Numbers 1:22

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, by their generations {H8435}, after their families {H4940}, by the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, those that were numbered {H6485} of them, 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};

Complete Jewish Bible

Descendants of Shim'on 59,300

Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Simeon, 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,

American Standard Version

Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those that were numbered thereof, 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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:22 meticulously records the criteria for numbering the fighting men of the tribe of Simeon during the first census of Israel. This verse, characteristic of the detailed enumeration found throughout the chapter, underscores God's divine order and His preparation of His people for the journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land, highlighting the importance of tribal identity, family lineage, and military readiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:22 is situated within the broader context of Numbers chapter 1, which details the first census of the Israelite tribes in the wilderness of Sinai. The chapter opens with God's command to Moses and Aaron to take a census of "all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male individually" ([Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Command for the Census")). The primary purpose, reiterated in [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census"), was to count "every male from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel." Each subsequent verse, from [Numbers 1:4](/numbers/1-4 "Numbers 1:4 - Tribal Representatives") to [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Numbers 1:46 - Total Count of Fighting Men"), follows a consistent pattern, listing the tribe, the names of its leaders, and the total number of its fighting men. Verse 22 specifically focuses on Simeon, providing the same detailed genealogical and military criteria applied to all other tribes, leading up to the grand total in [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Numbers 1:46 - Total Count of Fighting Men"). This repetitive structure emphasizes the thoroughness and divine authorization of the census.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census described in Numbers 1 took place in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Exodus from Egypt, as the Israelites were preparing to depart for the Promised Land. Having recently received the Law at Mount Sinai, Israel was transitioning from a loosely organized multitude of former slaves into a structured, divinely governed nation. This census was crucial for several reasons: it facilitated military organization for the challenges of wilderness travel and impending conquest, as seen in the emphasis on those "able to go forth to war." It also established a clear administrative and social structure, vital for managing a population of over two million people. The meticulous recording of "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers" underscored the deep importance of tribal identity and lineage in ancient Israelite society, which was foundational for land allocation, inheritance, and the maintenance of social order, as later detailed in the camp arrangements in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - Camp Arrangement") and the marching orders in [Numbers 10](/numbers/10 "Numbers 10 - Departure from Sinai"). This detailed accounting reflects a culture where identity and responsibility were inextricably linked to one's family and tribal affiliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Polls (Hebrew, _gulgolet'_):** The King James Version's "by their polls" translates the Hebrew term לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם (_legulgelotam_), which literally means "by their skulls" or "by their heads." This idiom signifies a precise, individual, head-by-head count. It emphasizes the meticulousness and exactness with which the census was to be conducted, ensuring that no individual eligible for military service was overlooked or double-counted. It highlights the divine demand for accuracy and thoroughness in the organization of His people.
* **Generations (Hebrew, _toldot'_)::** The Hebrew word תּוֹלְדֹתָם (_toldotam_), translated as "generations," refers to family lineages, genealogies, or historical descendants. Its inclusion here, alongside "families" and "house of their fathers," stresses the deep importance of ancestral lines and tribal identity in Israelite society. The census was not merely a headcount but a registration of individuals within their established, divinely ordained family and tribal structures, preserving their heritage and ensuring proper social and military organization.
* **Able to go forth to war (Hebrew, _yotze tzava'_):** This phrase, יֹצֵא צָבָא (_yotze tzava_), literally means "going out to the army" or "one who goes out for military service." It specifically defines the criteria for inclusion in the census: only males aged twenty and above who were physically capable and fit for military duty were to be counted. This underscores the practical, military purpose of the census, highlighting Israel's readiness to defend itself and to engage in the battles necessary for possessing the Promised Land under God's command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the children of Simeon,"**: This phrase immediately identifies the specific tribe being enumerated. The census systematically lists each of the twelve tribes, emphasizing their distinct identities and contributions to the collective nation of Israel.
* **"by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers,"**: This tripartite phrase underscores the meticulous genealogical basis of the census. It signifies that the count was not merely of individuals, but of individuals within their established family units, tracing their lineage through generations and patriarchal households. This detail was crucial for maintaining tribal integrity, inheritance rights, and social order.
* **"those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls,"**: This clause describes the method of enumeration. "Numbered of them" confirms that the count was taken. "According to the number of the names" indicates that each person was identified by name, not just as an anonymous statistic. "By their polls" (literally "by their heads") further emphasizes a precise, individual, head-by-head count, ensuring accuracy and accountability for every eligible male.
* **"every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;"**: This final clause specifies the precise demographic criteria for inclusion in the census. Only men who had reached the age of military eligibility (twenty years old) and possessed the physical capacity and readiness for military service were counted. This clearly defines the census's primary purpose: to assess the military strength and readiness of the Israelite nation.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Numbers 1:22, like much of the book of Numbers, employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine order and meticulousness. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly in the recurring phrases "by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers" and "every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war." This **anaphora** (repetition at the beginning of clauses) and **epiphora** (repetition at the end) across the tribal entries emphasize the consistent criteria and the thoroughness of the census, reinforcing the idea of God's unchanging and precise standards. The entire chapter functions as an act of **enumeration** or **cataloging**, systematically listing each tribe's count, which serves to highlight the vastness and yet the organized nature of the Israelite host. Furthermore, the phrase "by their polls" is a form of **metonymy**, where "polls" (heads) stand in for individual persons, vividly illustrating the head-by-head, precise counting method. This device adds a concrete, almost visual, element to the abstract act of counting, underscoring the personal attention given to each individual within the larger collective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:22, through its meticulous detail, powerfully conveys the theological truth of God's character as a God of order, precision, and purpose. He is not a God of chaos but systematically organizes His people for His plans. The census reveals His care for every individual ("by their polls") within the larger community, while simultaneously preparing the nation for its collective mission—to inherit the Promised Land and establish His kingdom. This preparation involved not only military readiness but also the establishment of a clear identity and structure for His covenant people. The emphasis on "able to go forth to war" foreshadows the spiritual battles that God's people would face, both then and now, requiring readiness and commitment.

* [Numbers 2:2](/numbers/2-2 "Numbers 2:2 - Arrangement of the Camp")
* [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Armor of God")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 1:22, while describing an ancient military census, offers profound principles for believers today. God's meticulous attention to detail in counting and organizing His people reminds us that He is a God of order, not confusion. This should encourage us to pursue order and intentionality in our own lives, our families, and our churches, understanding that careful planning and structure can facilitate God's purposes. Just as the Israelites were counted for physical warfare, we are called to be spiritually prepared and "able to go forth to war" against the forces of darkness, equipped with the full armor of God. The emphasis on individual counting ("by their polls") within a vast community also highlights that every single person is known, valued, and has a unique place and purpose in God's grand design. We are not anonymous members of a crowd but individually significant in His eyes, called to contribute our unique gifts and abilities to the body of Christ and to His mission in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulousness in this census challenge our approach to details and organization in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what ways are we, as believers, called to be "able to go forth to war" in a spiritual sense today, and what does that readiness entail?**
* **How does recognizing God's value for each individual (counted "by their polls") impact our view of ourselves and others within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was this census so detailed, focusing on generations, families, and polls?**

Answer: The census was meticulously detailed to serve several critical purposes for the nascent nation of Israel. Firstly, it was for military organization, identifying every male from twenty years old and upward who was "able to go forth to war," as stated in [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census"). This provided an accurate assessment of their fighting force. Secondly, the emphasis on "generations, families, and house of their fathers" was crucial for establishing and maintaining tribal identity and lineage, which was foundational for social order, land allocation in Canaan, and the preservation of the priestly and kingly lines. The phrase "by their polls" (head-by-head count) underscored the divine demand for precision and thoroughness, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and not chaos, as also seen in the detailed camp arrangements in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - Camp Arrangement").

**What does the phrase "by their polls" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "by their polls" (KJV) is a direct translation of the Hebrew idiom _legulgelotam_, meaning "by their skulls" or "by their heads." It signifies a precise, individual, head-by-head count. This emphasizes the meticulousness of the census, ensuring that each eligible male was counted individually and accurately. It highlights the thoroughness required by God for the organization of His people, leaving no one uncounted and no room for approximation.

**How does this ancient military census apply to modern believers today?**

Answer: While Numbers 1:22 describes an ancient military census, it provides timeless principles for believers. It illustrates God's character as a God of order and purpose, reminding us that structure and intentionality are pleasing to Him in our personal lives, families, and churches. Just as the Israelites were prepared for physical warfare, believers are called to be prepared for spiritual warfare, being "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Armor of God")). Furthermore, the "poll" count reminds us that every individual is known and valued by God, and each person has a significant role to play within the body of Christ, contributing to God's greater purposes, as described in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "The Body of Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 1:22, with its focus on the meticulous counting and organization of Israel's fighting men, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the formation and equipping of the Church, the spiritual Israel of God. Just as the ancient census prepared Israel for the physical battles to inherit a land, Christ, our true Moses, meticulously gathers and organizes His people for spiritual warfare and to inherit an eternal kingdom. He is the divine general who leads His Church, not by physical might, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The detailed counting "by their polls" foreshadows God's intimate knowledge and valuing of every individual within His spiritual household; indeed, Jesus Himself declares that even the hairs of our head are numbered ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair")). The criteria "able to go forth to war" is transformed from physical readiness to spiritual readiness, as believers are called to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, we are not merely counted as soldiers, but are made sons and daughters, adopted into God's eternal family, and empowered to serve in His spiritual army, ultimately conquering not by our strength but by the victory secured by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The Church, as the body of Christ, is a divinely ordered and equipped community, each member playing a vital role under the headship of Christ ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growth in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.