The Tribe of Reuben, named after the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in the history of Israel. As the first tribe listed in the genealogical records, Reuben's descendants were often involved in key events and responsibilities among the Israelites. One notable instance of their involvement is during the census of the people, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Census in the Wilderness

In the wilderness, God commanded Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community. This census was to include every male twenty years old or older who was able to serve in Israel's army. The purpose was to organize the people for military service and to establish a clear record of the tribes. The Tribe of Reuben, being the firstborn, was among those counted.

Numbers 1:5-6 states, "These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur." Elizur was chosen as the leader from the Tribe of Reuben to assist Moses and Aaron in this task. His role was crucial in ensuring that the tribe was accurately represented and accounted for in the census.

The Role of Reubenites in the Census

The Reubenites, as descendants of the firstborn of Jacob, were expected to uphold their responsibilities with diligence. The census was not merely a counting of numbers but a reaffirmation of their identity and role within the larger community of Israel. The Reubenites were counted among the warriors, ready to defend and uphold the covenant promises given to their forefathers.

Numbers 1:20-21 records the outcome of the census for the Tribe of Reuben: "From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, their genealogies according to their clans and families, and the number of names of those twenty years of age or older, all who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500."

Significance of the Census

The census was a divine mandate, reflecting God's order and structure for His people. It was a means of preparing the Israelites for the challenges they would face in the Promised Land. For the Tribe of Reuben, participating in the census was a reaffirmation of their place within the covenant community. Despite the tribe's later struggles and challenges, their involvement in the census highlights their integral role in the early formation of the nation of Israel.

The Tribe of Reuben's participation in the census underscores the importance of obedience and readiness in fulfilling God's commands. As the firstborn tribe, they set a precedent for the other tribes, demonstrating the significance of being counted among God's people and prepared for His purposes.Numbers 1:5
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Part
... and receiving its name from the first tribe of its ... of a man on the standard of Reuben,
on account of ... denote a multitude of very well-sighted persons, and full ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... hundred concubines, and princesses without number; [788] or how ... for the conviction
of the persons addressed: for ... properly belonged to the people whose kingdom ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... made their settlement amid the Royal tribe of Judah ... Reuben, and Dan, and Asher had
kept aloof from the ... Anyhow, since certain persons have adopted this course, I ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of perfect purity in their persons, their altars ... with the government of a mountain
tribe dwelling to ... and Nergal-sharuzur for this purpose selected from their ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at the time that Gad and Reuben were in ... all the families which constituted the
half-tribe of Manasseh ... of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... vivacious; the incidents he gives are carefully selected, apt and ... is possible that,
in Genesis 37:21, Reuben has been ... came in time to form a tribe by themselves ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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