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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 1:1–16. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.We have here a commission issued out for the numbering of the people of Israel; and David, long after, paid dearly for doing it without a commission. Here is,
1.The date of this commission, Num 1:1.
(1.)The place: it is given at God's court in the wilderness of Sinai, from his royal palace, the tabernacle of the congregation.
(2.)The time: In the second year after they came up out of Egypt; we may call it the second year of that reign. The laws in Leviticus were given in the first month of that year; these orders were given in the beginning of the second month.
2.The directions given for the execution of it, Num 1:2, Num 1:3.
(1.)None were to be numbered but the males, and those only such as were fit for war. None under twenty years old; for, though some such might have bulk and strength enough for military service, yet, in compassion to their tender years, God would not have them put upon it to bear arms.
(2.)Nor were any to be numbered who through age, or bodily infirmity, blindness, lameness, or chronical diseases, were unfit for war. The church being militant, those only are reputed the true members of it that have enlisted themselves soldiers of Jesus Christ; for our life, our Christian life, is a warfare.
(3.)The account was to be taken according to their families, that it might not only be known how many they were, and what were their names, but of what tribe and family, or clan, nay, of what particular house every person was; or, reckoning it the muster of an army, to what regiment every man belonged, that he might know his place himself and the government might know where to find him. They were numbered a little before this, when their poll-money was paid for the service of the tabernacle, Exo 38:25, Exo 38:26. But it should seem they were not then registered by the house of their fathers, as now they were. Their number was the same then that it was now: 603,550 men; for as many as had died since then, and were lost in the account, so many had arrived to be twenty years old, and were added to the account. Note, As one generation passeth away another generation cometh. As vacancies are daily made, so recruits are daily raised to fill up the vacancies, and Providence takes care that, one time or other, in one place or other, the births shall balance the burials, that the race of mankind and the holy seed may not be cut off and become extinct.
3.Commissioners are named for the doing of this work. Moses and Aaron were to preside (Num 1:3), and one man of every tribe, that was renowned in his tribe, and was presumed to know it well, was to assist in it - the princes of the tribes, Num 1:16. Note, Those that are honourable should study to be serviceable; he that is great, let him be your minister, and show, by his knowing the public, that he deserves to be publicly known. The charge of this muster was committed to him who was the lord-lieutenant of that tribe. Now,
II.Why was this account ordered to be taken and kept? For several reasons.
1.To prove the accomplishment of the promise made to Abraham, that God would multiply his seed exceedingly, which promise was renewed to Jacob (Gen 28:14), that his seed should be as the dust of the earth. Now it appears that there did not fail one tittle of that good promise, which was an encouragement to them to hope that the other promise of the land of Canaan for an inheritance should also be fulfilled in its season. When the number of a body of men is only guessed at, upon the view, it is easy for one that is disposed to cavil to surmise that the conjecture is mistaken, and that, if they were to be counted, they would not be found half so many; therefore God would have Israel numbered, that it might be upon record how vastly they were increased in a little time, that the power of God's providence and the truth of his promise may be seen and acknowledged by all. It could not have been expected, in any ordinary course of nature, that seventy-five souls (which was the number of Jacob's family when he went down into Egypt) should in 215 years (and it was no longer) multiply into so many hundred thousands. It is therefore to be attributed to an extraordinary virtue in the divine promise and blessing.
2.It was to intimate the particular care which God himself would take of his Israel, and which Moses and the inferior rulers were expected to take of them. God is called the Shepherd of Israel, Psa 80:1. Now the shepherds always kept count of their flocks, and delivered them by number to their under-shepherds, that they might know if any were missing; in like manner God numbers his flock, that of all which he took into his fold he might lose none but upon a valuable consideration, even those that were sacrificed to his justice.
3.It was to put a difference between the true born Israelites and the mixed multitude that were among them; none were numbered but Israelites: all the world is but lumber in comparison with those jewels. Little account is made of others, but the saints God has a particular property in and concern for. The Lord knows those that are his (Ti2 2:19), knows them by name, Phi 4:3. The hairs of their head are numbered ; but he will say to others, "I never knew you, never made any account of you." 4. It was in order to their being marshalled into several districts, for the more easy administration of justice, and their more regular march through the wilderness. It is a rout and a rabble, not an army, that is not mustered and put in order.
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Summary
Numbers 1:6 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, precisely identifying Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, as the designated leader for the tribe of Simeon. This verse is an integral part of the comprehensive census commanded by God at the outset of the book of Numbers, meticulously detailing the military and administrative organization of the Israelite tribes in the wilderness of Sinai. It underscores God's divine order, the critical importance of appointed leadership, and the distinct yet unified identity of each tribal unit within the larger covenant community, preparing them for their journey and future inheritance.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 1:6 is situated within the foundational opening chapter of the book of Numbers, which immediately follows the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the Levitical service found in Exodus and Leviticus. Numbers 1 commences with a direct divine command for a census of all Israelite men aged twenty years and upward, who were able to go to war. This enumeration, meticulously detailed in Numbers 1, serves as a crucial act of organization for the nascent nation. The preceding verses establish the purpose and parameters of the census, including the divine appointment of a "prince" or "head of the house of their fathers" from each tribe to assist Moses and Aaron in this momentous task. Numbers 1:6 specifically names the individual chosen to represent and lead the tribe of Simeon, fitting seamlessly into the larger list of tribal leaders that continues through Numbers 1:15, thereby highlighting the systematic and divinely ordained structure of Israel's tribal system.
Historical & Cultural Context
This pivotal census takes place in the wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, as explicitly stated in Numbers 1:1. The primary purpose was not merely demographic but intensely practical: to organize the Israelite men into an effective fighting and traveling force for the impending journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such censuses were commonly conducted for military conscription, taxation, and resource allocation. For Israel, however, it carried a deeper theological significance, reinforcing their identity as a distinct people, uniquely organized by God, with each tribe maintaining its unique lineage and designated leadership. The "prince" (Hebrew: nasi') was a highly significant figure, representing his tribe before God and the community, assisting in administration, and leading his people in various capacities, reflecting the patrilineal and tribal structure foundational to Israelite society and its covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Key Themes
Numbers 1:6, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Order and Organization, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing a structured community for His people, preparing them for both worship and warfare. This precise enumeration emphasizes God's sovereign control over every aspect of Israel's journey and destiny. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of Appointed Leadership and Responsibility, showcasing God's method of delegating authority through chosen individuals like Shelumiel, who are tasked with guiding and representing their respective tribes. The very act of naming these leaders underscores their importance in maintaining the social and spiritual cohesion of the nation. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Covenant Identity and Tribal Distinction, as each tribe, though part of a larger whole, retains its unique lineage and role within the covenant community, a distinction that would later be crucial for land allocation and social structure, as seen in the genealogies and land divisions detailed in later chapters of Numbers and Joshua.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the roots for "peace" (shalom) and "God" (El), this name signifies "peace of God." As the appointed leader for the tribe of Simeon, Shelumiel's name would have served as a profound reminder of the divine source of true peace, wholeness, and well-being, especially crucial for a people embarking on a perilous wilderness journey. It suggests that his leadership was to be characterized by or rooted in the tranquility and security that only God can provide, emphasizing reliance on divine provision and the spiritual disposition necessary for guiding a community through challenges.
This term, derived from the verb "to build," fundamentally denotes "a son (as a builder of the family name)." In its widest sense, as indicated by the Strong's data, it encompasses various literal and figurative relationships, including grandson, subject, nation, or even a quality or condition. In Numbers 1:6, its primary function is to establish Shelumiel's lineage and rightful place within the patriarchal structure of Israelite society. Identifying him as the "son of Zurishaddai" validates his authority and standing, confirming his hereditary qualification to serve as a tribal head, thereby reinforcing the importance of family and lineage in the divine ordering of Israel.
Meaning "rock of (the) Almighty," this powerful name combines "rock" (tsur), symbolizing strength, stability, and refuge, with "Shaddai," one of the ancient and majestic names for God, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One." As seen when God reveals Himself to Abraham in Genesis 17:1, "Shaddai" emphasizes God's omnipotence and abundant provision. Therefore, Zurishaddai's name powerfully declares God as an unshakeable foundation and an inexhaustible source of strength and sustenance, a truth essential for a people facing the trials and uncertainties of their wilderness journey. It speaks to a deep, ancestral faith in God's unwavering power and faithfulness.
Verse Breakdown
"Of Simeon;"
This initial phrase immediately establishes the tribal context for the individual being named. It serves as a clear designation, placing the subsequent information within the meticulously organized framework of Israel's twelve tribes. This highlights the paramount importance of tribal lineage and structure in ancient Israelite society and in God's ordered plan for His people, emphasizing the distinct identity and role of each tribal unit within the larger national body.
"Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai."
This clause provides the full, formal identification of the divinely designated leader for the tribe of Simeon. It names Shelumiel and, crucially, identifies his father, Zurishaddai. This patrilineal identification was fundamental in Israelite society, serving to establish one's lineage, authority, and standing within the community. By naming the father, the verse confirms Shelumiel's rightful place as the "head of the house of their fathers" for Simeon, chosen to assist Moses and Aaron in the census and to lead his tribe according to divine mandate.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 1:6, and indeed throughout the extensive lists in Numbers 1, is Onomastics, the study of names and their meanings. The names Shelumiel ("Peace of God") and Zurishaddai ("Rock of the Almighty") are not merely labels but carry profound theological significance. They function as miniature theological statements, reflecting the deep faith and understanding of God held by the parents who bestowed these names. This imbues the seemingly dry list with spiritual depth, reminding the reader of God's character as peace, strength, and sufficiency, which are essential attributes for a people journeying through the wilderness. Additionally, the verse functions as part of a larger List or Genealogy, which is a pervasive literary form in biblical texts. This comprehensive listing emphasizes divine order, meticulous record-keeping, and the importance of every individual and tribal unit within the larger covenant community. The very act of naming each leader underscores God's attention to detail and His personal involvement in the organization and commissioning of His people for their sacred mission.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 1:6, though brief in its textual footprint, powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. It underscores God's profound commitment to order and structure within His people, demonstrating that His divine plan is not chaotic but meticulously organized, even down to the individual leaders of each tribe. This attention to detail reveals God's intimate knowledge and care for every part of His covenant community, ensuring their readiness for both worship and warfare. Furthermore, the verse highlights the importance of divinely appointed leadership, where individuals like Shelumiel are chosen and commissioned to represent and guide their people. The very names "Shelumiel" and "Zurishaddai" are not incidental but are theological declarations, proclaiming God as the ultimate source of peace and an unshakeable rock. These names serve as a constant reminder of the divine attributes upon which the community's well-being and security ultimately depend, pointing to the character of the God who leads His people.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly simple act of naming a tribal leader in Numbers 1:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. God's meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people, even down to identifying individual leaders by name and lineage, reminds us that He is not a distant deity but one intimately involved in the lives of His followers. This verse encourages us to recognize that every individual within the body of Christ is known, valued, and purposed by God, just as each tribe and its leader had a specific, divinely ordained role in ancient Israel. It also challenges us to consider the qualities of leadership: Shelumiel's and Zurishaddai's names, "Peace of God" and "Rock of the Almighty," serve as a powerful reminder that true spiritual leadership must be rooted in a deep, personal reliance on God as one's ultimate source of peace, strength, and all-sufficiency. We are called to lead, serve, and live with the conviction that our ultimate security and well-being are found in Him alone, trusting in His meticulous plan for our lives and for His church.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the census so important in the book of Numbers?
The census described in Numbers 1 is far more than a simple demographic count; it served several critical purposes for the nascent nation of Israel. It organized the Israelite men into a military-ready force for the impending journey and conquest of the Promised Land, establishing divine order and structure for the burgeoning nation. Furthermore, it prepared for the allocation of responsibilities and resources among the tribes, including the arrangement of their encampment and marching order. Ultimately, it underscored God's active involvement in the practical aspects of His people's lives, demonstrating His desire for an ordered, prepared, and unified community.
What was the role of a "prince" (nasi) in ancient Israel, as exemplified by Shelumiel?
A "prince" (Hebrew: nasi') in ancient Israel was a significant tribal leader, typically the head of the most prominent ancestral house within his tribe. In the context of Numbers, these princes, like Shelumiel in Numbers 1:6, were divinely appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in the census and the subsequent organization of Israel. Their role was multifaceted: they represented their tribe before God and the community, participated in administrative and judicial decisions, led their respective tribes in battle and during encampment, and were responsible for the well-being and order of their people. They were crucial figures in maintaining the social, political, and spiritual cohesion of the Israelite nation under God's covenant.
Does this verse have any relevance for us today, beyond historical record?
Absolutely. While seemingly a historical record of names and lineage, Numbers 1:6 offers enduring relevance for believers today. It highlights God's profound value for order and structure within His people, His intimate knowledge and care for every individual member of His community, and the importance of faithful, God-centered leadership. The theological meanings embedded in the names Shelumiel ("Peace of God") and Zurishaddai ("Rock of the Almighty") serve as timeless reminders of God's unchanging character as our ultimate source of peace, strength, and sufficiency. These truths are applicable to all believers in every generation, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereign plan and to seek His peace and strength in our own lives and leadership roles.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The meticulous census and the naming of tribal leaders like Shelumiel in Numbers 1:6 point forward to the ultimate divine order and perfect leadership found supremely in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament census, designed to organize a people for a physical journey and the conquest of a temporal land, foreshadows Christ's work in gathering, ordering, and leading His spiritual people, the Church, towards an eternal inheritance. Jesus is the true and perfect Leader, the ultimate "Prince of Peace" and "Wonderful Counselor" prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. He is the one who perfectly embodies "My peace is God," for He is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled humanity to God through His sacrificial work on the cross, as articulated in Ephesians 2:14. Moreover, He is the unshakeable "Rock of the Almighty," the spiritual Rock from whom God's people drink, providing eternal sustenance and stability, as Paul identifies Him in 1 Corinthians 10:4. Just as every individual in Israel was counted and valued in God's divine order, so too in Christ's body, every member is known, valued, and given a unique place and purpose by God, as beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 12:27. Christ leads His people not to a temporal promised land, but to an eternal inheritance and perfect rest found in Him alone, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's meticulous ordering and profound care for His beloved children, as promised in Hebrews 4:9-10.