Numbers 1:25

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Gad {H1410}, were forty {H705} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} six {H8337} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}.

those registered to the tribe of Gad numbered 45,650.

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

Commentary

Numbers 1:25 details the specific count of men from the tribe of Gad during the first census of Israel in the wilderness. According to the KJV, "Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty." This verse is a precise numerical entry within a larger record of God's meticulous organization of His people.

Context

This verse is part of the comprehensive census recorded in Numbers chapter 1, which took place in the wilderness of Sinai. Moses and Aaron, under God's direct command, were tasked with numbering all males aged twenty years and upward who were able to go forth to war. The primary purpose of this census was to organize the Israelite nation for their encampment, their journey through the wilderness, and for military readiness. Each tribe's count, such as that of the tribe of Gad, contributed to the overall strength and structure of the twelve tribes, excluding the Levites who had a distinct service to the Tabernacle (as noted in Numbers 1:47).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The detailed enumeration of each tribe, including Gad's 45,650 men, underscores God's nature as a God of order, not chaos. Every individual and group had a specific place and role in the divine plan for Israel.
  • Military Readiness and Purpose: The census was fundamentally about preparing the nation for their journey and any potential conflicts. It highlights the practical aspects of God's guidance for His people.
  • Tribal Identity and Unity: While each tribe retained its unique identity and lineage, their individual counts contributed to the unified strength of the entire Israelite nation, totaling over 600,000 fighting men (Numbers 1:46).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "numbered" (ืคึผึธืงึทื“ - paqad), used throughout Numbers 1, carries a richer meaning than just a simple count. It implies an act of visitation, inspection, or taking account of, often with a purpose of appointment or oversight. In this context, it suggests God's active involvement and careful attention to every detail concerning His people, not merely a statistical tally.

Practical Application

Even a seemingly dry numerical verse like Numbers 1:25 offers valuable insights. It reminds us that God is deeply invested in the details of His creation and His people. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel, He has a plan and purpose for each believer and for the church today. This verse encourages us to embrace order, accountability, and our unique place within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that even small contributions are vital to God's grand design. It underscores that every individual counts in God's eyes, a theme echoed in passages like Psalm 139:13, where David marvels at God's intricate knowledge of him from before birth.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:18 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 2:15 (2 votes)

    And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.