Numbers 1 24

Numbers 1:24 kjv

Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Numbers 1:24 nkjv

From the children of Gad, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers' house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war:

Numbers 1:24 niv

From the descendants of Gad: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families.

Numbers 1:24 esv

Of the people of Gad, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

Numbers 1:24 nlt

[24-25] Gad ? 45,650

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 24 Meaning

This verse details the specific criteria and method for counting the males of the tribe of Gad during the first Israelite census. It emphasizes that the count included only those twenty years old and above, who were physically able to participate in military service, and whose lineage was meticulously recorded through their generations, families, and fathers' households. This was not a general population count but a military registration, reflecting God's order and preparedness for Israel's journey and future conquest.

Numbers 1 24 Context

Numbers chapter 1 opens with God commanding Moses to conduct a census of the Israelite congregation in the Sinai wilderness, on the first day of the second month in the second year after their exodus from Egypt. This census was highly organized, specifying that each male twenty years old and above, capable of military service, was to be counted. The primary purpose was to establish the numerical strength of Israel for military campaigns as they prepared to depart for the Promised Land, and also to organize their camp structure and march order. Verse 24, like the subsequent verses, precisely details the application of these counting principles to each tribe, in this case, the tribe of Gad. The repeated phrasing across these verses emphasizes the thoroughness, uniformity, and divine mandate behind the entire registration process. This census provided a foundation for the meticulous ordering of God's people as they prepared for their divinely ordained mission.

Numbers 1 24 Word analysis

• Of the children of Gad:
  • "Of the children": From Hebrew "mibb'nê" (מִבְּנֵי), meaning "from the sons of" or "of the descendants of." This specifies the tribal affiliation and descent, indicating that the count is specific to this lineage.
  • "Gad": (גָּד - Gāḏ). One of Jacob's twelve sons, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. The tribe of Gad was known for its martial prowess and ultimately settled east of the Jordan River. His name means "troop" or "fortune," alluding to his character or future role as described in Gen 49:19.
• their generations:
  • From Hebrew "tôləḏōṯām" (תּוֹלְדֹתָם), referring to their genealogies or records of descendants. This highlights the importance of keeping accurate lineage for tribal identity, inheritance, and a clear understanding of the divine promise fulfilled through specific families. It underlines the careful preservation of tribal and family history within Israel.
• by their families:
  • From Hebrew "ləmišpəḥōṯām" (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם), denoting a clan or extended family unit. This was a sub-division within a tribe, emphasizing the grouping of individuals into recognizable, cohesive kinship units beyond the immediate household, crucial for organization and legal processes.
• by their fathers’ houses:
  • From Hebrew "ləḇêṯ ’ăḇōṯām" (לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם), which refers to the smallest patriarchal unit or household. This is a very specific level of identification, indicating meticulousness. It reflects the fundamental structure of Israelite society where identity and belonging were strongly tied to the patrilineal descent through the "father's house." This provided a clear basis for individual identification and accountability.
• according to the number of the names:
  • From Hebrew "bəmispar šêmôṯ" (בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת), literally "by the number of names." This signifies an individual count, where each person eligible was identified and recorded by name. It denotes an official registry, ensuring precision and personal accountability.
• from twenty years old and upward:
  • From Hebrew "mibben ‘eśrîm šānāh wāmā‘lāh" (מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה). This sets the minimum age requirement. Twenty years was a significant benchmark in Israelite society, typically signifying adulthood, full legal responsibility, eligibility for military service (Num 1:3), and obligation for various communal duties (Exod 30:14). It marked the transition from youth to full adult participation in the community's responsibilities.
• all who were able to go out to war:
  • From Hebrew "kōl-yōṣē’ ṣāḇā’" (כָּל־יֹצֵא צָבָא). Literally "all going forth of the army." This phrase defines the specific purpose of the census: military capability. It implies physical fitness, strength, and the potential to participate in battle. This criterion ensured that the counted men were genuinely suitable for military service, directly aligning with God's purpose for equipping His people for the conquest of Canaan. It distinguishes this census from a mere population count.

Numbers 1 24 Bonus section

The repetitive listing of tribal counts with identical phrasing (as seen in Num 1:24) emphasizes God's precision and impartiality in His dealings with each tribe. While Gad, Reuben, and half-Manasseh later chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan (Num 32), they still committed their men "able to go out to war" to lead the vanguard in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating their faithfulness to this initial census's purpose. This detailed military registration under divine command stands in stark contrast to later human-initiated censuses, such as David's (2 Sam 24), which stemmed from pride and resulted in judgment. The difference underscores that the legitimacy and consequence of any action depend entirely on its motivation and alignment with God's revealed will.

Numbers 1 24 Commentary

Numbers 1:24 encapsulates the meticulously structured and purpose-driven nature of God’s dealings with Israel. The counting of the tribe of Gad, mirrored across all tribes, underscores a divine principle of order and accountability. The detailed method of counting "by their families" and "by their fathers’ houses" emphasizes the critical importance of lineage and identity within God’s covenant people, ensuring tribal purity and a clear understanding of who belonged to the chosen nation. The explicit age restriction, "from twenty years old and upward," combined with the criterion of being "able to go out to war," reveals the census's direct military purpose: to equip Israel for the impending challenges of occupying the Promised Land. This was not a count for show or taxation, but for functional readiness in fulfilling God's strategic plan. It illustrates that spiritual direction (divine command for the census) often intersects with practical human responsibility and preparation, highlighting the necessity for God’s people to be well-organized and prepared to carry out His will in both spiritual and temporal spheres.