Numbers 1:28 Study Bible: Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

◄ Numbers 1:28 ►

From the sons of Issachar, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Study Bible

From the sons of Issachar
The phrase "from the sons of Issachar" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The Hebrew root for Issachar is "Yissaskar," which means "there is recompense." Historically, the tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). This highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership and service to God.

their genealogies according to their clans and families
This phrase emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community. The Hebrew word for "genealogies" is "toledot," which signifies generations or descendants. The meticulous recording of genealogies underscores the value placed on family and tribal identity, reflecting God's covenantal promises to Abraham and his descendants. It also serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's faithfulness through generations.

those numbered individually by name
The act of numbering "individually by name" signifies the personal value and accountability of each member within the tribe. In Hebrew, the word for "numbered" is "paqad," which can also mean to visit or to appoint. This suggests a divine appointment and recognition of each individual's role and contribution to the community. It reflects the biblical principle that God knows each of us by name and values our unique contributions to His kingdom.

every male twenty years of age or older
The specification of "every male twenty years of age or older" indicates the age of maturity and readiness for military service. In ancient Israel, twenty was considered the age of full adulthood and responsibility. This age requirement underscores the importance of maturity and preparedness in serving God and defending the community. It also reflects the biblical theme of growth and development in one's spiritual journey.

everyone who could serve in the army
The phrase "everyone who could serve in the army" highlights the communal responsibility of defense and protection. The Hebrew word for "serve" is "tsaba," which means to wage war or to serve in a military capacity. This reflects the reality of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and the need for readiness to face external threats. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for the Christian's call to be prepared for spiritual warfare, standing firm in faith and truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sons of Issachar
This refers to the descendants of Issachar, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose tribe was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times.

2. Genealogies
The record of lineage and family history, which was crucial for establishing identity and inheritance among the Israelites.

3. Clans and Families
The subdivisions within the tribe of Issachar, indicating the importance of family structure and community in Israelite society.

4. Twenty Years of Age or Older
This age was significant as it marked the eligibility for military service, reflecting the readiness and responsibility expected of young men in Israel.

5. Army Service
The context of this verse is a census for military purposes, highlighting the organization and preparedness of the Israelites as they journeyed towards the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Understanding Our Heritage
Just as the Israelites valued genealogies, Christians should understand their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
The census for military service reminds believers of the need to be spiritually prepared and equipped for the battles they face in life.

Wisdom and Discernment
Like the sons of Issachar, Christians are called to understand the times and discern God’s will in their lives and communities.

Community and Accountability
The structure of clans and families underscores the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ.

Age and Responsibility
The age of military service reflects the transition to responsibility and service, encouraging young believers to step into roles of leadership and service in the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence our identity and purpose today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we face, drawing parallels from the military census in Numbers 1:28?

3. How can we, like the sons of Issachar, develop wisdom and discernment to understand the times and make godly decisions?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual growth, and how can we foster accountability within our church families?

5. How can young believers be encouraged to take on responsibilities and serve within the church, reflecting the readiness seen in those counted for military service?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:14-15
This passage provides insight into the character and future of the tribe of Issachar, as prophesied by Jacob.

1 Chronicles 12:32
This verse highlights the sons of Issachar as men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, emphasizing their wisdom and strategic importance.

Deuteronomy 20:1-4
These verses discuss the laws concerning warfare, providing context for the military census and the role of faith in battle.

Sermons

The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church Militant	W. Jones.	Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of War	H. 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

Able, Army, Births, Clans, Families, Fathers, Forth, Genealogical, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Issachar, Is'sachar, Listed, Male, Military, Names, Numbered, Records, Registration, Serve, Service, Sons, Twenty, Upward, War

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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