Numbers 1:31

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

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}.

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 1:31 reports the census count for the tribe of Zebulun during the first national registration of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. This verse is part of a detailed enumeration of all the Israelite tribes, excluding the Levites, who were set apart for tabernacle service.

Context

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Numbers chapter 1, which records the command given by God to Moses and Aaron to take a census of all males 20 years old and upward who were able to go to war. This registration occurred in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, while the Israelites were encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. The purpose was not merely demographic, but strategic: to organize the vast Israelite population for their journey through the wilderness and for future military readiness as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous counting of each tribe, including Zebulun's 57,400 men, underscores God's preference for order and structure within His people. This divine blueprint ensured efficiency in their encampment, march, and future responsibilities.
  • Preparation for Purpose: The census primarily identified those fit for military service, highlighting a theme of readiness for the challenges and battles ahead. Each tribe, with its specific count, contributed to the collective strength of the nation.
  • Individual Identity within the Whole: While Zebulun had its distinct numerical identity, it was part of the larger twelve tribes of Israel, demonstrating how individual groups contribute to the strength and purpose of the entire community.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text for Numbers 1:31 is a straightforward numerical report. There are no complex Hebrew words or phrases in this particular verse that offer significant additional linguistic insights beyond its clear meaning as a census tally.

Practical Application

The detailed census of Numbers 1, including the count for Zebulun, reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. For believers today, this can signify:

  • Our Place in God's Plan: Just as each tribe was counted and had a specific role, every individual believer has a unique place and purpose within the larger body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
  • Readiness for Service: The military aspect of the census can be seen as a spiritual metaphor for being prepared and equipped for God's work and spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:11).
  • Value in Detail: God's attention to the specific numbers of each tribe shows His meticulous care for His people, down to every detail. This encourages us to trust in His providence and precision in our own lives.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:27 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 2:8 (2 votes)

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