Numbers 1:54

And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}, so did {H6213} they.

This is what the people of Isra'el did - they did everything that ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Thus did the children of Israel; according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so did they.

Commentary

Numbers 1:54 concludes the first chapter of the Book of Numbers, providing a concise summary of Israel's response to God's detailed instructions regarding the census. This verse highlights the immediate and complete obedience of the Israelite community to the divine commands communicated through Moses.

Context

Numbers Chapter 1 meticulously details the census ordered by the LORD to count all the men twenty years old and upward who were able to go forth to war, tribe by tribe, excluding the Levites. This census was crucial for organizing the Israelite camp for their journey through the wilderness and for military readiness. Verse 54 serves as an affirming conclusion, ensuring the reader that the people faithfully executed every aspect of the divine directive. It underscores the importance of order and preparation as the nation of Israel embarked on their journey from Mount Sinai.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Obedience: The primary theme is Israel's complete and immediate obedience to God's commands. The phrase "did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses" emphasizes their full compliance, leaving no room for partial or delayed action. This sets a positive precedent for the beginning of their wilderness wanderings.
  • Divine Authority and Human Response: The verse clearly establishes God as the supreme authority and Moses as His chosen messenger, with the people responding appropriately by submitting to that authority. It shows a healthy spiritual dynamic where God speaks, and His people listen and obey.
  • Order and Discipline: The census itself was an act of establishing order within the vast community of Israel. Their obedience to this command demonstrates a collective discipline vital for their journey and future as a nation.
  • Faithfulness: The Israelites' actions in this instance reflect a foundational faithfulness to their covenant with God, trusting in His wisdom and purpose for their organization. This early display of obedience is a powerful example of the blessings that follow faithful adherence to divine instruction.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they" employs a repetition ("so did they") that serves to reinforce the thoroughness and completeness of their obedience. It's a simple, direct statement, emphasizing that not a single command was overlooked or partially fulfilled. This highlights the absolute nature of their compliance, which is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch when Israel is acting righteously.

Practical Application

Numbers 1:54 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of full and immediate obedience to God's Word and His revealed will. Just as Israel's journey and organization depended on their adherence to divine instructions, our spiritual walk and effectiveness are often contingent upon our willingness to follow God's commands. This verse encourages us to trust God's plan, even when the reasons for His directives are not fully clear, and to cultivate a spirit of discipline and faithfulness in our daily lives. It's a call to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, actively putting our faith into practice.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (3 votes)

    What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

  • Exodus 39:32 (2 votes)

    ¶ Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

  • Numbers 2:34 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

  • Exodus 40:32 (2 votes)

    When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:43 (2 votes)

    And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

  • Exodus 40:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

  • Exodus 23:21 (2 votes)

    Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name [is] in him.