Deeper Commentary
This was 54 weeks, just over a year, since leaving Egypt (Ex. 12:18).
The tabernacle had been erected a month before (Ex. 40:1) and they had
been now at Sinai around 11 months (Ex. 19:1).
Num 1:2 Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel,
by their families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of
the names, every male, one by one-
Num 1:3 from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to
war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their divisions-
The disorganized mass of people who had fled Israel were now prepared
for military action- for it was God's intention that once numbered, they
should leave Sinai and enter Canaan. He makes so much effort to set people
up for inheriting the Kingdom, acting in full trust that their faith will
remain strong- although as with Israel believing the spies, so many turn
away and refuse to enter the Kingdom. The implication was that every male
citizen of military age was going to be a soldier. Although they would not
be used to fight in reality, for Yahweh would give them the victory [at
least that was what He intended] they had to be absolutely prepared to
fight for the Kingdom.
Num 1:4 With you there shall be a man of every tribe; each one the head of
his fathers’ house-
The previous census was made by the Levites, but now God wanted the
heads of families to take responsibility for their families; for the land
was to be divided up by families, as God is a family God. See on :2.
Num 1:5 These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: Of
Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur-
Num 1:6 of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai-
"God's peace" son of "The Almighty is my rock" could reflect a
faithful family, especially considering that Israel were idolaters in
Egypt, and carried the idols of Egypt with them through the Red Sea (Ez.
20:6-8) and also the tabernacle of Moloch as well as that of Yahweh, the
star of Remphan as well as the standards of their tribes (Acts 7:43).
Num 1:7 of Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab-
Num 1:8 of Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar-
'God has given' suggests that he was named in faith that the promised
land would indeed be given to Israel.
Num 1:9 of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon-
We note how most of the names feature the 'El' suffix and not 'Yah'
or 'Iah'. This is understandable, for Moses declared the Name of Yahweh to
the people after most of these men had been born. This kind of artless
internal corroboration is to me one of the strongest arguments for the
Divine inspiration of the Bible.
Num 1:10 of the children of Joseph, of Ephraim, Elishama the son of
Ammihud, of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur-
Elishama was Joshua's grandfather (1 Chron. 7:26). "God who hears"
reflects Moses' message that God had indeed heard the crying of the
Israelites in Egypt. This was likely a name change after acceptance of
Moses' teaching.
Num 1:11 of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni-
The names associated with the leadership of Benjamin and Naphtali
(:11,15) stand out as not having any spiritual reference in them. Israel
were very spiritually weak as they left Egypt and it is likely that the
more spiritual names we read of in this list were the result of name
changes. But the leaders of these two tribes didn't do that.
Num 1:12 of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai-
"Ammishaddai" means 'People of the Almighty', using the term
shaddai which is often associated with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He
may well have been one of the faithful few who kept perceiving the vital
separation of God's people from Egypt, whereas the majority in their
hearts returned to Egypt and wished to assimilate with them in order to
escape persecution and have what they imagined was a good life.
Num 1:13 of Asher, Pagiel the son of Ochran-
Pagiel ['accident of God'] was son of Ochran, 'muddler'. As discussed
on :15, people had multiple names and were known by the 'name' they carved
for themselves in life, and the attitudes they had. God makes no
accidents; so maybe in depression and bitterness this man felt like this,
and was known for it. Hardly a great example to the tribe he was supposed
to be leading. And indeed Asher all but disappears from Israel.
Num 1:14 of Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel-
Deuel of Num. 1:14 is better Reuel as in Num. 2:14. The Hebrew
letters for 'D' and 'R' are easily confused; so here we have an example of
slight copying errors in the original texts. But these in no way negate
the overall Divine inspiration of the texts.
Num 1:15 of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan-
The term "thousands" is not to be taken literally. It effectively
refers to a group of families within a tribe; perhaps "clan" would be an
appropriate translation.
Num 1:17 Moses and Aaron took these men who are mentioned by name-
Although some of their names reflected spiritual inappropriacy, as
noted especially on :13,15, God wanted to use them. And to build out of
them and their children and families a fighting force which would inherit
the Kingdom.
Num 1:18 They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of
the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by
their fathers’ families, according to the number of the names, from twenty
years old and upward, one by one-
Num 1:19 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness
of Sinai-
The numbering was done by Moses' representatives but is spoken of as
his work. This principle of representation is throughout the Bible. It
comes to full term in the way the Lord Jesus functions as God and is
spoken of in language appropriate to that function- without being God
Himself personally, as the Trinity wrongly states. Just as those who
numbered the tribes were not Moses personally.
Num 1:20 The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by
their families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the
names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who
were able to go out to war-
Num 1:21 those who were numbered of them of the tribe of Reuben, were
forty-six thousand five hundred-
Num 1:22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families,
by their fathers’ families, those who were numbered of it, according to
the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and
upward, all who were able to go out to war-
Num 1:23 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were
fifty-nine thousand three hundred-
Num 1:24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by
their fathers’ families, according to the number of the names, from twenty
years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war-
"All who were able to go out to war" is not reflective of the Hebrew
text. Translators added "able to" because they balked in disbelief at the
idea that every citizen was to be a soldier. What about the handicapped,
the mentally weak...? The idea was that all who were numbered and named
were soldiers- in God's eyes. He wasn't interested in their secular,
physical ability, because He was going to fight for Israel and give them
the victories. He was interested in the names, in the people as
individuals- for they were all soldiers from His perspective.
Num 1:25 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Gad, were
forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty-
A "fifty" may not be a literal number, but a technical term for a
group; see on :23. We recall groups of soldiers called a "fifty" being
sent to capture Elijah.
Num 1:26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families,
by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the names, from
twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war-
"The number of the names" is the phrase used in Acts 1:15 of the very
early church. The idea was that the fledgling Christian church was now the
new Israel of God, who were to go out and do spiritual warfare in
conquering the world for Christ.
Num 1:27 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were
sixty-four thousand six hundred-
1. Judah 74,600 rose to 76,500
2. Dan 62,700 rose to 64,400
3. Simeon 59,300 fell to 22,200
4. Zebulun 57,400 rose to 60,500
5. Issachar 54,400 rose to 64,300
6. Naphtali 53,400 fell to 45,400
7. Reuben 46,500 fell to 43,730
8. Gad 45,650 fell to 40,500
9. Asher 41,500 rose to 53,400
10. Ephraim 40,500 fell to 32,500
11. Benjamin 35,400 rose to 45,600
12. Manasseh 32,200 rose to 52,700
Total 603,550 in the first census, but 601,730 by the end of the 38 years
wanderings in Num. 26. But see on :30.
Num 1:28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their
families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the
names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to
war-
The mention of "generations" suggests that some kind of genealogy was
developed and recorded at this time. This would have been important
because the intention was that each family were to inherit a specific lot
of land; they were to therefore place great value upon genealogies in the
future.
Num 1:29 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were
fifty-four thousand four hundred-
This tribe increased by about ten thousand during the wilderness
journeys. Other tribes decreased. It was God's intention that the seed of
Abraham should multiply. And yet some tribes multiplied by different
amounts, and others decreased. We see that the promises to Abraham will
have different levels of fulfillment for those who are faithful; and no
fulfillment for some who are technically the seed, but don't walk in the
steps of faith of Abraham. And so it is today. Some will make more of
God's truth than others; some multiply their talents more than others, in
terms of the Lord's parable. And so some stars will shine brighter than
others in God's Kingdom.
The emphasis of this census was upon those who could go to war,
whereas the later census at the end of the wanderings includes the Levites
because it was not so focused upon forming a military organization. It
could be that the comparison with the numbers in Num. 26 is somewhat
fallacious, because Num. 1 is a census of those of military age whereas
that of Num. 26 appears to be of the entire tribes. In which case the
numbers would have decreased sharply for all the tribes due to their
failure to be Abraham's ever multiplying seed, and due to the judgments
they all experienced in the wilderness.
Num 1:31 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were
fifty-seven thousand four hundred-
Zebulun increased by a minimal amount over the course of the
wilderness journey (see on :27). As discussed on :29, this is rather like
the person who receives the talent of God's truth and keeps it but doesn't
develop it much. We get this same impression of Zebulun in 2 Chron. 30:18.
Num 1:32 Of the children of Joseph, of the children of Ephraim, their
generations, by their families, by their fathers’ families, according to
the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were
able to go out to war-
Ephraim is placed before Manasseh although he was not the firstborn.
This reflects Joseph's wish to continue the Divine theme of blessing the
firstborn less than the other son, which is so typical of how He despises
secular advantage.
Num 1:33 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were
forty thousand five hundred-
We note the huge growth of Manasseh during the wilderness journeys,
32,200 rose to 52,700; whilst Ephraim's 40,500 fell to 32,500. This would
appear to contradict Joseph's desire to bless Ephraim more than Manasseh
(Gen. 48:14). It shows that the utterances of a patriarch were not
determinate. For under the old covenant, numbers of children were related
to obedience to the covenant. Prophecy was and is not determinate, but
always conditional upon human response. Hence not all the blessings of the
tribes uttered by Jacob came true; because the potential wasn't realized
by the descendants. And so it is sadly true of so many people who turn
away from the Kingdom promises.
Num 1:34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their
families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the
names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to
war-
20 years old was the ager at which someone could be dedicated to the
Lord's service (Lev. 27:3). The idea may be that simply by reason of being
in Israel, these men were therefore automatically counted as able for
active service- regardless of their state of health and strength. And the
Lord counts His people likewise. There are to be no passengers amongst
God's people. We are called to active service.
Num 1:35 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were
thirty-two thousand two hundred-
Num 1:36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their
families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the
names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to
war-
For "generations", see on :28; for "number of the names", see on :26;
for "able to go out to war", see on :3,24; for "from twenty years old",
see on :34.
Num 1:37 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were
thirty-five thousand four hundred-
Num 1:38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by
their fathers’ families, according to the number of the names, from twenty
years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war-
Num 1:39 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Dan, were
sixty-two thousand seven hundred-
Num 1:40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families,
by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the names, from
twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war-
Num 1:41 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Asher, were
forty-one thousand five hundred-
Num 1:42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their
families, by their fathers’ families, according to the number of the
names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to
war-
Num 1:43 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were
fifty-three thousand four hundred-
Num 1:44 These are those who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered,
and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: they were each one for his
fathers’ house-
It could be that we are to understand from this, as do the Rabbis,
that Moses personally numbered each person. They all passed before him and
were individually known by him, looking forward to the personal knowledge
of the Lord Jesus of all God's people.
Num 1:45 So all those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their
fathers’ families, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to
go out to war in Israel-
Num 1:46 even all those who were numbered were six hundred and three
thousand five hundred and fifty-
Num 1:47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not
numbered among them-
Num 1:48 For Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying-
Num 1:49 Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, neither shall you
take a census of them among the children of Israel-
We have an example here of how we must read the Bible in context and
never forget the primary context of the words we read. For a census was
taken of the Levites in Num. 26 at the end of the wilderness journey. So
this verse here means that they were not to take a census of the Levites
at that time only. Or it could be that God revised His intentions about
the Levites and later did command a census; for His purpose is to some
extent open ended and He is not ashamed to change in accordance with human
responses to Him.
Num 1:50 but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and
over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall
carry the tabernacle, and all its furnishings; and they shall serve it,
and shall encamp around it-
Num 1:51 When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down;
and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The
stranger who comes near shall be put to death-
LXX "Who advances to touch it", as if touching it in a conscious and
defiant way. Hence the command for some Levites to be as sentries guarding
the tabernacle (Num. 3:32). Although 'coming near' is a Hebraism for coming near to
Yahweh in worship and service.
Num 1:52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his
own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their divisions-
And yet Israel carried the star of their god Remphan with them
through the wilderness (Acts 7:43) as they carried the tabernacle of
Moloch and the idols of Egypt (Ez. 20:6-8). The star of Remphan would have
been similar to the standards of their tribes. Their loyalties were
divided from the start. Their standards reflected the cherubim of Divine
manifestation, and yet whilst externally they pitched their tents in
conformity to that (see on :54), this was mere religious appearance. In
their hearts they were following the standards of their false gods, and
their hearts were in Egypt. In our wilderness journey we have to ask
ourselves how relevant this is to ourselves.
Num 1:53 But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the
Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children
of Israel; and the Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the
Testimony-
Num 1:54 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Yahweh
commanded Moses, so they did-
But as discussed on :52, this
was mere surface level conformity. Their hearts were in Egypt and
with their gods.
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