Numbers 1:27

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

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Judah {H3063}, were threescore and fourteen {H7657}{H702} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}.

those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Commentary

Numbers 1:27 details the specific count of fighting men from the tribe of Judah during the first census of Israel, commanded by God to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. This verse records that 74,600 men from Judah, aged twenty years and upward, were fit for military service.

Context

The Book of Numbers opens with a divine command to Moses to take a census of the Israelite men capable of going to war (Numbers 1:3). This numbering took place about a year after the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The purpose was multifaceted: to organize the vast Israelite population for their journey through the wilderness, to prepare for military engagements, and to assign responsibilities within the camp. The tribe of Judah is listed early in this enumeration, reflecting its significant position and numerical strength among the twelve tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Preparation: This census highlights God's meticulous nature and His desire for His people to be organized and prepared. It wasn't just a random count, but a structured process for a specific divine purpose – their journey to the Promised Land.
  • Judah's Prominence: With the largest number of fighting men in this initial census, Judah's numerical strength underscores its preeminent position. This foreshadows its future leadership role among the tribes, particularly as the royal tribe from which kings would come, and ultimately, the Messiah (see Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:10 and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah in Revelation 5:5).
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite the challenges of the wilderness, God was actively involved in ordering and sustaining His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Abraham.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred" simply translates to 74,600. The Hebrew verb for "numbered" (paqad) often carries the connotation of divine oversight, visitation, or appointment, suggesting that this census was not merely a human administrative task but an act under God's watchful eye and for His specific purposes.

Practical Application

Numbers 1:27, while a historical record, reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel for their journey, He has a plan for His people today. Understanding our individual and collective strengths within the body of Christ allows us to contribute effectively to God's kingdom work. It encourages us to embrace preparation and discipline in our spiritual walk, trusting that God's plans are always purposeful and lead to His ultimate glory.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:22 (3 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:14 (2 votes)

    And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:16 (2 votes)

    And next him [was] Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

  • Numbers 2:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

  • Numbers 2:4 (2 votes)

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