Numbers 1:31

KJV

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Zebulun, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Zebulun {H2074}, were fifty {H2572} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

those registered to the tribe of Zebulun numbered 57,400.

American Standard Version

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:31 meticulously records the census count for the tribe of Zebulun, revealing a total of fifty-seven thousand four hundred men aged twenty years and upward, capable of military service. This specific enumeration is part of a larger divine directive to Moses and Aaron to register all eligible males across the twelve tribes of Israel, excluding the Levites, who were set apart for sacred duties. This detailed accounting underscores God's divine order, preparing His people not only for their wilderness journey but also for the strategic organization and military readiness required for their future inheritance of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:31 is situated within the foundational chapter of the book of Numbers, which meticulously details the first national census of Israel. The chapter commences with God's direct command to Moses and Aaron on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus, instructing them to take a "head count of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, every male individually" [Numbers 1:1-2](/numbers/1-1-2 "Numbers 1:1-2 - The Divine Command for the Census"). This divine mandate is then systematically executed, with verses [Numbers 1:20-46](/numbers/1-20-46 "Numbers 1:20-46 - The Census Results for Each Tribe") presenting the specific counts for each of the twelve tribes, from Reuben to Naphtali. The deliberate exclusion of the Levites from this military census, as specified in [Numbers 1:47-54](/numbers/1-47-54 "Numbers 1:47-54 - The Levites Set Apart for Service"), highlights their distinct role in tabernacle service and camp organization, further emphasizing the strategic and purposeful nature of the census for the other tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census described in Numbers 1 took place in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - The Exodus from Egypt"). At this pivotal juncture, the nation was transitioning from a recently freed slave population into a divinely ordered and organized community, poised to embark on a journey towards the Promised Land. Such a census was not merely a demographic exercise but served crucial military and organizational purposes, common in ancient Near Eastern societies for large-scale movements or preparations for war. The numbering of men "twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war" [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Criteria for the Census") indicates a strategic intent to assess the nation's military strength and to organize them into divisions for encampment, marching, and future conquest. This meticulous registration also established a clear tribal identity and order, crucial for maintaining social cohesion and assigning responsibilities within the vast Israelite camp, reflecting God's desire for order and readiness among His people.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 1:31, as part of the broader census narrative, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people for their journey and future. The census highlights **Israel's Identity as a Holy Nation and a Military Host**, emphasizing their transition from a collection of families into a unified, divinely-commissioned army prepared for the challenges of the wilderness and the conquest of Canaan. This preparation underscores the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as He systematically prepares His people to inherit the land He swore to their forefathers. Finally, the distinction between the military tribes and the Levites (as seen in [Numbers 1:47-54](/numbers/1-47-54 "Numbers 1:47-54 - The Levites' Special Role")) reinforces the theme of **Distinct Roles and Responsibilities within God's Community**, where each group contributes uniquely to the overall divine plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb, often translated as "to number," "to count," or "to muster," carries significant theological weight beyond a simple tally. In a biblical context, _pâqad'_ frequently implies divine oversight, visitation, or appointment. When God "numbers" His people, it is not a mere statistical exercise but an act of acknowledging, organizing, and preparing them for a specific purpose or task. Here, it signifies God's active involvement in ordering His people for their journey and future military engagements, indicating His providential care and strategic planning for Israel.
* **tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** The term _maṭṭeh'_ refers to a "staff" or "rod," which then metaphorically extends to a "tribe" or "clan," symbolizing the unity and authority associated with a tribal leader's staff. Each _maṭṭeh'_ represented a distinct familial and socio-political unit within the larger Israelite confederation, maintaining its unique identity while contributing to the collective strength of the nation. The emphasis on individual tribal counts, like that of Zebulun, highlights the importance of both corporate unity and individual group distinctiveness within God's chosen people.
* **Zebulun (Hebrew, _Zᵉbûwlûwn'_):** Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's tenth son, Zebulun. The name itself is associated with "dwelling" or "habitation" (from _zaval_). While this verse focuses solely on its numerical strength, the tribe of Zebulun would later be known for its proximity to the sea and its participation in military endeavors, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:13](/genesis/49-13 "Genesis 49:13 - Jacob's Blessing on Zebulun") and depicted in the Song of Deborah ([Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Judges 5:18 - Zebulun's Valor in the Song of Deborah")). Its specific count here establishes its foundational strength at the outset of Israel's national formation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers to the specific individuals who met the criteria for the census—males aged twenty years and upward, fit for military service. It emphasizes that this was not a count of the entire population (women, children, Levites were excluded), but a targeted muster of the nation's fighting force. The passive construction "were numbered" implicitly points to the divine authority behind the census, as it was God who commanded it, indicating His sovereign oversight and purpose in this organizational act.
* **"[even] of the tribe of Zebulun":** This clause precisely identifies the specific tribal unit being reported. It highlights the meticulous nature of the census, where each tribe's contribution to the national strength was individually recorded. The inclusion of "even" in the KJV clarifies that the preceding phrase refers directly to this tribe, ensuring no ambiguity about the subject of the count and underscoring the systematic approach to the enumeration of each distinct tribal entity.
* **"[were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred":** This provides the exact numerical total for the eligible men from the tribe of Zebulun. The precision of the number (57,400) underscores the accuracy and thoroughness of the census, reflecting a divine attention to detail and order. This specific figure would contribute to the overall strength of the Israelite army and inform their strategic planning for the wilderness journey and the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and preparation for His people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 1:31, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration**. This device is characterized by the detailed listing or counting of items, in this case, the specific number of eligible men from each tribe. The consistent repetition of the formula "Those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of [Tribe Name], were [Number]" across verses [Numbers 1:20-46](/numbers/1-20-46 "Numbers 1:20-46 - The Census of the Tribes") creates a powerful sense of **Repetition** and **Anaphora**, emphasizing the systematic and exhaustive nature of the census. This meticulous accounting also serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where the precise numbers symbolize God's divine order, His sovereign control over His people, and His purposeful preparation for their future. The sheer volume of numbers also conveys the immense scale of the Israelite nation and the logistical challenge of leading them, highlighting the profound need for divine guidance and organization in their wilderness journey and impending conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:31, as part of the broader census narrative, powerfully articulates God's character as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous care for His people. The precise counting of each tribe, including Zebulun, reveals that God's plans are not haphazard but are executed with divine precision and forethought. This census was not merely about numbers; it was about organizing a vast, recently liberated people into a cohesive unit, ready for the challenges of the wilderness and the battles for the Promised Land. It underscores the theological truth that every individual and every group within God's community has a place and a purpose, contributing to the collective strength and mission. This divine blueprint for order ensures efficiency, accountability, and readiness for God's unfolding purposes, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Moses' Organization of Israel")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "The Body of Christ Working Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed census of Numbers 1, including the specific count for Zebulun, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and intentionality, who values every individual and every part of His collective people. Just as each tribe was counted and assigned a role in the wilderness journey and future conquest, so too does every believer have a unique place and calling within the body of Christ. This passage challenges us to consider our own readiness for God's purposes, whether that involves spiritual warfare, service within the church, or engaging with the world around us. God's attention to the specific numbers of each tribe encourages us to trust in His meticulous care and providence in our own lives, knowing that He has a precise plan for us and for His church, and that He equips us for the tasks He sets before us. We are called to live with intentionality, recognizing our individual contributions to the larger divine mission and striving for the order and readiness that reflect God's character in our personal and corporate lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's census in Numbers 1 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as "numbered" and purposed by God within the collective body of Christ today?**
* **What does "readiness for service" or "spiritual warfare" mean for you personally in light of the military aspect of this census?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, better embody the divine order and intentionality seen in the organization of ancient Israel?**

### FAQ
**Why was the census in Numbers 1 taken, and what was its primary purpose?**

Answer: The census in Numbers 1, which includes the count for Zebulun, was primarily taken by divine command for strategic and organizational purposes. It was not merely a demographic survey. Its main objectives were: to assess the military strength of Israel by counting all males aged twenty years and upward who were able to go to war [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Criteria for the Census"); to organize the vast population into a structured camp for their journey through the wilderness; to prepare them for future military engagements as they approached the Promised Land; and to assign responsibilities for marching order and camp setup, ensuring divine order and efficiency. The Levites were notably excluded from this military census, being set apart for the sacred duties of the tabernacle [Numbers 1:47-54](/numbers/1-47-54 "Numbers 1:47-54 - The Levites Set Apart").

**What was the significance of the tribe of Zebulun within the larger Israelite nation?**

Answer: The tribe of Zebulun, like the other tribes, represented a distinct familial and socio-political unit within the larger confederation of Israel. While [Numbers 1:31](/numbers/1-31 "Numbers 1:31 - The Census of Zebulun") simply provides its numerical strength at the time of the census (57,400 fighting men), Zebulun would later be known for its geographical location near the sea, engaging in trade, and for its valor in battle. Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 49:13](/genesis/49-13 "Genesis 49:13 - Jacob's Prophecy for Zebulun") foretold its dwelling by the seashore, and the Song of Deborah in [Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Zebulun's Courage in Battle") praises Zebulun for risking its life in battle. Its inclusion in the meticulous census underscores that each tribe, regardless of its specific future role or size, was an integral and valued part of God's chosen nation, contributing to the overall strength and purpose of the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 1:31 details a historical census of ancient Israel for military and organizational purposes, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous numbering of God's people foreshadows the divine precision with which God builds His spiritual army, the Church. Just as each Israelite tribe was counted and had its place, so too are believers "numbered" and uniquely gifted within the body of Christ [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). The census's purpose of preparing Israel for conquest points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, establishing His eternal kingdom. Believers, through faith in Him, are enlisted not in a physical army but in a spiritual one, equipped with the "full armor of God" [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God") to contend against spiritual forces and to advance the gospel. Jesus, as the ultimate Leader and Commander, perfectly fulfills the divine order and purpose seen in the wilderness census, gathering His people from every tribe and nation into one unified body [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation") to accomplish His redemptive mission, not through earthly might, but through the power of His Spirit and the sacrificial work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 26:27

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

Numbers 2:8

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