Numbers 1 38

Numbers 1:38 kjv

Of the children of Dan, 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 1:38 nkjv

From the children of Dan, 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 1:38 niv

From the descendants of Dan: 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 1:38 esv

Of the people of Dan, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

Numbers 1:38 nlt

[38-39] Dan ? 62,700

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 38 Meaning

Numbers 1:38 details the specific demographic for the military census taken of the tribe of Naphtali. It identifies those counted as males, twenty years old and upward, who were physically capable of serving in the army. The enumeration was meticulously organized by generations, families, and fathers' houses, ensuring a precise count of every individual within the tribal structure fit for war.

Numbers 1 38 Context

Numbers chapter 1 details the first census of the Israelite tribes conducted at Mount Sinai, on the first day of the second month in the second year after their exodus from Egypt. This census was specifically commanded by Yahweh to Moses and Aaron. Its primary purpose was to count all males aged twenty years and older who were "able to go forth to war." This established a national military register, organizing the community for both defensive and offensive actions as they prepared to depart Sinai and embark on their wilderness journey toward the Promised Land. The meticulous listing by tribe, family, and fathers' houses reflects divine order and preparedness for the challenges and conflicts ahead. It also served for logistical purposes, such as allocating resources and establishing the camp formation, as detailed in Numbers chapter 2.

Numbers 1 38 Word analysis

• Of the children of Naphtali (בְּנֵי נַפְתָּלִי, bə-nê nap̄-tālî): "Children of" (בְּנֵי, bə-nê) signifies descendants, specifically the male lineage in this context. "Naphtali" (נַפְתָּלִי, nap̄-tālî) is one of the twelve tribes, stemming from Jacob's sixth son, whose name means "my wrestling" (Gen 30:8), often linked to speed or swiftness in later blessings (Gen 49:21; Deut 33:23). Its mention here emphasizes the specific, individual tribal unit being assessed, demonstrating God's particular attention to each part of His people.
• by their generations (תֹּלְדֹתָם, tō-lə-ḏō-ṯām): This term refers to genealogical records or historical accounts of descent. It emphasizes a structured and verifiable method of identification, confirming legitimate membership within the tribe from its very origins, not merely current residence.
• after their families (מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, miš-pə-ḥō-ṯām): Refers to clans or broader family units. This indicates the next hierarchical level below the tribe, showing the internal structure by which the census was organized. This level would likely involve thousands of people, forming significant sub-groups.
• by their fathers’ houses (בֵּית אֲבֹתָם, bêṯ-’ă-ḇō-ṯām): This designates the most specific domestic or patriarchal unit, literally "house of the father." It refers to a household, comprising a father and his immediate kin, forming the smallest recognized unit for census purposes. This three-tiered classification (generations, families, fathers' houses) reveals the extremely meticulous and hierarchical method of enumeration, reflecting God's order and precision.
• according to the number of names (מִסְפַּר שְׁמוֹת, mis-par šə-mō-wṯ): "Number" (מִסְפַּר, mis-par) implies an exact numerical tally. "Names" (שְׁמוֹת, šə-mō-wṯ) signifies each individual personally accounted for, rather than a group estimate. This highlights that the count was not abstract but involved identifying and registering each eligible person by their specific identity.
• from twenty years old and upward (מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמָעְלָה, mi-ben ‘eś-rîm šā-nāh wā-mā-‘ə-lāh): This defines the minimum age for military service in ancient Israel. This age was associated with reaching full physical maturity, strength, and responsibility for civic and military duties, establishing a standardized criterion for eligibility.
• all that were able to go forth to war (כָּל יֹצֵא צָבָא, kāl yō-ṣê ṣā-ḇā’): This phrase describes the specific qualification. "Able to go forth" (יֹצֵא, yō-ṣê) implies not only physical capacity but also readiness and availability. "To war" (צָבָא, ṣā-ḇā’) refers to military service, encompassing marching, engaging in battle, and performing duties. This excludes the sick, infirm, or those otherwise unfit, ensuring a fighting force of capable men.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Of the children of Naphtali, by their generations, after their families, by their fathers’ houses": This detailed categorization emphasizes the precision and order of the divine census. It showcases a systematic, genealogical approach, ensuring no eligible person was missed and no ineligible person counted. It reinforces the tribal structure's importance for identity, administration, and mobilization.
• "according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war": This grouping highlights the criteria for military enlistment. The count was precise ("number of names"), the age definite ("twenty years old and upward"), and the physical/functional qualification clear ("able to go forth to war"). This combination specifies the readiness and capability of Israel as a divinely ordered fighting force, rather than a mere nomadic group.

Numbers 1 38 Bonus section

The tribal structure in Numbers was not only for military purposes but also foundational for the subsequent land distribution and socio-religious organization of Israel. The detailed nature of this census contrasts sharply with pagan military systems that often relied on brute force or indiscriminate conscription. Here, there is a clear divine mandate and structured criteria. The concept of "going forth to war" can also be understood beyond literal combat, signifying a preparedness to embark on a divine mission or face any challenges for the Lord, representing a state of active, disciplined, and responsible readiness in one's walk with God. Furthermore, the very name Naphtali, meaning "my wrestling," can foreshadow the struggles and efforts the tribe, and indeed all Israel, would face in their wilderness journey and later conquest, emphasizing that God numbers even those tribes marked by "wrestling" for their contribution to His overall purpose.

Numbers 1 38 Commentary

Numbers 1:38 is a microcosmic reflection of the larger biblical themes of divine order, accountability, and the readiness of God's people for their journey and purpose. The meticulous census of Naphtali, mirroring that of other tribes, underscores God's intentionality in organizing His people. It reveals that the Lord is not a God of chaos but of precise arrangement, even down to the individual names and ages suitable for His work, in this case, military readiness. This was not a general population count but a military registration, pointing to the immediate practical need for defense and conquest in their wilderness journey and eventual entry into Canaan. Spiritually, it prompts believers to consider their own readiness and accountability in service to God, being "fit for battle" against spiritual foes (Eph 6:11-13; 2 Tim 2:3). It is a reminder that God’s community is designed for purposeful action, demanding the active participation of those mature enough to bear responsibility.

• Example 1: Just as Israel was counted and prepared for physical battles, believers are to be "numbered" among those spiritually mature and equipped for the ongoing spiritual warfare against darkness.
• Example 2: The detailed tribal structure reflects God's valuing of individual identity within a corporate body, each "name" being significant in the divine plan.
• Example 3: The specific age requirement (20 and up) implies responsibility and maturity are prerequisites for specific tasks within God's Kingdom, challenging us to grow into greater spiritual capacity.