Verse:
"those registered to the tribe of Zebulun numbered 57,400." (Numbers 1:31)

Context and Background:
Numbers 1:31 is part of the larger narrative found in the Book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. This book is traditionally attributed to Moses and is a continuation of the story of the Israelites as they journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. The opening chapters of Numbers detail a census commanded by God, which was conducted in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. This census was crucial for organizing the Israelite community, particularly for military and logistical purposes.

Tribe of Zebulun:
The tribe of Zebulun is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. In the context of Numbers 1:31, the tribe of Zebulun is being counted as part of the census of the Israelite men who are twenty years old and older and able to go to war. The number recorded, 57,400, reflects the military strength and the size of the tribe at that time.

Significance of the Census:
The census in Numbers serves several purposes. It establishes the organization of the Israelite camp, ensuring that each tribe has a designated place and role. It also prepares the Israelites for the conquest of Canaan by assessing their military capabilities. The census underscores the importance of order and obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites are being prepared to fulfill their covenantal promise to inherit the land promised to their forefathers.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the census highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The growth of the tribes, including Zebulun, is a testament to God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars. Additionally, the census reflects the communal nature of the Israelite identity, where each tribe contributes to the whole, emphasizing unity and collective responsibility.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
The tribe of Zebulun, like other tribes, played a significant role in the history of Israel. Positioned in the northern part of the land of Canaan, Zebulun's territory was strategically important for trade and military endeavors. The census in Numbers 1:31 provides a snapshot of the tribe's size and potential influence during the wilderness period.

Conclusion:
Numbers 1:31, while a brief verse, is part of a foundational moment in Israel's history. It reflects the organization, preparation, and divine guidance that characterized the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The recorded number of the tribe of Zebulun serves as a reminder of God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through His chosen people.57400 (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 1:31
those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
(See NAS NIV)

Numbers 2:8
His division, and those who were numbered of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
(See NAS NIV)

57400 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 57400 (2 Occurrences). Numbers 1:31 those who were numbered
of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. ...
/num/57400.htm - 6k

59300 (2 Occurrences)

/num/59300.htm - 6k

54400 (2 Occurrences)

/num/54400.htm - 6k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Judah on the east side of the tabernacle (Numbers 2:7). This camp moved foremost
on the march (Numbers 2:9). At the first census Zebulun numbered 57,400 men of ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

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