Numbers 1:26

Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, by their generations {H8435}, after their families {H4940}, by the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, according to the number {H4557} of the names {H8034}, from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, all that were able to go forth {H3318} to war {H6635};

Descendants of Y'hudah 74,600

From the sons of Judah, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Commentary

Context

The Book of Numbers begins with a detailed census of the Israelite tribes, taken at Mount Sinai in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron, primarily for military purposes, identifying all men "from twenty years old and upward" who were capable of warfare. Numbers 1:26 specifically details the registration of the tribe of Judah. This meticulous counting underlined God's divine order and preparation for their journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Accountability: The precision of the census, detailing "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers," highlights God's emphasis on structure and individual accountability within the community. It shows that God cares about every person and every family line, ensuring meticulous record-keeping for His people.
  • Military Readiness: The primary purpose of this specific count was to assess the fighting strength of Israel. The phrase "all that were able to go forth to war" underscores their readiness for the challenges and conflicts they would face in the wilderness and in conquering Canaan. This preparation was not just human strategy but a response to God's command to be ready for the battles ahead.
  • Significance of Judah: While this verse is part of a larger tribal count, the tribe of Judah consistently held a prominent position among the tribes. It was the largest tribe numerically in this census and would later be the tribe from which kings would come, including David, and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This early enumeration hints at its foundational importance within Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "according to the number of the names" directly translates the Hebrew mispar shemoth (מִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת), emphasizing that each individual was counted by name. This was not a mere estimate but a precise, personal registration, reinforcing the idea that each person was known and valued within the divine register and the community.

Practical Application

Numbers 1:26 reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel for their journey and mission, He calls believers today to live with purpose and readiness. It encourages us to recognize our place within the larger body of Christ, contributing our strengths as we are "able to go forth" in spiritual warfare and service. Every individual counts in God's plan, and there is a call to be prepared for the tasks He sets before us, much like Israel was prepared for their journey and battles in the wilderness.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 29:35 (4 votes)

    And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

  • Numbers 26:19 (4 votes)

    The sons of Judah [were] Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

  • Numbers 26:22 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 24:9 (3 votes)

    And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah [were] five hundred thousand men.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:2 (2 votes)

    For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

  • Genesis 49:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

  • Genesis 49:12 (2 votes)

    His eyes [shall be] red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.