◄ Numbers 1:21 ►
those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.
Study Bible
those registered
The phrase "those registered" refers to the act of taking a census, which in Hebrew is "פָּקַד" (paqad). This term implies a careful accounting or mustering, often used in military contexts. The census was not merely a counting of people but a divine command to organize the Israelites for their journey and battles ahead. It underscores God's orderliness and His intimate knowledge of His people, as He knows each by name and number.

to the tribe of Reuben
The "tribe of Reuben" refers to the descendants of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son. Historically, Reuben's tribe held a significant position due to Reuben's birthright, although he lost his preeminence due to personal failings (Genesis 49:3-4). This tribe's mention here highlights the continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs and the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of the importance of lineage and heritage in God's plan.

numbered 46,500
The specific number "46,500" indicates the men of fighting age within the tribe of Reuben. This precise count reflects the meticulous nature of the census and God's attention to detail. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the strength and readiness of God's people to undertake the journey to the Promised Land. The large number also demonstrates God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promise to multiply Abraham's descendants. It serves as an encouragement that God equips His people for the tasks He sets before them, ensuring they are prepared for both physical and spiritual battles.

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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