Numbers 1:18
Numbers 1:18 in Multiple Translations
and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation and recorded their ancestry by clans and families, counting one by one the names of those twenty years of age or older,
And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
And they got together all the people on the first day of the second month; and everyone made clear his family and his father's house, by the number of the names, from twenty years old and over.
They had all the Israelites gather together on the first day of the second month, and recorded the people's genealogy according to their tribe and family, and counted up the names of all those aged twenty or older,
And they called all the Congregation together, in the first day of the second moneth, who declared their kindreds by their families, and by the houses of their fathers, according to the nomber of their names, from twentie yere olde and aboue, man by man.
and all the company they assembled on the first of the second month, and they declare their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names from a son of twenty years and upward, by their polls,
They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, one by one.
And they assembled all the congregation on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
And assembled them on the first day of the second month, reckoning them up by the kindreds, and houses, and families, and heads, and names of every one from twenty years old and upward,
and they gathered all of the people together on that same day. They listed/wrote down the names of all the men who were at least 20 years old, and with their names they wrote the names of their clans and their family groups
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֨ת
כָּל
הָ/עֵדָ֜ה
הִקְהִ֗ילוּ
בְּ/אֶחָד֙
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
וַ/יִּתְיַֽלְד֥וּ
עַל
מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
לְ/בֵ֣ית
אֲבֹתָ֑/ם
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֣ר
שֵׁמ֗וֹת
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
שָׁנָ֛ה
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/אֵ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עֵדָ֜ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
הִקְהִ֗ילוּ
qâhal
H6950
to gather
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בְּ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
וַ/יִּתְיַֽלְד֥וּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fp | Suff
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲבֹתָ֑/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֣ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
Prep | N-ms
שֵׁמ֗וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָֽ/ם
gulgôleth
H1538
head
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 1:18
וְ/אֵ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עֵדָ֜ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
הִקְהִ֗ילוּ
qâhal
H6950
"to gather"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To gather people together, often for a special purpose like worship or war, as seen in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to assemble, gather 1a) (Niphal) to assemble 1a1) for religious reasons 1a2) for political reasons 1b) (Hiphil) to summon an assembly 1b1) for war, judgment 1b2) for religious purposes Also means: qa.lah (קָלַהּ "to gather" H7035)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 32:1; 2 Samuel 20:14; Jeremiah 26:9.
בְּ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
וַ/יִּתְיַֽלְד֥וּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲבֹתָ֑/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֣ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
שֵׁמ֗וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָֽ/ם
gulgôleth
H1538
"head"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word means 'head' or 'skull', often used to count people in a census. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Numbers 1:2, where God instructs Moses to take a census of the Israelites. The word can also refer to the skull as a physical part of the body.
Definition: 1) head, poll, skull 1a) skull 1b) head, poll (of census)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: head, every man, poll, skull. See also: Exodus 16:16; Numbers 3:47; 1 Chronicles 23:24.
Study Notes — Numbers 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
- Sermons on Numbers 1:18
Context — The Number of Every Tribe
16These men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel.
17So Moses and Aaron took these men who had been designated by name,
18and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation and recorded their ancestry by clans and families, counting one by one the names of those twenty years of age or older,
19just as the LORD had commanded Moses. So Moses numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai: 20From 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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 2:59 | The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: |
| 2 | Nehemiah 7:61 | The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: |
| 3 | Hebrews 7:3 | Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time. |
| 4 | Numbers 1:1 | On the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai. He said: |
| 5 | Hebrews 7:6 | But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. |
Numbers 1:18 Summary
This verse describes how Moses and Aaron gathered the Israelites and counted the men who were twenty years of age or older, which was a command from God. This was an important step in preparing the Israelites for their journey to the Promised Land, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:3. By counting and organizing the people, Moses and Aaron were able to determine the total number of men who could serve in the army, which was essential for their protection and success. This verse teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the value of organization and leadership, as seen in other Bible verses like Exodus 18:13-27, where Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advised him on how to lead the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the first day of the second month in Numbers 1:18?
The first day of the second month marks the beginning of the census, as instructed by God, to count the Israelites who were twenty years of age or older, similar to the instruction given in Exodus 30:11-16, where God commanded Moses to take a census of the people to atone for their souls.
Why did Moses and Aaron record the ancestry of the Israelites by clans and families?
Moses and Aaron recorded the ancestry of the Israelites to determine the total number of men twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, as seen in Numbers 1:20, which is in line with God's command to Moses in Numbers 1:2-3, to take a census of the men who could go to war.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Numbers?
This verse sets the stage for the book of Numbers, which focuses on the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, their obedience to God's commands, and their preparation for entering the Promised Land, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:3, which recounts the events that occurred during their journey.
What can we learn from the organization and leadership structure of the Israelites in this verse?
The organization and leadership structure of the Israelites, with leaders appointed from each tribe, demonstrates the importance of order, unity, and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 1:16, which highlights the role of leaders in the congregation, and is also reflected in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 12:28, where Paul discusses the importance of different roles and gifts within the church.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for order and organization within His people?
- How does the recording of ancestry by clans and families relate to our own understanding of our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of counting and recognizing the individual members of the congregation, as seen in this verse, to our own church or community?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of leadership and obedience to God's commands, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 1:18
And they assembled all the congregation together on the first [day] of the second month,.... The month Ijar, as the Targum of Jonathan, answering to part of April and May: this was done on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 1:18
These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
Numbers 1:18 And they assembled all the congregation together on the first [day] of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.Ver. 18. And they declared their pedigrees.] Which those that could not do, were cut out of the roll, capite diminuti, cashiered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
(18) Declared their pedigrees.—More literally, announced themselves as having been born—i.e., caused themselves to be enrolled. The people appear to have been enrolled by their polls, i.e., individually, under three heads—(1) according to the tribe to which they belonged; (2) according to the mishpahah, or family, which, as it appears from Numbers 3:22, included in some cases two or three thousand persons; and (3) according to their father’s house. The importance of this enrolment, as affording the means of tracing the genealogy of Christ, must not be overlooked. According to the number of the names.—The words are the same as in Numbers 1:2, and should be rendered in the same manner.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 1:18
17–46. The numbers ascertained by the census. There can be no doubt that the numbers given in chs. 1–3 and 26 are purely artificial. Gray (Numbers, pp. 10–15) shews that (1) they are impossible, (2) when compared with each other they yield absurd results, (3) they are inconsistent with numbers given in Hebrew literature earlier than P . (1) The number of male Israelites of fighting age is put at 603,550, which appears in round numbers as 600,000 in Numbers 11:21, Exodus 12:37. But the fighting men could form hardly more than a quarter of the whole; so that the population would reach a total of some 2¼ millions. The present population of the Sinaitic peninsula is estimated at from 4,000 to 6,000, and a body of over 2 million people could not find subsistence even if dispersed all over the peninsula. (2) The male first-born numbered 22,273 (Numbers 3:43); and it is fair to suppose that the number of families in which the first-born child was a female would be about the same, giving a total of some 44,546 families; in which case there was an average of about 50 children to a family. Again, from Numbers 3:12 we gather that the ‘first-born’ means the first-born of the mother, not the eldest son of a father who might have several wives. There were, therefore, 44,546 mothers.
But this number (assuming that the number of women over 20 years of age was the same as that of the men, i.e. 600,000) involves the extreme improbability that only 1 in 14 women over 20 years of age had any children. (3) According to Judges 5:8 the tribes of Benjamin, Ephraim. Manasseh, Naphtali, Zebulun and Issachar yielded only 40,000 persons, i.e. apparently fighting men. But in these six tribes the fighting men were 273,300 at the first census, and 301,000 at the second (Numbers 26). Again, in Judges 18 it is related that the Danites had no proper territory belonging to them; and therefore 600 armed men (obviously the greater part of the tribe) migrated to the north. But the fighting men of Dan numbered 62,700 at the first census, and 64,400 at the second. See, further, the additional note at the end of the chapter.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 1:18
18. Assembled all the congregation — Here literalists like Colenso find a difficulty so insuperable as to impeach the veracity of Moses.
Sermons on Numbers 1:18
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Our Daily Homily - Numbers by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of knowing our spiritual pedigree as children of God, drawing parallels from the genealogical records of Israel. He encourages believers to fin |
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Priests of God by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the priestly calling alongside the apostolic calling, highlighting the need for a deep sense of priestliness that is often lackin |
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The Wrath of God by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | The preacher delves into the significance of the terms 'Without father,' 'Without mother,' and 'Without genealogy' in Hebrews 7:3, focusing on Melchizedek's unique priesthood that |
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Christ a Priest After the Order of Melchizedek. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on Psalm 110:4, emphasizing that Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, distinct from the Levitical priesthood due to its imperfections. He i |
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Who Is Jesus? by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen discusses the logical impossibility of certain scenarios, such as the mating of different species, to emphasize the unique and miraculous nature of Jesus' conception a |
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Epistle 151 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the evolution of the apostles' preaching, starting with the proclamation of Christ's death and fulfillment of prophecy, moving to the revelation of Christ wit |
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The Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ by David Dunlap | David Dunlap addresses the subtle opposition to the nonnegotiable doctrine of the eternal Sonship of Christ, emphasizing the importance of defending this fundamental and serious do |