◄ Numbers 1:21 ►
those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.
Study Bible
those registered
The term "registered" refers to the census taken by Moses and Aaron as commanded by God. This census was for military purposes, counting men aged 20 and older who were able to go to war. It reflects the organization and preparation of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The act of registration signifies the importance of order and accountability within the community of God's people.

to the tribe of Reuben
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Despite his status as the firstborn, Reuben lost his birthright due to his sin with Bilhah, his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1). The tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. This location was significant for its fertile land, suitable for their large flocks and herds. The tribe's history is marked by a lack of prominence compared to other tribes, possibly reflecting Reuben's loss of the birthright.

numbered 46,500
The specific number of 46,500 men indicates the size and strength of the tribe of Reuben at the time of the census. This number is significant as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous (Genesis 15:5). The census also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people despite their previous disobedience and wanderings in the wilderness. The precise counting underscores the importance of each individual within the community and God's intimate knowledge of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Reuben
The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, Reuben is the patriarch of the tribe mentioned in this verse. His actions and legacy are significant in the history of Israel.

2. The Tribe of Reuben
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben. This tribe is counted in the census as part of the preparation for entering the Promised Land.

3. The Census
Conducted by Moses and Aaron, this event was a divinely commanded enumeration of the Israelite men able to go to war, as they prepared to enter Canaan.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who, along with Aaron, conducted the census as instructed by God.

5. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census took place, a significant place in Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order and Preparation
The census reflects God's desire for order and preparation among His people. As believers, we are called to be organized and ready for the tasks God sets before us.

The Significance of Heritage and Legacy
The tribe of Reuben, despite its challenges, is part of God's plan. Our spiritual heritage and legacy are important, and we should strive to honor God in our family and community.

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The counting of the tribes is a step towards the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. We can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives.

The Role of Leadership in God's Plan
Moses and Aaron's leadership in conducting the census shows the importance of godly leadership. We should seek to lead with integrity and follow leaders who honor God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the census of the tribe of Reuben teach us about the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives?

2. How can understanding our spiritual heritage, like the tribe of Reuben, impact our identity and actions as Christians today?

3. In what ways does the faithfulness of God to the tribes of Israel encourage us to trust in His promises for our lives?

4. How can we apply the principles of godly leadership demonstrated by Moses and Aaron in our own leadership roles?

5. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Reuben's history that can help us in our walk with God today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29:32
This verse introduces Reuben as the firstborn of Jacob, providing background on the tribe's patriarch.

Exodus 6:14
Lists the heads of the families of Reuben, connecting the tribe's lineage and leadership.

Numbers 26:7
Another census of the tribe of Reuben, showing changes in their numbers and reinforcing the importance of the tribe in Israel's history.

Deuteronomy 33:6
Moses' blessing for the tribe of Reuben, highlighting their role and future among the tribes of Israel.
Sermons
The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church MilitantW. Jones.Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of WarH. W. Beecher.Numbers 1:20-46
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, Zurishaddai
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
46, 500, Forty-six, Hundred, Numbered, Ones, Reuben, Six, Thousand, Tribe
Dictionary 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. 1

The 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

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