Numbers 1 39

Numbers 1:39 kjv

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

Numbers 1:39 nkjv

those who were numbered of the tribe of Dan were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

Numbers 1:39 niv

The number from the tribe of Dan was 62,700.

Numbers 1:39 esv

those listed of the tribe of Dan were 62,700.

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 39 Meaning

This verse states the precise count of the fighting men from the tribe of Dan in the first wilderness census, identifying them as sixty-two thousand and seven hundred. It is part of a detailed account in Numbers chapter one, recording the numerical strength of each Israelite tribe. This enumeration was divinely commanded to Moses, indicating God's meticulous organization and preparation of His people for their journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. The purpose was to identify all males twenty years old and upward who were fit for military service.

Numbers 1 39 Context

Numbers chapter one details the first national census of the Israelites taken in the Sinai wilderness, specifically on the first day of the second month in the second year after their departure from Egypt. This comprehensive enumeration was directly commanded by God to Moses and Aaron. Its primary purpose was to organize the burgeoning nation for its wilderness journey and forthcoming military conquest of Canaan. Each tribe was numbered separately, recording all males aged twenty years and upward who were capable of warfare. This verse, Numbers 1:39, specifically reports the final count for the tribe of Dan, listing them as 62,700 men. This exact figure contributes to the total military strength of Israel and illustrates God's meticulous arrangement of His people as they prepared to embark on a new phase of their covenant journey. The census was a demonstration of divine order, accountability, and preparation, underscoring the serious and divinely sanctioned nature of their impending task.

Numbers 1 39 Word analysis

• Those that were numbered (פְּקוּדֵי - peqûdey): From the root meaning "to visit, to oversee, to number, to appoint." This signifies not merely a casual count, but an official enrollment, overseen by divine command. It carries the weight of a divinely ordered inspection and accounting, indicating God's specific purpose for knowing the exact strength of His army. The act of numbering was for organization and readiness for His plans.
• of them, even of the tribe (מַטֵּה - matteh): Refers to a "staff, rod, branch, or tribe." It emphasizes the structured, familial, and administrative division of Israel. Each "tribe" represented a distinct lineage, identity, and unit within the larger Israelite community, contributing to the overall order and manageability of such a vast population.
• Dan (דָּן - Dan): Meaning "judge" or "He has judged." Dan was the fifth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant (Gen 30:6). The tribe of Dan was one of the larger tribes, holding a strategic position on the north side of the tabernacle camp during the wilderness wanderings, alongside Asher and Naphtali (Num 2:25ff), serving as the rearguard during march. Their numerical strength was significant for their future roles, although their history would later involve geographical challenges and struggles with idolatry.
• were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred (62,700): This precise number indicates meticulous counting and God's attention to detail. It reflects the immense growth of Jacob's descendants, fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abraham of countless offspring. The large number underscores Israel's military potential as they faced the challenge of taking the Promised Land, yet implicitly also pointed to their reliance on God, not merely their numbers. This figure placed Dan among the largest tribes in this first census.

Numbers 1 39 Bonus section

The total military-aged males numbered 603,550 from this census (Num 1:46), a significant number representing a total population likely over two million. This count demonstrates the miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation, even after centuries of slavery in Egypt. The tribes were then assigned specific positions around the Tabernacle during encampment and order of march, reflecting this precise numbering. The tribe of Dan, specifically, was designated to camp on the north side, forming the rearguard of the marching formation (Num 2:31), a position often associated with strength and protection. This specific census was pivotal for the future journey, ensuring logistical order for such a vast assembly and providing clarity on the human resources available for the divine mission.

Numbers 1 39 Commentary

Numbers 1:39, situated within the wider census account, illustrates God's sovereign hand in organizing and preparing His people for His purposes. The specific enumeration of 62,700 fighting men from the tribe of Dan is not a mere statistical record; it underscores divine precision, the fulfillment of covenant promises regarding numerical increase, and the strategic readiness of Israel as God's army. This census, divinely commanded, differentiates itself from human-initiated counts that might arise from pride or a lack of trust in God, highlighting its foundational purpose for establishing order in the camp, on the march, and for the upcoming battles. It reveals God as the orchestrator of structure, knowing each family and every man of war. This systematic approach speaks to God's diligent care for His people and His foresight in equipping them for the challenges ahead, ensuring that His plans are executed with order and strength, even down to the individual tribal counts.