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;

And the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}, Israel's {H3478} eldest son {H1060}, by their generations {H8435}, after their families {H4940}, by the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, according to the number {H4557} of the names {H8034}, by their polls {H1538}, every male {H2145} from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, all that were able to go forth {H3318} to war {H6635};

The men twenty years old and over who were subject to military service were recorded by name, family and clan, starting with the descendants of Re'uven, Isra'el's firstborn. Here are the totals:

From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

And the children of Reuben, Israel’s first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 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;

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 1:20 (KJV)

Numbers 1:20 introduces the first tribe to be counted in the grand census commanded by God: the tribe of Reuben. This verse provides specific details about how the count was conducted and for what purpose, setting the stage for the comprehensive enumeration of all Israelite tribes.

Context

The Book of Numbers opens with a pivotal moment in Israel's history: a divine command to take a census of the entire congregation. This occurs in the wilderness of Sinai, about a year after the Exodus from Egypt, as the Israelites are preparing to depart for the Promised Land. The census, detailed from Numbers 1:1, was not merely for population tracking but served a crucial strategic and organizational purpose for a people on the move. Each tribe's detailed listing, starting with Reuben, underscores God's meticulous order for His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The detailed methodology—"by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers"—highlights the Lord's emphasis on structure, purity of lineage, and meticulous organization within the Israelite community. This precision was essential for their identity and their future roles in the Promised Land.
  • Military Readiness: The phrase "every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" explicitly states the primary purpose of this census. It was to determine the fighting strength of Israel, preparing them for the challenges, conflicts, and conquests that lay ahead on their journey through the wilderness and into Canaan.
  • Tribal Identity and Reuben's Status: Reuben is specified as "Israel's eldest son," signifying his birthright as Jacob's firstborn. Although Reuben later lost his preeminence due to his actions (Genesis 49:3-4), his initial position as the eldest is acknowledged here, establishing the traditional order of the tribes for the census.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by their polls" is a literal translation of the Hebrew "לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם" (l'gulg'lotam), meaning "by their heads." This emphasizes a direct, individual headcount, signifying the thoroughness and exactness with which the census was to be conducted. It was a precise enumeration of every single eligible male, ensuring no one was missed.

Practical Application

This verse, while detailing an ancient census, carries timeless principles. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who prepares His people for their purpose. Just as ancient Israel was organized and equipped for their physical journey and battles, believers today are called to be prepared and organized for their spiritual journey. This can involve spiritual discipline, readiness to serve, and understanding one's place within the body of Christ. The meticulous nature of the census also speaks to God's care and knowledge of each individual within His covenant people, knowing each "head" and preparing them for His service. A similar census is recorded later in the book in Numbers 26, highlighting the ongoing importance of divine order.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:5

    ¶ Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, [of whom cometh] the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

  • Numbers 26:7

    These [are] the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.

  • Numbers 2:10

    On the south side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben [shall be] Elizur the son of Shedeur.

  • Numbers 2:11

    And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, [were] forty and six thousand and five hundred.

  • Genesis 29:32

    And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

  • Genesis 49:3

    Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

  • Genesis 49:4

    Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.
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