Numbers 1:30

Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Of the children {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074}, 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}, from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, all that were able to go forth {H3318} to war {H6635};

Descendants of Z'vulun 57,400

From the sons of Zebulun, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Commentary

Numbers 1:30 is a specific entry in the detailed census of the Israelite tribes, focusing on the tribe of Zebulun. This verse highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the criteria for inclusion in this significant count, primarily for military readiness.

Context of Numbers 1:30

This verse is part of the extensive census recorded at the beginning of the Book of Numbers, commanded by God to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. The census was taken on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Israelites' departure from Egypt (Numbers 1:1). The primary purpose of this census was to organize the Israelite camp for their journey through the wilderness and to prepare them for future military engagements as they approached the Promised Land. Each tribe was counted separately, identifying all males "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war," underscoring a focus on able-bodied men fit for military service.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: The census reflects God's desire for order and structure among His people. Every individual, family, and tribe had a specific place and role in the divine plan.
  • Preparation for Purpose: The meticulous counting served a practical purpose—preparing Israel for the challenges of the wilderness journey and the eventual conquest of Canaan. It was a preparation for both travel and battle.
  • Responsibility and Service: Inclusion in the census signified a man's readiness and obligation to serve the community, particularly in defense. It underscored the communal responsibility of all able-bodied men to contribute to the nation's strength and protection.
  • Tribal Identity: The emphasis on "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers" highlights the importance of lineage and tribal identity within ancient Israelite society, preserving the distinctiveness of each of Jacob's twelve sons.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "able to go forth to war" translates the Hebrew word tsava (צָבָא), which broadly refers to military service, an army, or campaigning. It emphasizes that this was not merely a demographic count but a registration of those fit for active duty and defense of the nation. This term highlights the military aspect of the census and the serious nature of their journey and impending conflicts.

The Tribe of Zebulun

Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob, born to Leah. In Jacob's blessing, Zebulun was prophesied to "dwell at the haven of the sea" and be a "haven for ships" (Genesis 49:13). The census records Zebulun's strength and contribution to the overall military force of Israel, placing them within the larger divine organization of the tribes.

Practical Application

While an ancient military census, Numbers 1:30 offers timeless principles. It reminds us that God values order and expects His people to be prepared for their divine assignments. For believers today, this can mean being prepared for spiritual service and good works (Ephesians 2:10). Each individual has a unique role and responsibility within the larger "body" of Christ, and accountability for our service is important. The meticulous nature of God's counting emphasizes that every person is known and valued by Him, and our readiness to serve reflects our commitment to His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:26

    [Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

  • Numbers 26:27

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

  • Genesis 49:13

    ¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.

  • Numbers 2:7

    [Then] the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon [shall be] captain of the children of Zebulun.

  • Numbers 2:8

    And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

  • Genesis 30:20

    And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

  • Genesis 46:14

    And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
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