From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, From the sons of ReubenReuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite being the firstborn, Reuben lost his birthright due to an indiscretion with his father's concubine ( Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). This tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its pasturelands ( Numbers 32:1-5). The tribe of Reuben often struggled with maintaining its prominence and influence among the tribes of Israel. the firstborn of Israel
Reuben's status as the firstborn is significant in biblical tradition, as the firstborn typically held a place of honor and received a double portion of the inheritance. However, Reuben's actions led to a loss of this privilege, which was later transferred to Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). This shift in birthright reflects the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and blessing those who are faithful. according to the records of their clans and families
The organization of the tribes into clans and families highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. These records were crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. The detailed genealogies found throughout the Old Testament underscore the Israelites' emphasis on ancestry and God's covenant promises to Abraham's descendants. counting one by one the names of every male
The census was a methodical process, emphasizing the importance of each individual within the community. This careful enumeration reflects the value placed on each member's contribution to the collective identity and mission of Israel. It also underscores the need for order and structure within the camp, as they prepared for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was considered the age of maturity and responsibility in ancient Israel. It was the age at which males were eligible for military service and participation in communal decision-making. This age requirement ensured that those counted were capable of bearing arms and contributing to the defense and expansion of the nation. who could serve in the army
Military service was a critical aspect of Israelite life, especially as they prepared to enter and conquer the land of Canaan. The ability to serve in the army was not only a matter of physical capability but also a demonstration of commitment to the community and faith in God's promises. This phrase also foreshadows the numerous battles Israel would face and the need for a strong, unified force to fulfill God's plan for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenThe firstborn son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah. Reuben's descendants are being counted in this census. 2. IsraelRefers to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, and by extension, the nation that descended from him. 3. CensusThe event of counting the Israelite men eligible for military service, as commanded by God to Moses. 4. Clans and FamiliesThe organizational structure of the Israelite society, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage. 5. Military ServiceThe context of the census, focusing on those who are able to serve in the army, highlighting the preparation for future challenges. Teaching Points The Importance of Order and StructureGod values order and structure within His people, as seen in the detailed census. This reflects His nature and the importance of organization in our lives and communities. Heritage and IdentityUnderstanding our spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites were organized by clans and families, Christians are part of a spiritual family with a rich heritage in Christ. Preparedness for Spiritual BattlesThe census for military service reminds us of the need to be prepared for spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God. The Role of LeadershipMoses and Aaron's leadership in conducting the census highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and organizing God's people. Faithfulness Across GenerationsGod's faithfulness to the tribes of Israel across generations encourages us to trust in His promises and faithfulness in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the census of Reuben's descendants teach us about the importance of family and community in God's plan? 2. How can understanding our spiritual heritage as Christians impact our daily lives and decisions? 3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for spiritual battles, drawing parallels from the military census in Numbers 1:20? 4. How does the leadership of Moses and Aaron in organizing the census inspire us to lead in our own communities? 5. Reflect on God's faithfulness to the tribes of Israel. How can this encourage us to trust in His promises today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29:32This verse provides background on Reuben's birth and his significance as the firstborn of Jacob. Exodus 6:14Lists the heads of the families of Reuben, connecting the genealogical records. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2Discusses the rights of the firstborn and how Reuben lost his birthright, which was given to Joseph's sons. Numbers 26:5-7Another census of the Reubenites, showing continuity and God's faithfulness in preserving the tribes. Deuteronomy 20:1-4Provides laws concerning warfare, relevant to the context of preparing for military service. People Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, ZurishaddaiPlaces Egypt, SinaiTopics Able, Army, Births, Clans, Eldest, Families, Fathers, Firstborn, First-born, Forth, Genealogical, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Israel's, Listed, Male, Military, Names, Numbered, Oldest, Polls, Records, Registration, Reuben, Serve, Service, Sons, Twenty, Upward, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 1:1-49 5249 census Numbers 1:20-43 7266 tribes of Israel Library The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 1:20 NIVNumbers 1:20 NLTNumbers 1:20 ESVNumbers 1:20 NASBNumbers 1:20 KJV
Numbers 1:20 Commentaries
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