Numbers 2:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And his host {H6635}, and those that were numbered {H6485} of them, were threescore {H8346} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, and his division numbers 62,700.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 2:26 precisely records the census count for the tribe of Dan, detailing that their fighting men numbered sixty-two thousand seven hundred. This specific enumeration is part of God's meticulously orchestrated arrangement for the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, establishing order, readiness, and a clear structure for the nation as they journeyed from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land, with each tribe assigned a distinct position and role.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2:26 is embedded within a highly structured chapter that meticulously details the organization of the Israelite camp. Following the comprehensive census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), which enumerated all men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp") outlines the precise positioning of each of the twelve tribes around the Tabernacle. The tribes were divided into four divisions, each comprising three tribes, positioned to the east, south, west, and north. Dan's tribe, along with Asher and Naphtali, formed the northern division, led by the standard of the camp of Dan. This division also served a crucial role as the rearguard for the entire camp during their travels, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 2:31](/numbers/2-31 "Numbers 2:31 - Dan's Role as Rearguard"). The repetition of the census numbers for each tribe in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp") underscores the divine emphasis on order and accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 2:26 is the wilderness journey of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and their time at Mount Sinai. This period was characterized by divine guidance, the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. A census in ancient Near Eastern cultures often served multiple purposes: military readiness, taxation, and tribal identification. For Israel, under God's direct command ([Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - God Commands a Census")), the census was primarily for military organization and for establishing a divinely ordered society. The precise numbering of fighting men, as seen in [Numbers 2:26](/numbers/2-26 "Numbers 2:26 - The Tribe of Dan's Count"), indicated the nation's readiness for potential conflict with hostile peoples encountered during their journey. Furthermore, the detailed camp arrangement reflected a nomadic military encampment, designed for efficient movement and protection of the sacred Tabernacle, which symbolized God's presence in their midst. This meticulous organization was essential for the survival and successful migration of a vast population through a harsh environment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew: צָבָא, _tsava'_):** This word literally means "army," "warfare," or "service." In the context of Numbers, it specifically refers to the organized body of men fit for military service. It emphasizes the military readiness and structured nature of the Israelite community, not just as a collection of families, but as a divinely ordered army prepared for movement and potential conflict. The use of "host" highlights the functional purpose of the census: to establish a fighting force under God's command.
* **Numbered (Hebrew: פָּקַד, _paqad'_):** The verb _paqad_ carries a range of meanings, including "to visit," "to inspect," "to appoint," "to muster," or "to count." In the context of the census in Numbers, it signifies a divine act of oversight and registration. It's not merely a human count but an act initiated and commanded by God, implying divine knowledge, care, and purpose behind the enumeration. The act of being "numbered" indicates inclusion in God's covenant people and participation in His divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his host":** This phrase refers to the military-aged men of the tribe of Dan. It underscores that the census was specifically concerned with those capable of warfare and service, highlighting the practical, strategic purpose behind the divine command for organization.
* **"and those that were numbered of them":** This clause reiterates the process of the census, emphasizing that the count was official, systematic, and conducted under divine instruction. It confirms that the figures presented are the result of the meticulous registration process detailed in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census").
* **"[were] threescore and two thousand and seven hundred":** This provides the precise numerical total for the fighting men of the tribe of Dan: 62,700. The exactitude of the number, down to the hundreds, highlights the thoroughness of the census and God's meticulous attention to detail in ordering His people. This figure contributes to the overall picture of a large, organized, and formidable nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Numbers 2:26, and indeed throughout [Numbers 1-2](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp"), is **Precision** and **Exactitude**. The detailed enumeration of each tribe's fighting men, down to the last hundred, emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's divine order. This isn't a vague approximation but a precise, divinely sanctioned record. Related to this is **Repetition**, as the census details and tribal counts are reiterated from [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") into [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Arrangement of the Camp"), reinforcing the importance and permanence of this divine structure. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** present; the ordered camp, with each tribe in its designated place and counted precisely, symbolizes God's sovereignty over His people, His ability to bring order out of chaos, and His provision for their journey and protection. The very act of numbering signifies divine ownership and purpose for each individual within the collective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 2:26, while a seemingly mundane numerical detail, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, intentionality, and meticulous care. The careful numbering and positioning of each tribe reveal a divine blueprint for community, where every part has a designated place and purpose within the larger whole. This systematic arrangement was not arbitrary but essential for the nation's spiritual and physical well-being, enabling their safe passage through the wilderness and their preparation for the challenges ahead. It underscores the theological principle that God is not the author of confusion but of peace and order, even in the midst of a vast and diverse people.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God Numbers the Stars")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise count of Dan's host in Numbers 2:26, far from being an irrelevant detail, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and divine order. In a world often characterized by chaos and disorganization, this verse assures us that God operates with intentionality and purpose. For believers today, it prompts us to consider our own place within the "host" of God's people – the Church. Just as each tribe had a specific role and position, so too does every individual within the body of Christ possess unique gifts and a divine calling. This passage encourages us to embrace our specific role, however seemingly small, and to contribute to the overall order and mission of God's kingdom. It also challenges us to live with intentionality, recognizing that God values precision and purpose in our lives and collective endeavors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Israelite camp challenge my own approach to order and intentionality in my personal life or within my community?**
* **In what ways do I see God's "numbering" and ordering hand at work in my own life or in the world around me, even in seemingly small details?**
* **How can I better embrace my specific role and contribute to the "order" and mission of the Church, recognizing that every member is valued and has a purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was the tribe of Dan positioned on the north side and designated as the rearguard?**

Answer: The specific positioning of the tribes, including Dan on the north, was a direct divine command from God, as outlined in [Numbers 2:1-2](/numbers/2-1 "Numbers 2:1-2 - God's Command for Camp Arrangement"). While the text doesn't explicitly state the *reason* for each tribe's specific placement, the arrangement was designed for optimal order, security, and efficiency during travel. Dan, along with Asher and Naphtali, formed the largest division (over 157,000 men according to [Numbers 2:31](/numbers/2-31 "Numbers 2:31 - Dan's Rearguard Role")), making them a formidable rearguard. This position was crucial for protecting the entire camp, especially the vulnerable, from potential attacks from the rear as they moved through the wilderness. It demonstrated God's strategic foresight in protecting His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and precise numbering of the Israelite camp, exemplified by Numbers 2:26, foreshadow a greater divine ordering found in Christ. The wilderness camp, with its structured divisions and the Tabernacle at its center, served as a tangible representation of God's presence among His people and His desire for an ordered, holy community. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Church, the new Israel, which is described as the "body of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")), with Christ Himself as the head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Just as each tribe had its place and purpose in the ancient camp, so too does every believer have a unique gift and role within the spiritual body, contributing to its overall health and mission ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")). The journey of Israel through the wilderness points to the Christian pilgrimage of faith, where believers are led by Christ, our true Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), towards the ultimate Promised Land of God's eternal kingdom. The divine order and protective presence in Numbers ultimately find their perfect expression in Christ, who gathers, protects, and leads His people into perfect fellowship with God.

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 1:39

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

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.