Numbers 1:41

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Asher, [were] forty and one thousand and five hundred.

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Asher {H836}, were forty {H705} and one {H259} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

those registered to the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500.

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

Context

Numbers chapter 1 details the first census of the Israelite tribes, taken at Mount Sinai, roughly one year after the Exodus from Egypt. This meticulous numbering was not for taxation but for organizing the community for their journey through the wilderness and for military readiness. Each tribe's fighting men (those 20 years old and upward) were counted, preparing them for their God-given task of entering the Promised Land. Verse 41 specifically records the count for the tribe of Asher, detailing their strength within the larger nation as they prepared for their journey through the wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The detailed census underscores God's meticulous nature and His desire for order within His people. Every tribe and every individual counted mattered, reflecting God's desire for order in all things.
  • Preparation for Purpose: This numbering was a crucial step in preparing the vast Israelite camp for their long journey to the Promised Land and for the challenges they would face, including potential conflicts and the establishment of a new society.
  • Tribal Identity and Significance: Each tribe, though part of a larger nation, maintained its distinct identity and was accounted for individually. This highlights God's attention to the unique contributions and roles of each segment of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "numbered" (Χ€Χ§Χ“ - paqad) often carries a deeper connotation than a mere tally. It implies "visiting," "mustering," or "attending to," suggesting divine oversight and active engagement. It wasn't just a count but an act of God taking account of His people, noting each person for His specific purposes and their role in the collective destiny.

Practical Application

This verse, seemingly a mere statistical detail, offers valuable insights for believers today:

  • God's Care for Individuals: Just as every Israelite was counted and known by God, so too does God care for and know each individual today. No one is overlooked in His divine plan, regardless of how small their part may seem.
  • Importance of Order and Contribution: God values order and structure, not just in a national body but also in the individual's life and within the church. Each 'number' in the census, representing an individual, contributed to the strength and purpose of the entire nation. Similarly, each believer has a unique role in the body of Christ, contributing to its overall mission (see Romans 12:4-5).
  • Preparation for God's Calling: Like the Israelites being prepared for their journey, we are called to be prepared for God's purposes in our lives and for the challenges of faith. This involves understanding our place within the larger body of believers.
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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:47 (3 votes)

    These [are] the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; [who were] fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

  • Numbers 2:28 (2 votes)

    And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] forty and one thousand and five hundred.