Numbers 1:40

Of the children of Asher, 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 Asher {H836}, 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 Asher 41,500

From the sons of Asher, 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 Asher, 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 1:40 precisely records the count of men from the tribe of Asher who were eligible for military service during the first census of Israel. This verse is part of a meticulous enumeration undertaken by Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, providing a snapshot of the Israelite population ready for their journey to the Promised Land and the responsibilities ahead.

Context

The book of Numbers opens with God commanding Moses to conduct a census of all Israelite men aged twenty years and older, specifically those who were "able to go forth to war" (Numbers 1:3). This detailed accounting took place at Mount Sinai, roughly a month after the Tabernacle had been erected. The purpose was not merely demographic; it was strategic and organizational. It established military readiness, facilitated the orderly arrangement of the camp, and prepared the nation for their wilderness journey and the eventual conquest of Canaan. The tribe of Asher, descended from Jacob's eighth son, Zilpah's firstborn, is here counted among the others, showcasing the systematic and comprehensive approach to national organization.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: This verse, alongside the entire census, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for order and structure within His people. Every individual and tribe had a designated place and purpose, reflecting a divine pattern for effective community.
  • Readiness for Service: The census served as a vital preparation for the challenges that lay ahead, signifying Israel's readiness to follow God's commands, endure the wilderness, and engage in the spiritual and physical battles necessary for their pilgrimage.
  • Tribal Identity and Accountability: Each tribe was distinct with its own count, yet inextricably linked as part of a larger whole. The individual counts underscored their unique identity while reinforcing their collective responsibility within the nation of Israel, demonstrating that every part contributes to the whole.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "numbered" (paqad), which is used throughout this chapter for the census, carries a deeper meaning than a simple tally. It implies an enrollment, a mustering, or an appointment for a specific purpose. In this context, it means these men were not just counted, but registered and designated for military service and communal responsibility, highlighting their readiness and accountability to God and the nation. This isn't just a count; it's an act of divine appointment.

Practical Application

Numbers 1:40, while a specific historical record, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, even in what might seem like mundane or administrative details. Just as each tribe had its place and was counted for a specific purpose, so too does every individual in God's grand plan. We are called to be prepared and available for the tasks God sets before us, whether in spiritual service, community involvement, or personal growth. Understanding our unique place within the larger body of Christ, much like the tribes of Israel, contributes to the overall strength and effectiveness of God's people, reflecting that God is not the author of confusion but of peace and order. This detailed accounting also underscores that God knows each of us intimately, and has a specific purpose for our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:44 (2 votes)

    [Of] the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.

  • Numbers 26:47 (2 votes)

    These [are] the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; [who were] fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

  • Genesis 46:27 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, [were] two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, [were] threescore and ten.

  • Genesis 49:20 (2 votes)

    Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

  • Genesis 30:12 (2 votes)

    And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son.

  • Genesis 30:13 (2 votes)

    And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.