levi, including Moses and Aaron, was not included in this census because it was exempt from military service. The Levites were to serve the Lord by carrying and attending to the tabernacle (compare 3:5-13; 4:1-33, 46-49).
“Tabernacle” (“tent”), emphasizes the temporary nature of this house of God, and the “testimony” signifies God’s covenantal relationship with Israel (see note on Exodus 25:10-22).
We see that special care is to be given to the tabernacle. God has chosen this tribe for the purpose of serving Him in and around the tabernacle. The presence of God was over the mercy seat. The tabernacle was to be kept holy inside, and was also to be protected from the entering of the worldly as well. They were anointed of God to serve Him and the people. They must not be mixed in with the world.
Numbers 1:51 “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.”
“The stranger”: This word often refers to the “alien” or “stranger”. The non-Levite Israelite was like a “foreigner” to the transporting of the tabernacle and had to keep his distance lest he die.
“Stranger” here, means someone who has not been authorized of God to do this work. The Levites were set aside for this purpose, in the book of Leviticus. No one with unclean hands was to touch anything of the tabernacle. God had given specific instructions on how all of this was to be handled. Even the sons of Aaron, who brought strange fire into the tabernacle, were killed. All of the things of God are holy.
Numbers 1:52 “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.”
There were four, unless every tribe was a camp. And so then there were twelve camps, besides the camp of the Levites. The Targum of Jonathan is, “by the house of his troop,” the regiment to which he belonged, every tribe or camp having various troops or regiments in it.
“And every man by his own standard throughout their hosts”: There were four standards, and three tribes to each standard, which were placed east, west, north, and south of the tabernacle. As is at large described in the following chapter.
Each tribe was assigned their place in the camp. They were assigned a place to march as well. Only the Levitical tribe was gathered around the tabernacle. The others were settled out in the east, west, north, or south. With close to 3 million people, you can see the necessity for order.
Numbers 1:53 “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.”
“No wrath”: The purpose of setting the Levites apart and arranging them around the tabernacles was to keep the wrath of the Lord from consuming Israel (compare Exodus 32:10, 25-29).
One of the things the Levites were to do, was to set up an area around the tabernacle, and keep all others out of that area. Someone might wander in this area and be killed, if it were not safely guarded.
Numbers 1:54 “And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.”
Pitched their tents by their own camps and standards. Did not come near the tabernacle but kept at a proper distance from it, and did not meddle with things they had no concern with, and which were peculiar to the Levites.
“So did they”: Which is repeated to show how readily, punctually, and perfectly they observed the command of God with respect to this affair.
It is important for us, as well as for the tribes of Israel, to heed the wishes of the LORD. God had promised to bless them, if they obeyed His commandments.