Numbers 2:23
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
And his host {H6635}, and those that were numbered {H6485} of them, were thirty {H7970} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967}.
and his division numbers 35,400.
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Cross-References
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Numbers 1:37 (2 votes)
Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Benjamin, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred. -
Numbers 26:41 (2 votes)
These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred.
Commentary
Numbers 2:23 is a specific detail within a larger divine blueprint for the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey, focusing on the meticulous organization and census of God's people.
Context
This verse is part of Numbers chapter 2, which meticulously outlines the arrangement and marching order of the twelve tribes of Israel as they encamped around the Tabernacle. Specifically, verse 23 refers to the tribe of Gad, providing their counted fighting men (those 20 years old and upward) from the census recorded in Numbers chapter 1. Gad was positioned on the south side of the Tabernacle, alongside Reuben and Simeon, under the standard of the camp of Reuben.
Key Themes
Divine Order and Precision
The meticulous numbering of each tribe, down to the exact hundreds (in this case, thirty-five thousand and four hundred for Gad), highlights God's incredible attention to detail and His desire for order within His people. This wasn't chaos, but a divinely organized movement toward the Promised Land. Every individual and every family had a specific place and purpose within this grand design.
Readiness and Accountability
The census served a practical purpose: to count all able-bodied men for military service and to ensure the proper functioning of the community. This readiness was crucial for their protection and progression through the wilderness. Each tribe was accountable for its members and their role, contributing to the strength and unity of the entire nation.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "numbered" (paqad - Χ€Χ§Χ) carries a deeper meaning than mere counting. It implies a sense of oversight, visitation, and divine appointment. When God "numbers" His people, He is not just tallying them, but acknowledging their existence, their role, and their place within His plan, ensuring their welfare and readiness for their duties and the journey ahead.
Practical Application
Numbers 2:23, though seemingly a dry statistic, reminds us that God is a God of order, not confusion. Just as He meticulously organized ancient Israel, He desires order in our lives and in the church today. Every believer has a unique place and purpose within the body of Christ, contributing to the greater mission. This verse encourages us to embrace our individual roles within God's larger plan, knowing that His attention to detail ensures our readiness for whatever He calls us to. It also underscores the importance of being "counted" or recognized by God β not just statistically, but as individuals whom He knows and cares for, ready to fulfill His purposes (see Psalm 139:16).
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