Numbers 2 23

Numbers 2:23 kjv

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 2:23 nkjv

And his army was numbered at thirty-five thousand four hundred.

Numbers 2:23 niv

His division numbers 35,400.

Numbers 2:23 esv

his company as listed being 35,400.

Numbers 2 23 Cross References

| Verse | Text | Reference ||------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|| Num 1:25 | "Of the sons of Gad... all the males from twenty years old and upward... those who were numbered were fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty." | Confirms Gad's census number. || Num 2:10 | "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben..." | Sets the general position of Gad (with Reuben). || Num 2:14 | "And the tribe of Gad..." | Names Gad as part of Reuben's division. || Num 2:16 | "All who were numbered in the camp of Reuben... one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty." | Shows Gad's numerical contribution to the camp. || Num 10:18 | "Then the standard of the camp of Reuben set out according to their divisions..." | Describes Gad's role in marching order. || Gen 49:19 | "Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him: but he shall overcome at the last." | Jacob's prophetic blessing over Gad. || Deut 3:12 | "And this land, which we took at that time, from Aroer, which is by the valley of Arnon, and half the mount Gilead, and its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and to the Gadites." | Gad's inheritance in Transjordan. || Josh 1:12 | "To the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spoke Joshua..." | Reminder of commitment to cross Jordan. || Josh 13:24-27 | "And Moses gave inheritance to the tribe of Gad..." | Details of Gad's specific territory. || Josh 22:9 | "The children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned..." | Their return after fulfilling their promise. || Exod 12:41 | "And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." | Divine precision in God's actions. || Exod 13:18 | "But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness..." | God's specific guidance for the Israelites. || Num 1:2-3 | "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses... all who are able to go to war..." | Context of the census for military readiness. || Num 3:38 | "Those who camp before the Tabernacle... Moses and Aaron and his sons..." | Demonstrates central role of Levites/priesthood. || 1 Cor 14:33| "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." | Principle of divine order in God's people. || 1 Cor 14:40| "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." | Echoes the need for order within the Church. || Eph 2:19-22| "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone." | God's structured spiritual house (Church). || Rev 7:5-8 | "Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand..." | Gad listed among God's redeemed tribes. || Ps 33:10-11| "The Lord foils the plans of the nations... the counsel of the Lord stands forever..." | God's sovereign plan over all. || Ps 147:4 | "He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names." | God's meticulous knowledge and numbering. || Rom 13:1 | "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities..." | Principle of divine authority and order. || Heb 12:28 | "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken..." | God's established, unshakeable kingdom. |

Numbers 2 verses

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Numbers 2 23 Meaning

Numbers chapter 2 verse 23 specifically identifies the tribe of Gad, its appointed leader Eliasyph the son of Deuel, and its numbered troop of 51,450, confirming Gad's placement and numerical strength within the divinely ordered Israelite encampment. This verse details the precise structure God established for His people, ensuring organization and accountability.

Numbers 2 23 Context

Numbers chapter 2 details the precise arrangement and size of the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, as commanded by God to Moses and Aaron. This chapter meticulously describes the positioning of each of the twelve tribes around the central Tabernacle, arranged into four divisions of three tribes each. This divine order ensured reverence for the Holy God dwelling among them, facilitated disciplined movement during their wilderness journey, and prepared them as an organized, formidable host. Verse 23 specifically describes the tribe of Gad, noting its leader and census number. Gad was positioned on the south side, beneath the standard of Reuben, alongside the tribe of Simeon, forming a distinct unit for encampment and marching. This structured arrangement reflected God's character as a God of order, contrasting sharply with the chaos and idolatry of surrounding nations.

Numbers 2 23 Word analysis

  • The tribe of Gad (הַמַּטֶּה גָּד, ha-matteh Gad):
    • ha-matteh (הַמַּטֶּה): "The staff" or "tribe." Refers to a tribal branch, often represented by a rod or staff. Signifies a distinct and unified kinship group within Israel.
    • Gad (גָּד): Means "fortune" or "troop/company." The name was given by Leah (Gen 30:11) because of the "good fortune" she perceived. Here, it denotes one of the twelve sons of Jacob whose descendants formed a specific Israelite tribe, integral to God's covenant people.
  • And the leader (וּנְשִׂיא, u-nasi):
    • u-nasi: "And the prince," "chieftain," or "leader." This term refers to the divinely appointed head of the tribe, a recognized figure of authority within the community responsible for governing and leading his people.
  • of the sons of Gad (בְּנֵי גָ֑ד, benei Gad): "Sons of Gad." Clarifies that Eliasyph leads the descendants, the familial collective, of the patriarch Gad. Emphasizes lineage and tribal identity.
  • Eliasyph (אֶלְיָסָף, Elyasaph): "My God has added" or "God has increased." This is the specific individual, son of Deuel, whom God appointed as the tribal head. The name itself may allude to God's blessing of increase, potentially on the tribe, though this specific individual’s role is organizational.
  • the son of Deuel (בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵל, ben De'u'el): "Son of the knowledge of God." This patronymic further identifies Eliasyph, confirming his lineage and often implying his heritage within a family known to God or of a spiritual heritage.
  • his troop (צְבָאוֹ, tzeva'o): "His army," "his host," or "his company." This term implies military readiness and organized strength. The tribes were not just family units but military units prepared for movement and battle under divine direction.
  • and his numbered men (וּפְקֻדָיו, u-pkudav): "And his numbered ones," "his counted ones." Refers to the male individuals, 20 years and older, who were able to go to war, meticulously counted in the census. Highlights divine precision and accountability.
  • fifty and one thousand four hundred and fifty (חֲמִשִּׁים וְאֶחָד אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim v'echad elef v'arba me'ot v'chamishim): "51,450." The exact numerical strength of the tribe of Gad at this time. This specific number underscores the historical accuracy and divine meticulousness in organizing and preparing His people. It shows the detailed knowledge God has of His creation, down to the individuals in a tribal host.

Words-group analysis:

  • "The tribe of Gad, and the leader of the sons of Gad, Eliasyph the son of Deuel": This phrase highlights God's three-tiered organizational structure: the tribe (collective), the leader (divinely appointed human authority), and the individual (identified by name and lineage). It emphasizes both corporate identity and specific, accountable leadership.
  • "his troop and his numbered men, fifty and one thousand four hundred and fifty": This clause focuses on the military aspect and precise accounting. It demonstrates God's focus on order, preparedness, and detailed knowledge of His people's strength and capacity for collective action and worship. The census was for strategic planning, not mere record-keeping.

Numbers 2 23 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of listing each tribe, its leader, and its number throughout Numbers chapter 2 serves as a theological affirmation. It reinforces the reality and scale of the people of Israel as a formidable nation being directly guided by Yahweh. This detailed accounting not only asserts divine authority over the entire assembly but also serves to unify the various tribal identities under a single divine banner, that of the Lord God. The precise numbers are seen by many as demonstrating the historical veracity of the biblical account and God's sovereign hand in all details, down to the headcount of each division. Furthermore, the positioning of the camps was strategic for both defense and for symbolic hierarchy, with the priestly tribe of Levi stationed immediately around the Tabernacle, demonstrating access to God’s presence and mediating holiness outwards, and the tribes in fixed formations beyond, showing concentric rings of separation from sin and order of approach to God.

Numbers 2 23 Commentary

Numbers 2:23 is not an isolated detail but a vital piece of the meticulously laid-out blueprint for the Israelite community in the wilderness. It illustrates God's inherent nature as a God of order, precision, and purpose, directly challenging the chaotic pantheons of pagan nations. Each tribal entry, like Gad's, underscores the divinely ordained structure designed to ensure the holiness, safety, and operational readiness of His people surrounding His holy dwelling place. The naming of the leader and the exact numerical count emphasizes accountability and the importance of every individual within the divine framework. This verse teaches us that every component of God's people, even seemingly small or distant, has its proper place, purpose, and is known intimately by Him. This divine order provides both protection and spiritual direction, establishing a pattern for holy living and coordinated worship. It shows that God delights in precise order within His creation and His covenant people.