Numbers 1:36

Of the children of Benjamin, 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 Benjamin {H1144}, 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 Binyamin 35,400

From the sons of Benjamin, 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 Benjamin, 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

Numbers 1:36 is part of a detailed census recorded at the beginning of the Book of Numbers. This specific verse focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing the criteria for counting its men.

Context

The Book of Numbers opens with a divine command to Moses to take a census of the Israelite community (see Numbers 1:1-3). This census was conducted in the wilderness of Sinai, about a year after the Exodus from Egypt, and shortly before the Israelites were to embark on their journey towards the Promised Land. The primary purpose was to identify men "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war." This was not merely a population count but a strategic military registration, organizing the nation for its upcoming challenges, including potential conflicts and the orderly progression through the desert. Each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and others detailed in this chapter, was meticulously enumerated.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The detailed nature of the census, specifying generations, families, and fathers' houses, highlights God's meticulous approach to ordering His people. This precision underscores the importance of structure and accountability in the divine plan.
  • Readiness for Purpose: The specific qualification "able to go forth to war" emphasizes Israel's preparedness for the tasks ahead, particularly defending the camp and conquering Canaan. It signifies a call to readiness and responsibility within the community.
  • Tribal Identity and Unity: Each tribe was counted distinctly, yet all were part of the larger nation of Israel. This reinforced individual tribal identities while demonstrating their collective strength and unity under God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "able to go forth to war" (Hebrew: yotse tsava) is a recurring criterion throughout this census. It signifies not just physical capability but also the legal and social eligibility for military service. It implies a certain level of maturity, strength, and commitment required for the daunting tasks that lay ahead for the nascent nation of Israel in the wilderness and in their eventual conquest of the land.

Significance and Application

While a historical record of an ancient census, Numbers 1:36 offers timeless principles. It reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos. He calls His people to be prepared and ready for His purposes, whether those are spiritual battles (as described in Ephesians 6:11 regarding the full armor of God) or practical service within His Kingdom. Just as each man in Benjamin was counted and had a role, so too does every believer have a unique place and responsibility within the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to be accountable, organized, and ready to fulfill the calling God has placed upon us, contributing our strength and gifts to the collective mission.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:27 (3 votes)

    Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

  • Genesis 46:21 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

  • Genesis 44:20 (2 votes)

    And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 (2 votes)

    And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

  • Genesis 35:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

  • Genesis 35:18 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

  • Revelation 7:8 (2 votes)

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.