Numbers 1:21

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Reuben, [were] forty and six thousand and five hundred.

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Reuben {H7205}, were forty {H705} and six {H8337} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

Descendants of Re'uven 46,500

those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

Numbers 1:21 records the specific number of men aged twenty years and upward, able to go forth to war, from the tribe of Reuben during the first census of Israel. This count was forty-six thousand and five hundred (46,500).

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Numbers, which details the command from God for Moses to conduct a census of the Israelite fighting men. This census took place in the Wilderness of Sinai, on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. The purpose was to organize the vast multitude of Israelites for their journey through the wilderness and to prepare them for potential military engagements as they approached the Promised Land. Each tribe, with the exception of Levi (who were set apart for service to the tabernacle), was meticulously counted and recorded as commanded by God (Numbers 1:2).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous counting and recording of each tribe underscore God's desire for order and structure among His people. This census was not random but a precise act of divine administration, reflecting God's attention to detail in His plans.
  • God's Faithfulness and Growth: The sheer numbers, including Reuben's 46,500, highlight the miraculous growth of Jacob's descendants, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to make his offspring into a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Despite centuries of slavery in Egypt, Israel had become a formidable multitude.
  • Preparation for Purpose: The census served a practical purpose: to prepare Israel for its journey to the Promised Land and for the conflicts they would face. Each tribe had its designated place in the camp and marching order, signifying their readiness for God's mission.
  • Tribal Identity and Legacy: Reuben, as Jacob's firstborn son (Genesis 29:32), held a significant, though often complicated, place among the tribes. This verse reaffirms the distinct identity and continued existence of each tribal lineage within the larger nation of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "numbered" or "taken a census" is paqad (Χ€Χ§Χ“). While it means to count, it carries a deeper connotation of "to visit," "to muster," "to appoint," or "to attend to with care." In this context, it implies that God was not just counting heads but actively taking account of His people, organizing them with purpose, and preparing them for their divine destiny. It signifies a divine oversight and intentionality behind the enumeration.

Significance and Application

Numbers 1:21, though seemingly a dry statistic, reveals profound truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It teaches us that God is a God of order, who meticulously plans and organizes for His purposes. He takes an active interest in the details of His people's lives, preparing them for the tasks ahead. For believers today, this verse can be a reminder that:

  • God's plan is always precise and purposeful.
  • He enables His people to grow and fulfill His promises, even against overwhelming odds.
  • Order and preparation are vital for effective service and spiritual warfare, just as they were for ancient Israel.
  • Every individual and group within the body of Christ has a unique place and purpose in God's grand design.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:7 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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