Numbers 2:31

KJV

All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

KJV (with Strong's)

All they that were numbered {H6485} in the camp {H4264} of Dan {H1835} were an hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} and fifty {H2572} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}. They shall go {H5265} hindmost {H314} with their standards {H1714}.

Berean Standard Bible

The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.”

American Standard Version

All that were numbered of the camp of Dan were a hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall set forth hindmost by their standards.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 2:31 provides a precise detail within God's meticulous organizational blueprint for the Israelite encampment and march through the wilderness. It specifically highlights the tribe of Dan, noting their substantial numbers and their crucial strategic designation as the rearguard. This seemingly administrative verse profoundly illustrates God's desire for order, the importance of every assigned role within His community, and His provision for protection and security for His people on their journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2 is a foundational chapter within the book of Numbers, which chronicles Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab. This chapter meticulously details the divine blueprint for the encampment and marching order of the twelve tribes, centered around the Tabernacle. Following the census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"), which enumerated the fighting men, Chapter 2 assigns each tribe a specific position (east, south, west, north) with its designated leader and standard. This highly structured arrangement, culminating with Dan's position in [Numbers 2:31](/numbers/2-31 "Numbers 2:31 - Dan's Position as Rearguard"), underscores God's desire for order and holiness among His people, ensuring their disciplined movement and collective identity as they prepared for the wilderness journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, they were a newly formed nation, freshly delivered from Egyptian bondage and having just received the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-1 "Exodus 19:1 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). Their transition from a scattered group of slaves to a unified, holy nation required immense organization for survival, defense, and spiritual purity in the harsh wilderness environment. The Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence, was the absolute center of their existence, around which all tribal camps were arranged. The designation of Dan, along with Asher and Naphtali (as mentioned in [Numbers 2:25-29](/numbers/2-25 "Numbers 2:25-29 - The Camp of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali")), as the northern division and the rearguard was a position of significant responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern military formations, the rearguard was a vital and often strong component, tasked with protecting the vulnerable rear of the procession, gathering stragglers, and defending against surprise attacks, much like the divine rearguard protection described in [Exodus 14:19](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19 - God's Angel as Rearguard").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dan (Hebrew, _Dan_):** Meaning "He has judged" or "Judge." Dan was one of Jacob's twelve sons, and his descendants formed one of the largest tribes in this census, numbering 157,600 fighting men. This numerical strength is significant, as it positions them as a formidable force capable of fulfilling their crucial role as the rearguard.
* **Hindmost (Hebrew, _'achor'_):** This term literally means "behind," "at the back," or "the rear." In the context of a marching army or procession, the "hindmost" position was not one of dishonor or weakness, but rather of strategic importance and strength. It was the rearguard, responsible for protecting the entire assembly from behind, collecting those who fell behind, and defending against potential attacks.
* **Standards (Hebrew, _degel'_):** Refers to the tribal banners, ensigns, or flags that identified each of the four main divisions of the Israelite camp. These standards served as visual rallying points for the tribes and symbolized their distinct identity, unity, and their place within God's divinely ordered community. They were a visible representation of the divine command and organization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and specifically identifies the tribe of Dan as the subject, highlighting their inclusion in God's ordered system.
* **"[were] an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred.":** This precise number (157,600) underscores the immense numerical strength of the tribe of Dan, making them the largest of the tribal camps in this census. This numerical superiority was a key factor in their designation for the crucial rearguard position.
* **"They shall go hindmost with their standards.":** This is the prescriptive command for Dan's marching order. It designates their vital role as the rearguard, protecting the entire Israelite procession from the rear, and reinforces the presence of their identifying tribal banners as they moved.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration**, a characteristic feature of the book of Numbers, which is replete with censuses and precise numerical details. This meticulous counting and detailing of numbers (157,600) underscores God's absolute precision and His direct involvement in the organization of His people, leaving nothing to chance. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** present. The "standards" (banners) are not mere flags but powerful symbols of tribal identity, unity, and divine authority, serving as a visible representation of God's ordered community. Dan's position as "hindmost" is also **Symbolic**, representing a role of protection, strength, and responsibility, rather than inferiority. It foreshadows the protective presence of God Himself as a rearguard for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 2:31 deeply illustrates God's nature as a God of order, not chaos. His meticulous organization of Israel's camp and march reveals His sovereignty over every detail of His people's lives and His desire for them to live in disciplined harmony. Every position, even the "hindmost," is divinely appointed, essential, and carries significant responsibility, contributing to the well-being and security of the whole community. This divine order also speaks to God's protective nature, as the rearguard ensures the safety of the entire procession, mirroring God's own watchfulness over His people.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Psalm 121:8](/psalm/121-8 "Psalm 121:8 - The Lord's Protection")
* [Exodus 14:19](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19 - God's Rearguard Protection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 2:31, though seemingly a dry enumeration, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order who places each of us precisely where we are meant to be within His larger plan. Just as Dan's position as "hindmost" was crucial for the safety and progress of the entire Israelite community, so too are all roles within the body of Christ vital, regardless of their perceived prominence. This verse calls us to embrace our unique gifts and positions with humility and responsibility, understanding that even roles that seem less visible are indispensable for the collective well-being and mission of the church. It encourages us to trust in God's divine ordering and to serve faithfully, knowing that He provides protection and purpose for every step of our journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous order described in Numbers 2:31 challenge our modern tendency towards individualism or disorder in our personal lives and church communities?**
* **In what ways might we be called to serve in a "hindmost" or seemingly less prominent role within our communities or the church, and how can we embrace its inherent value and responsibility?**
* **How does the concept of divine protection, as exemplified by Dan's rearguard role, encourage us in our own journey of faith, knowing that God watches over us from every direction?**

### FAQ
**Why was the tribe of Dan designated as the "hindmost" or rearguard?**

Answer: This designation was a strategic and highly honorable position, not one of inferiority. As the largest camp, Dan possessed the numerical strength and military capacity to protect the entire Israelite procession from attacks from the rear, gather stragglers, and ensure the safety of the vulnerable. It was a role of significant responsibility, ensuring the integrity and security of the entire encampment and march. This echoes the protective role God himself often takes, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 52:12](/isaiah/52-12 "Isaiah 52:12 - The Lord as Rearguard").

**What is the significance of the "standards" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "standards" (Hebrew: *degel*) were tribal banners or ensigns that served as visual identifiers for each of the four main divisions of the Israelite camp. They symbolized tribal identity, unity, and served as rallying points for the thousands of people within each division. Their presence underscored the organized, divinely ordained nature of the encampment and march, ensuring that each tribe knew its place and purpose within the larger community of Israel, preventing chaos and promoting cohesion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and divine protection seen in Numbers 2:31 ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who brings perfect order to a chaotic world and to the lives of His people. Just as the Tabernacle was the center of Israel's camp, Christ is the very center and head of His Church, the new Israel, holding all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things")). He is the ultimate rearguard, providing constant protection and security for His flock, ensuring that no one is lost or left behind ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Protection of His Sheep")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only orders our spiritual lives but also promises His abiding presence, fulfilling the divine protective presence symbolized by Dan's role and God's own rearguard in the Exodus ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")). In Him, every member of the body of Christ has a vital, divinely appointed role, contributing to the health and mission of the whole, under His perfect headship ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

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 10:25

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, [which was] the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host [was] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Numbers 2:16

All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

Numbers 2:24

All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim [were] an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

Numbers 2:9

All that were numbered in the camp of Judah [were] an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.