Why was this census so important for the Israelites at this specific time?

The census recorded in Numbers 1, including the count for Benjamin in verse 36, was critically important for several reasons. Primarily, it served as a military registration, identifying all males "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war." This was essential for organizing Israel into a cohesive fighting force as they prepared to leave Mount Sinai and embark on their journey through the wilderness, which would involve defending themselves against hostile tribes and eventually conquering the Promised Land (Numbers 10:11-12). Beyond military purposes, the census also facilitated the orderly encampment around the tabernacle (Numbers 2:1-2), the distribution of responsibilities among the tribes and Levites, and the general administration of a large, newly formed nation. It underscored God's desire for order, preparation, and accountability among His people as they stepped into their divine destiny and prepared to inherit His promises.

1:35 1:35

Numbers 1:36

1:37 1:37

Bible Versions

Of the children of Benjamin, 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 Benjamin {H1144}, 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 Binyamin 35,400

From the sons of Benjamin, 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 Benjamin, 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;

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 49:27

Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
Genesis 46:21

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
Genesis 44:20

And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
2 Chronicles 17:17

And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
Genesis 35:16

¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
Genesis 35:18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Revelation 7:8

Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Bible Versions

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