◄ Numbers 1:29 ►
those registered to the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400.
Study Bible
those registered
The phrase "those registered" refers to the act of taking a census, which was a significant event in the life of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "registered" is "paqad," which means to count, number, or muster. This census was not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a divinely commanded task to organize the people for their journey and battles ahead. It underscores the importance of order and preparation in the life of faith, reminding believers that God values structure and accountability within His community.

to the tribe of Issachar
The "tribe of Issachar" is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, Issachar is known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. This tribe's role in the census highlights the unique contributions and characteristics of each tribe within the larger community of Israel. It serves as a reminder that each believer has a distinct role and purpose within the body of Christ, contributing to the whole with their God-given gifts and insights.

numbered 54,400
The specific number "54,400" reflects the size and strength of the tribe of Issachar at the time of the census. In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers often held symbolic significance, and large numbers like this one indicated a tribe's capacity for military strength and influence. This figure demonstrates God's blessing and provision for the tribe, ensuring they were equipped for the challenges ahead. For contemporary believers, it is a testament to God's faithfulness in equipping His people for their spiritual journey and battles, providing them with the necessary resources and strength to fulfill their divine calling.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Issachar
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe is known for its agricultural prowess and wisdom.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who, under God's command, conducted the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness.

3. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census was conducted, a significant place in Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

4. Census
The event of counting the Israelite men able to go to war, as commanded by God, to organize the community and prepare for future challenges.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were being prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Organization
The census reflects God's order and structure for His people. It teaches us the importance of organization and preparation in our spiritual and daily lives.

Significance of Each Tribe
Every tribe, including Issachar, had a role in God's plan. This reminds us that each believer has a unique purpose and contribution to the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The specific number of 54,400 shows God's attention to detail. We are encouraged to be faithful in the small things, trusting that God sees and values them.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
The census was for military preparation. Similarly, we must be spiritually prepared for the battles we face, equipped with God's Word and prayer.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the census of the tribe of Issachar teach us about the importance of community and accountability within the church?

2. How can we apply the principle of God's order and organization in our personal and church lives today?

3. In what ways does understanding the role of each tribe in Israel help us appreciate the diversity and unity within the body of Christ?

4. How can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared for the challenges and battles we face in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when being faithful in small details led to a greater understanding or blessing in your spiritual journey. How can this encourage you to continue being diligent in the little things?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:14-15
Jacob's blessing to Issachar, describing him as a strong donkey, which can be connected to the tribe's strength and numbers.

1 Chronicles 7:1-5
Provides additional genealogical information about the tribe of Issachar, showing their growth and significance in Israel.

Revelation 7:7
Mentions the tribe of Issachar as part of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel, indicating their continued importance in God's plan.
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
54, 400, Fifty-four, Hundred, Issachar, Is'sachar, Numbered, Ones, 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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