Numbers 1 37

Numbers 1:37 kjv

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 1:37 nkjv

those who were numbered of the tribe of Benjamin were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

Numbers 1:37 niv

The number from the tribe of Benjamin was 35,400.

Numbers 1:37 esv

those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400.

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 37 Meaning

Numbers 1:37 records the specific count of military-eligible men from the tribe of Benjamin during the first wilderness census. This verse details the precise number of males aged twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to war, showing God's meticulous order in preparing His people.

Numbers 1 37 Context

This verse is part of Numbers chapter 1, which details the first census of the Israelite tribes in the Wilderness of Sinai, approximately one month after the Exodus. The census was divinely commanded by the Lord to Moses, specifically counting all males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war (Num 1:2-3). The purpose was not merely demographic, but deeply practical and strategic: to organize the vast assembly of Israel for military readiness, for marching order, and to establish tribal responsibilities, foreshadowing the allocation of land in Canaan. Each tribe was meticulously counted by their respective patriarchal families, signifying their unique identity within the greater nation, yet united under God's command. This highly organized numbering of the people stood in contrast to the disarray of surrounding pagan nations and their chaotic deities, emphasizing the order and purpose established by Yahweh for His covenant people.

Numbers 1 37 Word analysis

• those who were numbered:
  • Hebrew: pakad (פקד). Means "to visit, count, muster, appoint, oversee." It signifies not just a casual count, but an official registration with a specific purpose and often a divine directive. It implies a sense of divine administration and scrutiny. Here, it denotes being counted and recorded for service.
• of them: Refers to the male Israelites previously described as "from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war" (Num 1:3), emphasizing that the count was specific to this defined population group.
• from the tribe:
  • Hebrew: shevet (שבט). Literally "rod," "staff," or "scepter," evolving to mean "clan" or "tribe." This word signifies a distinct lineal and patriarchal group within Israel. It highlights the genealogical structure and inherent unity and identity within each large family unit under the oversight of God.
• of Benjamin: The smallest of the twelve tribes when Jacob blessed his sons (Gen 49:27). Its name means "son of the right hand," often associated with strength or favor. Benjamin's numerical strength in this census places it as the fifth largest tribe among the twelve, contrary to its "smallest" designation, showcasing God's sovereign hand in the growth and development of the tribes.
• were fifty-nine thousand three hundred: A precise, exact figure. The specific numerical tally highlights the meticulous nature of the divine command and the divine record-keeping. This level of precision underscores God's sovereignty over every individual and every segment of His people, contrasting any notion of arbitrary or haphazard existence. It also represents a significant fighting force.

Words-group Analysis:

• "those who were numbered of them, from the tribe of Benjamin": This phrase precisely identifies the demographic segment being accounted for: adult males capable of warfare from a specific, distinct lineage. It shows God's organized approach to His chosen people, ensuring every unit has its place and function in His divine plan.
• "were fifty-nine thousand three hundred": This exact numerical sum is not random. It conveys a deep level of divine knowledge and planning. It serves as a record for future generations, marking the starting strength of the Benjaminites as a fighting force ready for the challenges of conquering the land and later for the apportionment of land, affirming God's detailed oversight.

Numbers 1 37 Bonus section

The precise count of 59,300 for Benjamin in Numbers 1 is significant when compared to the later census in Numbers 26, where Benjamin's number drops to 45,600. This decrease of over 13,000 men reflects the challenging wilderness journey, including periods of divine judgment (such as the rebellion of Korah, the plague after Baal of Peor, or natural attrition). Yet, despite the losses, the tribe, like Israel as a whole, demonstrated resilience, always prepared for the eventual inheritance. The tribe of Benjamin, despite its size relative to other tribes in different eras (e.g., in Judges, it faced near extinction), held historical prominence by providing Israel's first king, Saul, and later was closely associated with the tribe of Judah, forming a core part of the southern kingdom, and even supplying a significant Apostle, Paul, in the New Testament.

Numbers 1 37 Commentary

Numbers 1:37, like the other tribal counts in this chapter, showcases God's remarkable order, precision, and administrative perfection. It's more than a mere headcount; it's a divinely commissioned muster of an army and a nation. Each number represents not just an individual but a divinely ordained participant in a larger covenant purpose—from marching in a specific order to engaging in holy war and eventually inheriting their portion of the promised land. The specificity of "fifty-nine thousand three hundred" for Benjamin underscores that God knows His people intimately, cares about their organized readiness, and meticulously prepares them for their appointed tasks. This divine attention to detail provided assurance and stability to a people often prone to disorder and doubt, reminding them that their every step was known and ordered by their God. This systematic approach also set a standard for organization and obedience for the newly formed nation.