Numbers 2:8

KJV

And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his host {H6635}, and those that were numbered {H6485} thereof, were fifty {H2572} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

and his division numbers 57,400.

American Standard Version

And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 2:8 details the precise numerical strength of the tribe of Issachar, specifying their contribution of fifty-seven thousand four hundred fighting men to the Israelite encampment. This verse is part of a larger, divinely ordained organizational scheme for the tribes in the wilderness, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to order, preparation, and the collective strength of His people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2:8 is situated within the meticulously detailed account of the Israelite camp's organization, following the general census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel"). Chapter 2 specifically outlines the divinely commanded arrangement of the twelve tribes around the central [Tabernacle](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment Order"), which served as the dwelling place of God's presence. Each tribe was assigned a specific position and standard, as explicitly directed by the Lord in [Numbers 2:2](/numbers/2-2 "Numbers 2:2 - Divine Command for Camp Order"). The tribe of Issachar, along with Judah and Zebulun, was positioned on the east side, forming the "camp of Judah" (as mentioned in [Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Numbers 2:3 - The Camp of Judah")). This precise enumeration, repeated for each tribal contingent, underscores the divine blueprint for their journey, ensuring order, readiness for movement, and military preparedness. The subsequent chapters continue to detail the roles of the Levites and the specific instructions for the camp's purity and movement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering after their exodus from Egypt, a period marked by divine provision, testing, and preparation for entry into Canaan. In this nomadic existence, a well-organized and numerically strong army was crucial for defense against potential enemies and for the eventual conquest of the land. The census, from which the numbers in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Organization of the Camp") are derived, primarily counted men aged twenty years and older who were "able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census")). This reflects the practical necessity of military readiness for a nation on the move. Furthermore, the central placement of the Tabernacle and the precise arrangement of the tribes around it signify the theological truth that God was at the very heart of their national life and journey. This structure was not merely logistical; it was a visible manifestation of God's presence, His covenant relationship with Israel, and His sovereign control over their destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsaba'_):** This term (צָבָא) refers to an army, a mustered company, or a large multitude, often with military connotations. In the context of Numbers, it specifically denotes those fit for military service, emphasizing the fighting strength and readiness of the Israelite tribes. It highlights that the census was not merely a population count but an assessment of their collective capacity for defense and conquest under divine leadership.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** The verb (פָקַד) means 'to visit,' 'to muster,' 'to appoint,' or 'to count.' When used in the context of a census, it implies an official enrollment, a divine or authoritative review, and a purposeful accounting. It signifies that the counting was not arbitrary but a deliberate act of divine organization, establishing order and accountability within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his host":** This phrase refers to the military contingent or fighting force belonging to the tribe of Issachar, whose leader, Nethanel the son of Zuar, was mentioned in the preceding verse ([Numbers 2:5](/numbers/2-5 "Numbers 2:5 - Leader of Issachar")). It highlights the tribal identity and the collective strength of Issachar as a distinct unit within the larger Israelite army.
* **"and those that were numbered thereof":** This clarifies that "his host" specifically refers to the individuals who were officially counted in the census, emphasizing the precision and authoritative nature of the enumeration process. It underscores that these numbers were not estimates but exact figures derived from a formal muster.
* **"[were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred":** This provides the exact numerical strength of Issachar's fighting men. The precise figure (57,400) contributes to the overall meticulous detail of the census in Numbers, reinforcing the theme of divine order and the careful organization of God's people for their journey and mission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is paramount, as the entire chapter is dedicated to the precise listing of tribal numbers and their positions. This meticulous counting emphasizes divine order and the importance of every individual and group within God's plan. The **repetition** of the phrase "and those that were numbered thereof" across the various tribal entries reinforces the consistency and authority of the census. Furthermore, the entire arrangement of the camp around the Tabernacle serves as **symbolism**, representing God's central presence among His people and the ordered nature of His kingdom. The detailed statistics, while seemingly mundane, convey a profound theological message about God's intimate knowledge of His people and His sovereign control over their collective identity and destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 2:8, situated within the broader context of the wilderness encampment, powerfully illustrates God's nature as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. The meticulous census and tribal arrangement underscore that divine purpose is often expressed through careful organization, not chaos. This reflects a God who knows His people intimately, down to their very numbers, and orchestrates every detail for their well-being, protection, and mission. The readiness for war inherent in the census also speaks to the ongoing spiritual battles faced by God's people, requiring divine equipping and disciplined living.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed accounting of Issachar's host, within the larger framework of Israel's organized camp, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not a God of confusion but of meticulous order, a principle that should permeate our personal lives, our families, and our church communities. Just as each tribe had a specific place and purpose, so too does every individual within the body of Christ contribute uniquely to the whole. Our spiritual "number" may not be a military count, but it signifies our unique identity and calling within God's grand design. Recognizing that God sees and values each one of us, knowing our strengths and our needs, provides immense comfort and assurance. This divine order empowers us to live purposefully, knowing that our lives, however seemingly small, are part of a divinely orchestrated plan for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to invite God's order and intentionality, rather than allowing chaos or disorganization to prevail?**
* **How does knowing that God meticulously "numbers" and knows each of His people affect my sense of personal value and purpose within the larger body of Christ?**
* **What is my specific "place" or contribution within my local church or community, and how can I better fulfill it for the collective strength and mission of God's people?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such a detailed census and tribal arrangement?**

Answer: God commanded this detailed census and arrangement primarily for three reasons. First, it was for **military readiness**: the census counted men "able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census")), essential for defending the nation and conquering the Promised Land. Second, it established **divine order and holiness**: the precise arrangement around the central [Tabernacle](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Organization of the Camp") symbolized God's holy presence at the heart of His people, ensuring proper worship and movement. Third, it facilitated **administrative organization**: it provided a clear structure for leadership, distribution of resources, and efficient movement of over two million people through the wilderness, demonstrating God's meticulous care for every aspect of their journey.

**What was the significance of Issachar's specific number (57,400)?**

Answer: The specific number of Issachar's host, 57,400, signifies their particular strength and contribution within the larger Israelite community. While not the largest tribe (Judah, for example, numbered 74,600 in [Numbers 2:4](/numbers/2-4 "Numbers 2:4 - Judah's Numbers")), it represented a substantial fighting force. The precise enumeration of each tribe, including Issachar, underscored God's intimate knowledge of His people and His sovereign orchestration of their collective strength. It highlighted that every part, regardless of its exact size, was vital to the overall unity, readiness, and successful journey of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and census of Israel in Numbers, including the specific numbering of Issachar's host, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual reinterpretation in Christ and His Church. While the Old Testament census counted physical descendants for military and national purposes, Christ establishes a new spiritual "host," a people gathered from every tribe and tongue, "numbered" not by physical birth but by spiritual rebirth through faith in Him ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). The Tabernacle, around which the tribes encamped, was a type and shadow of Christ, the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, the Church becomes the new "camp," a spiritual army equipped not with swords and spears, but with the "armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) to wage spiritual warfare against sin and darkness. Every believer, like each numbered man in Issachar, has a unique and vital role within this spiritual body ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")), contributing to the collective strength and mission of spreading the Gospel and building God's kingdom, moving forward under the ultimate leadership of Christ, our Captain of Salvation ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Captain of Salvation")).

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.