Numbers 2 16

Numbers 2:16 kjv

All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

Numbers 2:16 nkjv

"All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty? they shall be the second to break camp.

Numbers 2:16 niv

All the men assigned to the camp of Reuben, according to their divisions, number 151,450. They will set out second.

Numbers 2:16 esv

All those listed of the camp of Reuben, by their companies, were 151,450. They shall set out second.

Numbers 2:16 nlt

So the total of all the troops on Reuben's side of the camp is 151,450. These three tribes will be second in line whenever the Israelites travel.

Numbers 2 verses

Numbers 2 16 Meaning

Numbers 2:16 specifies the total counted number of fighting men within the camp of Reuben, which comprised the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, and states their assigned position in the Israelites' marching order. This verse highlights the precise divine ordering and organization of the Israelite community, especially its military readiness, as they journey through the wilderness and prepare for the Promised Land.

Numbers 2 16 Context

Numbers Chapter 2 details the precise arrangement of the twelve tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle, outlining their assigned positions in camp and their sequence of movement during journeys. Each of the four cardinal directions (east, south, west, north) was assigned a camp, led by a designated tribe and comprising two other tribes, along with specific numbers of fighting men. The Levites and the Tabernacle occupied the central position. Numbers 2:16 specifically refers to the Camp of Reuben, located to the south of the Tabernacle, which included the tribes of Simeon and Gad. This meticulous organization was essential for the order, sanctity, and military readiness of the massive Israelite host, signifying God's demand for structure and preparedness for a holy people on a divine mission. Historically, such precise censuses and military organization were vital for any ancient nomadic or semi-nomadic group transitioning into a settled nation, contrasting with the often less structured patterns of pagan tribes.

Numbers 2 16 Word analysis

• All those from: The Hebrew phrase is Kol ha-pequdim (כָּל־הַפְּקֻדִים).

  • Kol (כָּל־): Means "all," "every," "the whole." It emphasizes completeness and totality. It indicates that every individual of fighting age within this group was counted.
  • Ha-pequdim (הַפְּקֻדִים): "The numbered ones" or "those who were mustered/counted." Derived from the root paqad (פקד), which signifies to count, visit, inspect, or appoint. In this context, it refers specifically to the men over twenty years old, fit for military service, as per the census in Numbers 1. Its usage here reinforces the precise, divine census ordered by Yahweh.

• the camp of Reuben: Hebrew is machaneh Re'uven (מַחֲנֵה רְאוּבֵן).

  • Machaneh (מַחֲנֵה): Means "camp," "encampment," or "army." It refers to the larger tribal grouping that shared a banner and a specific geographical position around the Tabernacle. This was a structured, organized military and living unit.
  • Re'uven (רְאוּבֵן): Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. While Reuben lost his birthright due to transgression (Gen 49:3-4; 1 Chr 5:1), his tribe still holds a prominent place in the camp organization. The camp itself includes the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, with Reuben as the designated leading tribe for that banner group. This demonstrates God's consistent commitment to the lineage and His plan, despite human failings.

• numbered according to their divisions: Hebrew is be-pikdeihem le-tziv'otam (בְּפִקְדֵיהֶם לְצִבְאֹתָם).

  • Be-pikdeihem (בְּפִקְדֵיהֶם): "According to their numbered ones" or "in their mustering." This reiterates the count, stressing that the numbering was conducted methodically for each tribal unit, confirming the exactitude of the census.
  • Le-tziv'otam (לְצִבְאֹתָם): "According to their armies/hosts." The word tzava (צבא), plural tziv'ot, can mean "army," "host," or "division." Here, it explicitly defines these groups as organized military units, ready for battle or ordered movement. This emphasizes the divine preparation of Israel not just as a people, but as Yahweh's "hosts" or "army" (Ex 12:41; 2 Sam 5:10), a formidable and divinely led force. This structure contrasts sharply with the often unorganized forces of surrounding pagan nations, asserting Yahweh's supremacy in ordering His people.

• were 151,450: The specific Hebrew numerical expression.

  • Me'ah vachamishim ve'echad elef ve'arba' me'ot vachamishim (מֵאָה וַחֲמִשִּׁים וְאֶחָד אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים): "One hundred and fifty-one thousand, four hundred and fifty." This precise figure underscores the meticulous nature of the divine census. It represents a substantial force, emphasizing the numerical strength of Israel under God's blessing. Such exactness reflects divine omniscience and attention to detail.

• They shall set out second: Hebrew is shenim yisa'u (שֵׁנִים יִסָּעוּ).

  • Shenim (שֵׁנִים): "Second" (in order or rank). This denotes their specific place in the divinely orchestrated marching order. The camp of Judah (east) was first, the Levites bearing the Tabernacle (Gerashon and Merari) followed them, and then the camp of Reuben (south) marched second after Judah.
  • Yisa'u (יִסָּעוּ): "They shall set out," "they shall journey," or "they shall move on." From the root nasa' (נסע), to pull up stakes, journey, or depart. This indicates a directive, a commanded action, not a suggestion. It signifies their active participation in the movements dictated by God's pillar of cloud and fire. This specific marching order ensured protection for the Tabernacle and its holy contents while allowing for efficient and orderly travel of a very large multitude. It signifies divine choreography and strategic planning, unique among ancient groups.

Numbers 2 16 Bonus section

The systematic arrangement described in Numbers 2 also served a symbolic function, reflecting the concentric layers of holiness, with the Tabernacle at the center, then the Levites, and finally the twelve tribes. This order was vital for preserving the sanctity of God's presence among them. The distribution of population strength among the four camps was strategic: Judah's camp (east, ~186k) led; Reuben's camp (south, ~151k) was second; Ephraim's camp (west, ~108k) was third; and Dan's camp (north, ~157k) formed the formidable rear guard. This balanced strength across the four directions provided robust protection for the Tabernacle and its carriers. The positioning also demonstrated a protective 'wall' around the Levites, who themselves encircled the Tabernacle, safeguarding it from unauthorized access and the accompanying divine judgment. This pre-planned, detailed encampment and marching formation were designed to show the nations Israel's unique relationship with a powerful, ordering God.

Numbers 2 16 Commentary

Numbers 2:16, a single verse in a larger organizational chapter, powerfully underscores key aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals God as a deity of absolute order and precision, orchestrating every detail of Israel's existence from individual counts to collective movements. This meticulous arrangement, down to exact numbers and marching sequence, reflects divine foresight and wisdom, crucial for managing a massive population in a harsh desert environment. The verse is part of God's preparation of Israel, not just as a people of faith, but as a disciplined army ready for both travel and conquest. This military aspect highlights God's strategic leadership as the true Commander of His hosts. The established order served to maintain holiness and prevent chaos around the Tabernacle, demonstrating that proximity to a holy God demands a holy and structured lifestyle. This principle extends to Christian living, emphasizing the need for order, discipline, and purpose in our individual and collective walks (1 Cor 14:40). Just as each tribe had its appointed place and role, so too does each believer have a function within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall order and mission God has for His people.