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 descendants of ReubenThe phrase "From the descendants of Reuben" refers to the tribe of Reuben, named after Jacob's firstborn son. In Hebrew, Reuben means "behold, a son," reflecting Leah's hope for Jacob's love. Reuben's tribe held a significant position as the firstborn, yet historically, they lost their preeminence due to Reuben's transgression against his father ( Genesis 35:22). This serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity and honor in one's family and community. the firstborn son of Israel
Reuben, as the "firstborn son of Israel," held a position of privilege and responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and leadership within the family. However, Reuben's actions led to a loss of these privileges, illustrating the biblical principle that spiritual and moral integrity outweighs birthright and position. This underscores the importance of living a life that honors God, regardless of one's status or heritage. their genealogies according to their clans and families
The phrase "their genealogies according to their clans and families" highlights the importance of lineage and identity within the Israelite community. Genealogies were meticulously recorded to establish tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. This practice ensured the preservation of Israel's identity and heritage, emphasizing the value of community and continuity in God's covenantal plan. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people through generations. every man twenty years of age or older
The specification "every man twenty years of age or older" indicates the age of military service eligibility. In ancient Israel, reaching the age of twenty marked a transition into adulthood and the responsibilities that came with it, including defending the nation. This age requirement underscores the biblical principle of maturity and readiness for service, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a call for believers to be prepared and equipped for the spiritual battles they face in their own lives. who could serve in the army
The phrase "who could serve in the army" reflects the practical need for a capable and organized military force to protect and advance the nation of Israel. In a broader spiritual sense, it symbolizes the call for believers to be part of God's army, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This call to service is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance, courage, and reliance on God's strength in the believer's life. 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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