Numbers 2:4

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

And his host {H6635}, and those that were numbered {H6485} of them, were threescore and fourteen {H7657}{H702} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}.

The leader of the descendants of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab, and his division numbers 74,600.

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 2:4 is part of a detailed account in the Book of Numbers concerning the precise arrangement and numbering of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness journey. Chapter 2 meticulously outlines the divine order for the encampment around the Tabernacle and the marching formation. This verse specifically refers to the strength of the tribe of Judah, which was designated to camp on the east side of the Tabernacle, alongside the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun. This detailed census, initiated in Numbers 1:3, was for men aged twenty years and upward, "all that were able to go forth to war in Israel."

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The exact enumeration of each tribe and their designated positions underscore God's meticulous planning and desire for order in all aspects of life, especially in worship and community. This divine structure was crucial for the spiritual and practical well-being of the vast Israelite nation.
  • Military Readiness: The census primarily served to organize Israel as a unified, ready host, prepared for both the journey through the wilderness and any potential conflicts. The large number for Judah signifies its substantial contribution to Israel's collective strength and defensive capabilities.
  • Judah's Prominence: Judah, with its significant numbers (74,600), was given the leading position in the encampment and marching order. This prominent role foreshadows the tribe's future importance, particularly its lineage from which kings would arise, including the Messiah, as prophesied in Jacob's blessing concerning the scepter of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred" is the King James Version's way of stating the exact numerical count of 74,600. This precision in reporting figures is characteristic of the Book of Numbers, emphasizing the literal and accurate nature of the census undertaken by Moses and Aaron under God's direct command. It highlights the vastness of the Israelite population and the detailed administrative effort involved in organizing them.

Practical Application

Numbers 2:4, as part of the larger narrative of Israel's organization, reminds believers of the importance of order, discipline, and unity within God's people. Just as ancient Israel was strategically arranged for their journey and mission, so too should individuals and the church community strive for spiritual and practical order to effectively fulfill God's purposes. This verse encourages us to recognize that every individual within the body of Christ is counted and plays a vital role in the larger divine plan, contributing to the strength and effectiveness of the whole. It echoes the New Testament principle of doing all things "decently and in order."

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 1:27

    Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Judah, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

  • Numbers 26:22

    These [are] the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.
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