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 precisely enumerates the fighting strength of the tribe of Issachar, detailing their contribution of fifty-seven thousand four hundred men to the meticulously organized Israelite encampment. This verse is an integral part of a divinely ordained logistical and spiritual blueprint for the tribes in the wilderness, underscoring God's meticulous attention to order, preparation, and the collective strength of His people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land under His sovereign guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2:8 is situated within the highly structured account of the Israelite camp's organization, immediately following the comprehensive census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel"). Chapter 2 specifically delineates the divinely commanded arrangement of the twelve tribes around the central [Tabernacle](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment Order"), which served as the sacred dwelling place of God's presence. Each tribe was assigned a precise 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 detailed in [Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Numbers 2:3 - The Camp of Judah"). This exact enumeration, meticulously repeated for each tribal contingent, profoundly emphasizes the divine blueprint for their journey, ensuring order, readiness for movement, and military preparedness. The subsequent chapters continue to elaborate on the specific roles of the Levites and further instructions for the camp's purity and disciplined movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering following their exodus from Egypt, a period characterized by divine provision, rigorous testing, and crucial preparation for their eventual entry into Canaan. In this nomadic existence, a well-organized and numerically strong army was not merely advantageous but absolutely 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")), reflecting 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 profoundly signify the theological truth that God was at the very heart of their national life and journey. This intricate structure was not merely logistical; it was a visible manifestation of God's holy presence, His covenant relationship with Israel, and His sovereign control over their destiny and mission.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous accounting of Issachar's numbers contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His orchestrating hand in every aspect of His people's lives, from their encampment to their military readiness. Another prominent theme is **Community and Unity**, as the individual tribal numbers contribute to the collective strength of the entire Israelite nation, highlighting the importance of each part for the functioning of the whole. This organization also underscores the theme of **Preparation for Mission**, as the census primarily identifies those ready for war, emphasizing that God's people are called to be prepared for the challenges and tasks He sets before them, including the conquest of the Promised Land. Finally, the centrality of the Tabernacle within this ordered camp reinforces the theme of **God's Presence and Holiness**, reminding Israel that their identity and strength were rooted in their relationship with their holy God, who dwelt among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This term (H6635, צְבָאָה) refers to a mass of persons, especially those organized for war, an army, or a company. 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 a divine assessment of their collective capacity for defense and conquest under God's leadership.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** The verb (H6485, פָקַד) is a primitive root meaning "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." 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, accountability, and readiness within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his host":** This phrase refers to the military contingent or fighting force belonging specifically to the tribe of Issachar, whose leader, Nethanel the son of Zuar, was identified in the preceding verse ([Numbers 2:5](/numbers/2-5 "Numbers 2:5 - Leader of Issachar")). It highlights the distinct tribal identity and the collective strength of Issachar as a vital unit within the larger Israelite army, emphasizing their contribution to the national defense.
* **"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, divinely mandated muster, indicating a thorough and reliable accounting.
* **"[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 overarching theme of divine order and the careful organization of God's people for their journey and sacred mission. It demonstrates God's intimate knowledge of His people, down to the very last individual.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that underscore its theological message. **Enumeration** is paramount, as the entire chapter is dedicated to the precise listing of tribal numbers and their designated positions. This meticulous counting emphasizes divine order and the importance of every individual and group within God's comprehensive plan. The **repetition** of the phrase "and those that were numbered thereof" across the various tribal entries reinforces the consistency, authority, and divine mandate of the census. Furthermore, the entire arrangement of the camp around the Tabernacle serves as profound **symbolism**, representing God's central, holy presence among His people and the ordered, disciplined 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, preparing them for both worship and warfare.

### 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 under His sovereign command.

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

### 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 or insignificant, are part of a divinely orchestrated plan for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to embody this divine order, bringing structure and intentionality to our spiritual disciplines, our relationships, and our service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—personal, familial, or communal—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, down to the smallest detail, affect my sense of personal value and purpose within the larger body of Christ?**
* **What is my specific "place" or unique 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 profound reasons. First, it was for **military readiness**: the census specifically counted men "able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Purpose of the Census")), which was absolutely essential for defending the nascent nation against hostile forces and for conquering the Promised Land. Second, it established **divine order and holiness**: the precise arrangement of the tribes around the central [Tabernacle](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Organization of the Camp") symbolized God's holy presence at the very heart of His people, ensuring proper worship, maintaining ritual purity, and facilitating orderly movement. Third, it facilitated **administrative organization**: it provided a clear, divinely sanctioned structure for leadership, the equitable distribution of resources, and the efficient movement of over two million people through the challenging wilderness, demonstrating God's meticulous care for every practical and spiritual 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, demonstrating their vital role in the collective strength of the nation. The precise enumeration of each tribe, including Issachar, underscored God's intimate knowledge of His people and His sovereign orchestration of their collective might. It highlighted that every part, regardless of its exact size, was indispensable to the overall unity, readiness, and successful journey of the nation, emphasizing that God values and accounts for every individual and every tribal contribution.

### 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 or earthly lineage but by spiritual rebirth through faith in Him ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). The Tabernacle, around which the tribes meticulously encamped, was a profound type and shadow of Christ, the true dwelling place of God among humanity, as "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([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 physical swords and spears, but with the "armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) to wage spiritual warfare against sin, darkness, and the forces of evil. 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/12-12-27 "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 their 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.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:26

[Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

Numbers 26:27

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

Numbers 1:31

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Zebulun, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.