Numbers 1:27

KJV

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Judah, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Judah {H3063}, were threescore and fourteen {H7657}{H702} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.

American Standard Version

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously records the census results for the tribe of Judah, detailing that 74,600 men, aged twenty years and upward, were counted as fit for military service and communal organization. This significant figure immediately establishes Judah's numerical prominence among the twelve tribes, underscoring its pivotal role in the divine ordering of Israel for their wilderness journey and the impending conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Numbers opens with a divine command to Moses to conduct a census of all Israelite males aged twenty years and upward, capable of going to war, as detailed in [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The Command for the Census"). This enumeration follows the completion of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, marking a transition from worship and law-giving to preparation for the journey to the Promised Land. Numbers 1:27 specifically records the count for Judah, which, along with Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, formed the first division of the camp, positioned on the east side, leading the march. The meticulous listing of each tribe's fighting men underscores the divine order and strategic planning for the vast Israelite population as they prepared to move from Sinai.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") was conducted in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Exodus from Egypt and the covenant ratification at Mount Sinai. This was a crucial period for the nascent nation, transitioning from a collection of freed slaves into an organized, divinely-led community. In the ancient Near East, censuses were often taken for taxation, conscription, or administrative purposes. For Israel, this census served multiple critical functions: it organized the vast population for their arduous journey through the wilderness, prepared them for potential military engagements against hostile peoples, and established a framework for future land distribution upon entering Canaan. The emphasis on men "able to go to war" (cf. [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Men Fit for War")) highlights the immediate practical need for military readiness as they embarked on their journey towards the Promised Land. Furthermore, the tribal structure was fundamental to Israelite identity and societal organization, with each tribe having distinct roles and territories.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a richer meaning than simply "to count." It often denotes a divine visitation, oversight, or appointment, implying that this census was not merely a human administrative task but an action undertaken under God's direct command and for His specific purposes. It suggests a divine accounting and ordering of His people, preparing them for their designated roles and journey.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yehudah'_):** Meaning "praise," Judah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. From early on, the tribe of Judah was marked for prominence. Jacob's prophecy in [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah") foretold its leadership, royal lineage, and the ultimate coming of the Messiah from its line. Its numerical strength in this census reinforces its divinely ordained position of preeminence among the tribes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers back to the criteria established in [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Census Criteria"), indicating that only males aged twenty years and upward, who were able to go to war, were included in this count. It signifies a specific, divinely mandated selection process, not a general population tally.
* **"[even] of the tribe of Judah":** This clause precisely identifies the specific tribal unit whose count is being reported. The KJV's use of "[even]" clarifies that the preceding general reference ("them") is now narrowed to this particular tribe, emphasizing the distinct identity and enumeration of each of the twelve tribes.
* **"[were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred":** This provides the exact numerical total for the tribe of Judah: 74,600. This figure is the largest recorded for any tribe in this initial census, immediately establishing Judah's numerical supremacy and foreshadowing its future prominence and leadership role within the nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 1:27, as part of the broader chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**. The meticulous listing of each tribe's fighting men, complete with precise numerical totals, underscores God's commitment to order and organization within His covenant people. This detailed accounting is not merely a dry statistic but serves to highlight the vastness of the Israelite population, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation (cf. [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Furthermore, the exceptional numerical strength of Judah in this census subtly introduces **Foreshadowing**. This initial prominence hints at Judah's future leadership, its role as the royal tribe from which kings like David would emerge, and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah, the true King of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:27, within the context of the larger census, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His divine ordering of His people for a specific purpose. It demonstrates His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Abraham, who was assured that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (cf. [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Abraham's Descendants")). The census reveals a God who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, preparing them not only for military engagement but also for their collective identity and journey towards the Promised Land. The preeminence of Judah in this count is not accidental; it is a divine affirmation of its destined role as the leading tribe, from which kings would arise, culminating in the ultimate King.
* [Genesis 49:8-10](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Leadership")
* [Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Numbers 2:3 - Judah's Leading Position in the Camp")
* [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 1:27, while a historical record of a military census, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and preparation. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel for their journey and future inheritance, He continues to work purposefully in our lives and in the life of the church today. This passage encourages us to consider our own place within God's grand design, recognizing that each of us, like the tribes of Israel, has a unique role and contribution to make within the body of Christ. It calls us to embrace discipline, readiness, and a willingness to be counted and deployed for God's kingdom work, trusting that His plans are always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous organization of ancient Israel, as seen in this census, inform our understanding of His desire for order and purpose in our own lives and communities?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you feel God is calling you to greater preparation or readiness for His purposes?**
* **Considering Judah's preeminence, how can we identify and affirm the unique strengths and callings within our own spiritual communities, ensuring all are mobilized for God's work?**

### FAQ
**Why was this census, particularly the counting of fighting men, so important for the Israelites at this stage?**

Answer: This census was critically important for several reasons. Primarily, it served to organize the vast Israelite population for their arduous journey through the wilderness and to prepare them for military engagements against hostile nations as they moved towards the Promised Land. By counting men "able to go to war" (cf. [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Men Fit for War")), God was establishing a structured, disciplined force. Additionally, it facilitated the orderly arrangement of the camp (as detailed in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Camp Arrangement")), assigned responsibilities, and laid the groundwork for future land distribution, ensuring that every tribe understood its place and contribution within the national framework.

**What is the significance of Judah having the largest number of fighting men in this initial census?**

Answer: Judah's numerical superiority, with 74,600 men, is highly significant. It immediately establishes Judah's preeminent position among the tribes, foreshadowing its future role as the leading tribe of Israel. This prominence is consistent with Jacob's ancient prophecy in [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"), which declared that the scepter would not depart from Judah. This large count underscores its strength and readiness to lead, setting the stage for its historical importance, including the lineage of the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah, who is identified as the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 1:27, with its focus on Judah's numerical strength and preeminence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The tribe of Judah was prophesied to be the royal tribe, from which kings would emerge and from whom the "scepter shall not depart" ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")). Jesus is the quintessential fulfillment of this prophecy, identified in the New Testament as the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - Jesus, the Lion of Judah"), the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")). Just as Judah was counted and organized for the journey to the earthly Promised Land, Christ, as the true leader of God's people, perfectly orders and equips His church for spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) and for their ultimate inheritance in the heavenly kingdom ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). The census of Judah points forward to the divine muster of God's redeemed people under the perfect leadership of their Messiah, who ensures their victory and secure entry into His eternal rest.

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.