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 meticulously records the precise census count for the tribe of Dan, revealing that their fighting men numbered sixty-two thousand seven hundred. This specific enumeration is an integral part of God's divinely orchestrated arrangement for the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, establishing a foundational structure of order, readiness, and clear roles for the nation as they journeyed from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land, with each tribe assigned a distinct position and purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2:26 is deeply embedded within a highly structured and repetitive narrative that 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 strategically 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, accountability, and the readiness of the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 2:26 is the wilderness journey of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and their pivotal time at Mount Sinai, where the Mosaic Covenant was established. This period was characterized by divine guidance, the formation of a distinct national identity, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a census often served multiple purposes: military readiness, taxation, and tribal identification. For Israel, under God's direct command ([Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "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 abiding presence in their midst. This meticulous organization was essential for the survival and successful migration of a vast population through a harsh environment.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 2:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Sovereignty**. God is not a God of chaos, but of meticulous arrangement, as evidenced by the detailed census and camp layout. This order reflects His sovereign control over His people and their destiny. Secondly, the verse underscores **Military Readiness and Divine Protection**. The numbering of fighting men signifies Israel's preparedness for the challenges of the wilderness and conquest, yet it is God who ultimately protects and leads them. The camp's structure, with the Tabernacle at its center, symbolizes God's protective presence. Finally, it speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness and Identity**. The census reaffirms Israel's identity as God's chosen people, organized according to His covenant stipulations, and ready to fulfill their role in His redemptive plan, foreshadowing their inheritance of the land as promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to mass" or "to organize for war," refers to a body of persons or things, specifically an army or organized military force. In the context of Numbers 2:26, it emphasizes that the census was not merely a demographic count but an enumeration of men fit for military service. It highlights the functional purpose of the Israelite community as a divinely ordered army, prepared for both movement and potential conflict, underscoring God's strategic command over His people.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This primitive root carries a rich semantic range, including "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," "to charge," and "to count." In the context of the census, _pâqad_ signifies a divine act of inspection, registration, and purposeful oversight. It is not merely a human act of counting but one initiated and commanded by God, implying His intimate knowledge, care, and specific purpose behind the enumeration of each individual. To be "numbered" by God signifies inclusion in His covenant people and participation in His divine plan.
* **Thousand (Hebrew, _ʼeleph'_):** This term, referring to a large numerical unit, is crucial in Numbers 2:26 as it signifies the scale of the Israelite population and military strength. The use of "thousand" (and "hundred") in the precise count of 62,700 for the tribe of Dan underscores the meticulous detail of the census. It emphasizes the vastness of the "host" and the formidable size of the Israelite nation, reflecting God's ability to multiply and organize His people into a significant force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his host":** This phrase specifically refers to the military-aged men of the tribe of Dan, indicating that the census was primarily concerned with those capable of warfare and service. It underscores the practical, strategic purpose behind the divine command for organization, highlighting Israel's identity as a people prepared for action under God's direction.
* **"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 precise and authoritative result of the meticulous registration process detailed in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), reinforcing the accuracy and divine sanction of the enumeration.
* **"[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 specific figure contributes to the overall picture of a large, organized, and formidable nation, ready for its wilderness journey and the challenges of the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Numbers 2:26, and indeed throughout [Numbers 1](/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 and His comprehensive knowledge. 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, accountability, 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. This divine order extends to all creation and to the lives of His 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 in all things, from the grand cosmic design to the minute details of our lives. 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, contributing to the overall health and mission of the spiritual community. This passage encourages us to embrace our specific role, however seemingly small or insignificant it may appear, and to contribute faithfully to the overall order and mission of God's kingdom. It also challenges us to live with intentionality and precision in our own lives, recognizing that God values purpose and diligence in our individual and collective endeavors for His glory.

#### 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 unique purpose within the body of Christ?**

### 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/2-1-2 "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 and ensuring their safe passage.

### 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 very center, served as a tangible representation of God's holy 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 supreme head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Just as each tribe had its designated place and purpose in the ancient camp, so too does every believer have a unique gift and indispensable role within the spiritual body, contributing to its overall health, growth, and mission ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")). The journey of Israel through the wilderness, guided and protected by God, 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, meticulous care, and protective presence evident in Numbers ultimately find their perfect and eternal expression in Christ, who gathers, protects, and leads His redeemed 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.