Numbers 1:39

KJV

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Dan, [were] threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}, were threescore {H8346} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

those registered to the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700.

American Standard Version

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:39 records the specific count of fighting men from the tribe of Dan during the first census of Israel, conducted at Mount Sinai. This verse is part of a meticulous enumeration of all eligible males aged twenty years and upward, commanded by God to Moses and Aaron. It highlights the divine order and precision in preparing the Israelite nation for its journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land, underscoring God's detailed oversight of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:39 is situated within the broader narrative of Numbers chapter 1, which details the first comprehensive census of the twelve tribes of Israel. This chapter systematically lists the numbers of men "able to go to war" from each tribe, starting with Reuben and concluding with Naphtali. The preceding verses (e.g., [Numbers 1:38](/numbers/1-38 "Numbers 1:38 - The Tribe of Naphtali's Count")) provide the count for Naphtali, setting the immediate pattern for Dan's enumeration. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Numbers 1:40-41](/numbers/1-40 "Numbers 1:40-41 - The Tribe of Asher's Count")) continue with the counts for Asher, Zebulun, and so on, leading to the grand total of all the tribes in [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Numbers 1:46 - Total Count of Israel's Fighting Men"). This repetitive, formulaic structure emphasizes the thoroughness and divine authority behind the census, establishing the military and organizational strength of the nascent nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census described in Numbers 1 took place "in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt" ([Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - Setting the Scene for the Census")). This timing is crucial, marking a pivotal moment after the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, but before the Israelites embarked on their journey towards the Promised Land. Such a census, focusing on men "twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census")), was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for military conscription, taxation, or resource allocation. For Israel, it served multiple purposes: assessing military readiness for the impending conquest of Canaan, organizing the vast multitude for orderly encampment and marching, and demonstrating God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants, fulfilling the covenant promise made in [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Multiply Abraham's Seed"). The tribe of Dan, with its significant number of 62,700, was notably one of the larger tribes, reflecting its prominence within the tribal structure and its designated position in the northern division of the camp.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** The Hebrew verb פקד (paqad) carries a richer meaning than simply "to count." While it certainly includes enumeration, it often implies a divine visitation, oversight, or appointment. In this context, it suggests that the census was not merely a human administrative task but an act divinely initiated and meticulously overseen by God. It signifies God's active engagement with His people, knowing each individual and organizing them for His purposes. This "numbering" is an act of divine attention and preparation.
* **Dan (Hebrew, _dan_):** The name דן (Dan) means "judge" or "he has judged." As one of Jacob's sons, Dan's tribe was known for its large size and later for its significant, though sometimes problematic, role in Israelite history, including the story of Samson ([Judges 13-16](/judges/13 "Judges 13-16 - The Story of Samson")) and the establishment of idolatry in the north ([Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Dan's Migration and Idolatry")). In Numbers 1, Dan is positioned at the head of the northern camp division, along with Asher and Naphtali, indicating its strategic importance and leadership role in the wilderness journey.
* **Threescore and two thousand and seven hundred (Hebrew, _shishim elef u'shva me'ot'_):** This archaic English phrasing precisely translates the Hebrew for 62,700. The exactness of the number, down to the hundreds, is significant. It underscores the meticulousness of the census and, by extension, the divine precision and order that God desires for His people. It is not an approximation but a precise accounting, reflecting God's attention to detail in the organization and deployment of His covenant nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers to the men who met the criteria established earlier in the chapter: males aged twenty years and upward, who were "able to go forth to war in Israel" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - The Census Criteria")). It emphasizes that the count was specifically for military and organizational purposes, identifying the strength and readiness of the nation.
* **"[even] of the tribe of Dan":** This clause specifies the particular tribal unit being reported. The census systematically listed each of the twelve tribes, providing their individual counts. The inclusion of "even" in the KJV highlights that this is a specific subset of the overall numbered population, focusing on Dan's contribution to the national strength.
* **"[were] threescore and two thousand and seven hundred":** This provides the numerical result for the tribe of Dan, stating that 62,700 men from this tribe were counted. This large figure positions Dan as one of the most populous tribes at this initial census, indicating its significant contribution to Israel's military potential and overall demographic strength.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 1:39, like the rest of the census account, employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** and **formulaic language** are prominent, as the phrase "those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of [name], [were] [number]" is repeated for each tribe. This creates a rhythmic, authoritative tone, emphasizing the systematic and divinely ordered nature of the census. The consistent structure reinforces the idea of divine meticulousness and the orderly arrangement of God's people. **Numerical precision** is another key device; the exact figures, down to the hundreds, are not merely statistical data but convey a sense of divine accuracy and comprehensive knowledge. This precision highlights God's sovereignty over every individual and every group within Israel. Furthermore, the entire census acts as a **literary motif** of preparation and divine organization, setting the stage for the Israelites' journey and the challenges they would face, underscoring that God equips His people for the tasks He calls them to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:39, as part of the broader census narrative, powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His divine order, demonstrating that He is not a God of chaos but of precise arrangement and intentional preparation. The census reveals God's active involvement in the lives of His people, knowing them intimately and organizing them for His purposes. Furthermore, the sheer numbers, including Dan's significant count, serve as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, fulfilling His ancient promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Each tribe, with its distinct identity and numerical strength, contributes to the corporate identity and unified purpose of Israel, highlighting that every part of God's people has value and a role within the larger whole.

* [Numbers 26:42-43](/numbers/26-42 "Numbers 26:42-43 - Dan's Count in the Second Census")
* [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Census Tax")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 1:39, though seemingly a simple statistical record, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and purpose. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel for their journey and mission, He continues to work with intentionality in our lives and in the life of the Church. This verse encourages us to embrace divine order, understanding that structure and preparation are not hindrances but facilitators for fulfilling God's will. It also emphasizes the value of every individual within the community of faith; just as Dan's 62,700 men were vital to Israel's strength, every believer contributes uniquely to the body of Christ. Our individual gifts, talents, and callings are counted and purposed by God for the collective mission. We are called to be prepared—spiritually, mentally, and practically—for the challenges and opportunities God places before us, trusting that He has equipped us for every good work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God, as seen in this census, encourage or challenge your view of His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you or your community to greater order and preparation for His purposes today?**
* **How does understanding your individual "number" or unique contribution within the body of Christ motivate you to serve?**

### FAQ
**Why was this census, including the count for Dan, so important to God?**

Answer: The census was supremely important for several reasons, all rooted in God's divine plan for Israel. First, it was for military preparedness, identifying all men "able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census")) as Israel was about to embark on a journey that would culminate in the conquest of Canaan. Second, it was crucial for organizational structure, enabling the orderly arrangement of the vast Israelite camp, their marching order, and the assignment of responsibilities, particularly for the Levites who were counted separately ([Numbers 1:47-53](/numbers/1-47 "Numbers 1:47-53 - The Levites' Role")). Third, it served as a powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness, showing the miraculous multiplication of Abraham's descendants, fulfilling His covenant promises ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Finally, it underscored God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and precision in the lives of His people, reflecting His sovereignty over every detail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 1:39 details a historical census of ancient Israel, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous numbering of God's people, prepared for a journey and a spiritual inheritance, foreshadows the Church, the spiritual Israel, meticulously known and prepared by God for His eternal purposes. Just as every man of Israel was counted and had a place in the camp, so too does every believer in Christ have a unique and valued place in the body of Christ, known intimately by the Good Shepherd who calls His own sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Sheep")). The census for military readiness points to the spiritual warfare in which believers are engaged, equipped not with physical weapons but with the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Ultimately, the promise of a vast multitude, exemplified by tribes like Dan, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the innumerable host of the redeemed from "every tribe and language and people and nation" who stand before the Lamb, having been purchased by His blood ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Tribe")), fulfilling God's promise of a spiritual seed far greater than any earthly census could capture ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude")).

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 26:43

All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, [were] threescore and four thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 2:26

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