Numbers 2 8

Numbers 2:8 kjv

And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 2:8 nkjv

And his army was numbered at fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

Numbers 2:8 niv

His division numbers 57,400.

Numbers 2:8 esv

his company as listed being 57,400.

Numbers 2 verses

Numbers 2 8 Meaning

Numbers 2:8 specifies the precise count of fighting men from the camp of Dan, numbering 157,600. Furthermore, the verse dictates their vital role as the "rear guard" for the entire Israelite congregation when they departed and traveled. This assigned position meant they were responsible for following at the very end of the colossal procession, thereby protecting the vulnerable segments of the community and any stragglers from attacks or threats from behind.

Numbers 2 8 Context

The Book of Numbers documents Israel's tumultuous journey through the wilderness after their miraculous exodus from Egypt and their encounter with God at Mount Sinai. Chapters 1 and 2 specifically describe the preparations for this arduous journey, initiated by a comprehensive census. This census was not merely for demographic purposes but for military organization, numbering all men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war. Chapter 2 then outlines the divinely ordained encampment arrangement and marching order for the twelve tribes around the Tabernacle, which was the visible symbol of God's presence among them. This intricate order, described for each of the four main divisions (East, South, West, North), highlights God's demand for holiness, discipline, and unity among His people. Verse 8 fits within the detailed description of the final camp to be enumerated and march: the northern division led by Dan, and explicitly assigns Dan's highly critical responsibility as the rearguard.

Numbers 2 8 Word analysis

• All (כָּל, kol): This word emphasizes completeness and totality. It denotes that the entire numerical strength accounted for from Dan was considered for this position, signifying a thorough and precise divine counting that left no one outside of this designated responsibility.

• who were numbered (פְּקֻדֵיהֶם, pequdehem): Derived from the root "פקד" (paqad), meaning "to muster," "to count," "to visit," or "to appoint." This term underscores that the individuals in question were not just arbitrarily grouped but were specifically counted and registered under divine command, often for service or accountability, especially military readiness in this context (cf. Num 1:3).

• of the camp (מַחֲנֵה, machaneh): This Hebrew term refers to a structured, organized encampment, signifying a disciplined collective rather than a random gathering. It denotes the military or community unit that comprised a specific tribal division within the larger Israelite host.

• of Dan (דָּן, Dan): Meaning "judge," Dan was one of Jacob's sons, and his tribe here receives a vital responsibility. Despite later struggles with idolatry and a shift in their geographical territory, at this foundational stage, the tribe of Dan played a crucial, divinely appointed role in the national order and defense. Their name meaning may subtly connect to their required vigilance and watchful role in guarding the rear.

• were 157,600: The presentation of a precise numerical figure signifies the accuracy and meticulousness of the divine census. It underscores the substantial military strength allocated to the Danite division, making them suitable for their challenging role.

• They (הֵם, hem): This pronoun collectively refers to the entire registered body of fighting men from the camp of Dan, emphasizing that this vital responsibility was for the whole division, reflecting their unity and collective duty.

• shall set out (יִסְּעוּ, yiss'u): From the verb "נסע" (nasa), meaning "to journey," "to pull up stakes," or "to depart." This term indicates active and intentional movement, part of the strategic breaking of camp for the wilderness journey, not a static position.

• last (לָאַחֲרוֹנָה, la'aharona): Explicitly states their chronological order in the marching sequence. This signifies that they would be the very final contingent to move.

• rear guard (מְאַסְּפִים, m'assephim): Derived from the verb "אסף" (asaph), meaning "to gather" or "to collect." In a military context, this refers to those who gather up the rear, protect stragglers, and provide defense against pursuit or attack from behind. This position was a crucial, highly responsible, and often dangerous one, demanding strength, alertness, and bravery to protect the entire body of the moving nation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "All who were numbered of the camp of Dan": This entire phrase reinforces the absolute nature of the census and the comprehensive responsibility assigned. Every counted individual within Dan's military formation was a part of this appointed role.
  • "were 157,600": The sheer size of this force highlights the scale of Israel's community and the substantial might available for national defense. This large number underscores the gravity and military effectiveness intended for their 'rear guard' function.
  • "They shall set out last, rear guard of all the camps": This clause describes Dan's pivotal defensive role for the entire Israelite host. Their position was not secondary but critically important for safeguarding the most vulnerable parts of the community (like the Levites carrying the Tabernacle's disassembled parts, women, children, and elderly) from potential threats or ambushes from the rear during their travels through dangerous territories. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's care and the intricate coordination He commanded for the welfare of His people.

Numbers 2 8 Bonus section

• Symbolic Order: The entire tribal arrangement with the Tabernacle at the center, followed by the specific order of tribes, established a visual sermon of God's holy presence at the heart of His people and His sovereign rule over their lives and movements. This order provided spiritual security alongside physical safety.
• Divine Foreknowledge: The meticulous planning reflects God's foreknowledge of the challenges and threats Israel would face in the wilderness. The rear guard was not merely a ceremonial position but a crucial defensive unit against enemies like Amalek, who "cut off all who were lagging behind you, when you were faint and weary" (Deut 25:18).
• Responsibility in God's Design: Every tribe, regardless of its size or historical significance, was assigned a specific and essential role in the camp and marching order. Dan's large number and designated role emphasize that divine assignments often correspond with capabilities, and that responsibility within God's community is about service, not status.

Numbers 2 8 Commentary

Numbers 2:8 beautifully illustrates God's meticulous ordering and provision for the safety of His people during their perilous wilderness journey. The precise numbering and strategic positioning of each tribe reveal a divine mind concerned with both overall design and specific detail. Assigning the camp of Dan, the largest northern tribe, as the rear guard was a decision rooted in military practicality and divine wisdom. This was not a demotion but an appointment to a highly strategic and protective role. As the final contingent, Dan's charge was to ensure no one was left behind, to gather up the stragglers, and to fend off any attacks from the rear, a vulnerability common in the movement of such a vast population. This vital duty demonstrates God's desire for the complete well-being and security of all His people, signifying that every part of His body has an indispensable role, whether leading, moving the central sanctuary, or guarding the rear. It serves as a testament to God's character as a God of order, peace, and ultimate protection for His covenant people.