Numbers 1:21
those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Numbers 1:21
those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While this census lists Reuben's numbers, it's also the first indication of its diminished status, as this tribe, despite being Israel's firstborn, was surpassed in number by most others, pointing to a divine consequence for Reuben's earlier transgression.
After God brought Israel out of Egypt, He commanded Moses to take a census of all the men of fighting age. This monumental task was carried out by Moses, Aaron, and leaders from each tribe, meticulously organizing the people by family and lineage. The count was for military readiness and to prepare for the eventual division of the Promised Land.
Why did God command Moses to count all the men of Israel? It wasn't just a headcount; it was a profound declaration of ownership and preparation.
God's Sovereign Ownership
This census, commanded by God, was a powerful statement of His possession. Each Israelite belonged to Him, their lives meticulously accounted for.
Preparation for the Promised Land
The numbering was specifically for men 'able to go forth to war.' This wasn't about counting every soul, but assessing their military strength. It signaled that God was preparing them for the conquest of Canaan, a land promised but not yet possessed. It’s a reminder that our faith journey often involves preparation for battles ahead, even when peace seems to reign.
Divine Order and Purpose
God established a system for numbering by 'families' and 'house of their fathers,' ensuring order and clear identification. This meticulous approach highlights that God’s plans are carried out with precision and purpose, not by accident.
The tribe of Reuben, Israel's firstborn son, had a significant number. But was this number a sign of prominence or a veiled reminder of a loss?
A Mighty Force
The tribe of Reuben, being the firstborn, numbered 46,500 men. This was a substantial contingent, reflecting their significant presence and potential military power within the emerging nation.
A Shadow of a Curse?
Interestingly, when comparing Reuben's numbers to some other tribes (like Judah, Simeon, Gad, Dan, and Naphtali), Reuben's count was not the largest. The commentary suggests this might hint at the curse pronounced upon Reuben in Genesis 49:3-4 due to his sin. While still a strong tribe, their numbers didn't reflect the honor of primogeniture, serving as a quiet reminder of how sin can diminish God’s intended blessings, even when His overall faithfulness remains.
Understand the original words
matteh · Hebrew Noun
A social and political group descended from a common ancestor, forming a major division of the nation of Israel. It denotes the broader kinship identity of the twelve tribes.
paqad · Hebrew Verb
A term used in census or counting contexts to indicate individuals being recorded, enrolled, or mustered for specific duties, such as military service or temple ministry.
This census, taken in the wilderness of Sinai about a year after leaving Egypt, wasn't just a headcount; it was about organizing a nation for conquest and establishing order under God's direct command, highlighting their readiness to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, are led out by Moses in a miraculous deliverance under God's power.
c. 1445 BC
Wilderness of Sinai
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai and establish their camp for nearly a year, receiving the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle.
Second year after Exodus— this verse
The First Census
God commands Moses to take a census of all the males in Israel who are twenty years old and upward, able to go to war. This establishes a military order and prepares them for the conquest of Canaan.
Second year after Exodus
Tribal Organization
The census results are organized by tribe, house of fathers, and family, establishing clear divisions and leadership structures for the people of Israel.
This passage highlights Reuben as Israel's firstborn, setting the stage for his tribe's prominent place in the census, though Jacob's prophecy foreshadows a decline in his honor.
Deuteronomy 1:15This verse shows that heads of families were appointed for the census, reinforcing the structured and organized way each tribe, including Reuben, was counted.
Joshua 18:7This verse speaks to the future division of the land, where the number of men from each tribe, like Reuben's 46,500, would have been critical for inheritance.
1 Chronicles 5:1-6This passage recounts Reuben's position as the firstborn but notes his loss of preeminence due to his sin, connecting to the prophetic nuances hinted at in his census number.
calvinNumbers 1:1-54: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Loquutus est autem Jehova ad Mosen in deserto Sinai, in…
gillNumbers 1:21: "Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred."
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 46,500 men. See Gill on Numbers 1:20 .
While this census lists Reuben's numbers, it's also the first indication of its diminished status, as this tribe, despite being Israel's firstborn, was surpassed in number by most others, pointing to a divine consequence for Reuben's earlier transgression.
After God brought Israel out of Egypt, He commanded Moses to take a census of all the men of fighting age. This monumental task was carried out by Moses, Aaron, and leaders from each tribe, meticulously organizing the people by family and lineage. The count was for military readiness and to prepare for the eventual division of the Promised Land.
After God brought Israel out of Egypt, He commanded Moses to take a census of all the men of fighting age. This monumental task was carried out by Moses, Aaron, and leaders from each tribe, meticulously organizing the people by family and lineage. The count was for military readiness and to prepare for the eventual division of the Promised Land.
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Second year after Exodus
Levites Set Apart
The tribe of Levi is specifically excluded from the general census and set apart for service to the Tabernacle, highlighting their distinct role.
"those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500." — While this census lists Reuben's numbers, it's also the first indication of its diminished status, as this tribe, despite being Israel's firstborn, was surpassed in number by most others, pointing to…