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
Numbers 1:27 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, foreshadowing its future leadership and the messianic lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Numbers commences with a divine mandate to Moses to conduct a comprehensive census of all Israelite males aged twenty years and upward, specifically those capable of military service, as explicitly detailed in [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The Divine Command for the Census"). This enumeration marks a pivotal transition in Israel's journey, following the meticulous construction and dedication of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood at Mount Sinai. The preceding books of Exodus and Leviticus focused on liberation, covenant, and worship; Numbers shifts the narrative to preparation for the arduous journey from Sinai to the Promised Land. Numbers 1:27, therefore, is an integral part of this broader census, providing the specific count for the tribe of Judah. The subsequent chapters, such as [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp"), reveal how these census figures directly informed the precise arrangement of the Israelite camp and their marching order, with Judah, along with Issachar and Zebulun, positioned on the east side, leading the vanguard. This meticulous listing of each tribe's fighting men underscores the divine order, strategic planning, and readiness for the vast Israelite population as they prepared to depart from Sinai.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel") was conducted in the wilderness of Sinai during the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, approximately one month after the Tabernacle was erected. This period was critical for the nascent nation, transforming a multitude of recently freed slaves into an organized, divinely-led community poised for nationhood. In the ancient Near East, censuses were common, typically undertaken by kings or empires for purposes of taxation, conscription, or administrative control. For Israel, however, this census served unique, divinely ordained functions. It organized the vast population for their challenging journey through the wilderness, prepared them for potential military engagements against hostile peoples (e.g., the Amalekites, as seen in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek")), 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. Furthermore, the tribal structure was foundational to Israelite identity, societal organization, and religious practice, with each tribe having distinct roles and, eventually, territories.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 1:27, as part of the broader census narrative, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply into a great nation (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Abraham's Descendants")). The sheer number of Israelites counted is a tangible testament to this divine fidelity. Secondly, the census highlights God's **divine order and meticulous organization** of His people. Every individual and every tribe is accounted for, demonstrating that God is not a God of chaos but of precision and purpose, preparing His people for their collective journey and future inheritance. Thirdly, the numerical preeminence of Judah in this census subtly introduces the theme of **divine election and leadership**. This initial strength foreshadows Judah's destined role as the leading tribe, from which kings would emerge, including David, and ultimately, the Messiah. This theme of Judah's unique destiny is deeply rooted in Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8-12 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb, often translated as "numbered" or "counted," carries a much richer theological weight than a mere administrative tally. From the root H6485, _pâqad'_ signifies a divine visitation, oversight, appointment, or even a mustering. In this context, it implies that the 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, implying divine care and intentionality.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** Derived from H4294, _maṭṭeh'_ literally means "a branch" or "rod," and figuratively, "a tribe." This term emphasizes the organic, familial, and cohesive nature of the Israelite tribal units, each stemming from a common ancestor. The use of "tribe" here underscores the fundamental social and organizational structure of ancient Israel, highlighting that the census was not of an undifferentiated mass, but of distinct, divinely-ordained family groups, each with its unique identity and future inheritance.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** From H3063, meaning "celebrated" or "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/49-8-12 "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, setting the stage for its historical and eschatological significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that were numbered of them":** This opening phrase serves as a direct reference to the criteria established earlier in [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2-3 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Census Criteria"), indicating that this count specifically includes only males aged twenty years and upward who were deemed "able to go forth to war." It signifies a precise, divinely mandated selection process for military and organizational purposes, rather than a general population tally of all individuals.
* **"[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 within the larger census. It highlights the individual accounting of each segment of the Israelite nation.
* **"[were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred":** This final clause provides the exact numerical total for the tribe of Judah, stating 74,600. This figure is notably the largest recorded for any tribe in this initial census, immediately establishing Judah's numerical supremacy. This numerical strength is not merely a statistic but serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Judah's future prominence, its leadership role within the nation of Israel, and its ultimate destiny as the royal tribe.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 1:27, as an integral 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, precision, and organization within His covenant people. This detailed accounting is far from a dry statistic; it serves to highlight the vastness of the Israelite population, a tangible 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. The consistent repetition of the counting formula for each tribe creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Structure**, reinforcing the divine order being established.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:27, situated within the larger census narrative, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His divine ordering of His people for a specific purpose. It demonstrates His unwavering 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, their journey towards the Promised Land, and their role as His chosen nation. 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, the Messiah. This census is a visible manifestation of God's sovereign plan unfolding in history.
* [Genesis 49:8-10](/genesis/49-8-10 "Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Leadership")
* [Numbers 2:3-4](/numbers/2-3-4 "Judah's Leading Position in the Camp")
* [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 regarding God's character and our place within His ongoing purposes. 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. Our individual gifts and callings, like the distinct tribal counts, contribute to the strength and effectiveness of the whole.

#### 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, and how can you respond with obedience?**
* **Considering Judah's preeminence and its role in leading the camp, 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, serving both practical and spiritual purposes for the nascent nation of Israel. Primarily, it served to organize the vast Israelite population for their arduous journey through the wilderness and to prepare them for potential 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, essential for their survival and conquest. Additionally, it facilitated the orderly arrangement of the camp (as detailed in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp")), assigned responsibilities for carrying the Tabernacle and its components, and laid the groundwork for future land distribution in Canaan. This divine accounting ensured that every tribe understood its place and contribution within the national framework, reflecting God's desire for order and purpose among His people.

**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 and deeply symbolic. 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/49-8-12 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"), which declared that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh (the Messiah) came. 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"). It signifies God's sovereign hand in electing and preparing a specific tribe for a pivotal role in His redemptive plan.

### 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/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) and for their ultimate inheritance in the heavenly kingdom ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). The census of Judah points forward to the divine muster of God's redeemed people, the Church, under the perfect leadership of their Messiah, who ensures their victory and secure entry into His eternal rest. He is the one who leads His people to their true and lasting inheritance, far surpassing any earthly promise.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:22

These [are] the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

2 Samuel 24:9

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah [were] five hundred thousand men.

2 Chronicles 17:14

And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

2 Chronicles 17:16

And next him [was] Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

Numbers 2:3

¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

Numbers 2:4

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.