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Numbers 2:31

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All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

All they that were numbered {H6485} in the camp {H4264} of Dan {H1835} were an hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} and fifty {H2572} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}. They shall go {H5265} hindmost {H314} with their standards {H1714}.

The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.”

All that were numbered of the camp of Dan were a hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall set forth hindmost by their standards.

Commentary

Numbers 2:31 is part of a detailed account of the precise organizational structure God commanded for the Israelite encampment and march through the wilderness. This verse specifically describes the tribe of Dan, their significant numbers, and their designated position in the overall order.

Context

Chapter 2 of Numbers meticulously outlines the arrangement of the twelve tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle, which served as the central point of their worship and God's presence. Each of the four sides (east, south, west, north) had three tribes assigned to it, with specific leaders and banner standards. This divine blueprint ensured order, discipline, and a clear sense of identity for each tribal unit during their journey from Mount Sinai through the wilderness.

The camp of Dan, which also included the tribes of Asher and Naphtali (as mentioned in Numbers 2:25-31), formed the northern division of the camp and was the largest of all the tribal camps in this census.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous detail in this chapter, including the exact numbering and positioning of each tribe, underscores God's desire for order in His people's lives and worship. This wasn't chaos, but a divinely ordained system designed for their well-being and effective movement in the wilderness.
  • Tribal Identity and Role: Each tribe, including Dan, had a distinct identity and a specific role within the larger community. Dan, with 157,600 men, was the largest tribe by number in this census, reflecting its significant size and influence.
  • The Rearguard (Hindmost): The designation "hindmost" for the camp of Dan meant they served as the rearguard for the entire Israelite encampment when marching. This was a crucial and responsible position, protecting the vulnerable parts of the procession, gathering stragglers, and defending against potential attacks from behind, much like God's own rearguard protection during the Exodus. It speaks to a role of strength, responsibility, and protection.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hindmost" is 'achor (אחור), meaning "behind," or "at the back." This clearly indicates their position at the very end of the marching order. The term "standards" (degel, דגל) refers to the tribal banners or ensigns that identified each division, a visual representation of their unity and distinct identity under God's command.

Practical Application

Numbers 2:31, while seemingly a dry enumeration, teaches us about the importance of divine order and the unique roles within God's community. Every position, even the "hindmost," is vital and carries responsibility. It highlights that God values organization and purpose in our collective endeavors, and that He places His people in positions where their strengths can best serve the whole. Just as Dan protected the rear, believers today are called to serve in various capacities within the body of Christ, each contributing to the safety, progress, and well-being of the community.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 10:25 (5 votes)

    And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, [which was] the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host [was] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

  • Numbers 2:16 (2 votes)

    All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

  • Numbers 2:24 (1 votes)

    All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim [were] an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

  • Numbers 2:9 (1 votes)

    All that were numbered in the camp of Judah [were] an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.