Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Their Number Commencing

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The journey of the Israelites through the desert, following their miraculous exodus from Egypt, is a pivotal event in biblical history. This journey, which lasted forty years, is marked by divine guidance, covenantal developments, and significant challenges. The commencement of this journey is particularly noteworthy for the enumeration of the Israelites, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

The Census at Sinai

The Book of Numbers, aptly named for its detailed account of the census, begins with God commanding Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community. This census was conducted in the second year after the Israelites had left Egypt, while they were encamped at Mount Sinai. The purpose of this enumeration was to organize the people for their journey and to prepare them for potential military engagements as they entered the Promised Land.

Numbers 1:1-3 states: "The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt. He said: 'Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.'"

The Number of the Tribes

The census revealed the number of men eligible for military service from each tribe, excluding the Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties. The total number of men aged twenty and above, capable of bearing arms, was 603,550. This figure is significant as it provides insight into the size and strength of the Israelite community at the outset of their journey.

The numbers for each tribe were as follows:

· Reuben: 46,500
· Simeon: 59,300
· Gad: 45,650
· Judah: 74,600
· Issachar: 54,400
· Zebulun: 57,400
· Ephraim: 40,500
· Manasseh: 32,200
· Benjamin: 35,400
· Dan: 62,700
· Asher: 41,500
· Naphtali: 53,400

The Role of the Levites

The Levites were not included in the military census because of their unique role in the religious life of Israel. They were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they were to camp around the Tabernacle to protect the community from divine wrath. Numbers 1:47-50 explains: "The Levites, however, were not registered with the rest of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses. The LORD had said to Moses: 'Do not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. Instead, appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony—over all its furnishings and everything that belongs to it.'"

Significance of the Census

The census at the commencement of the Israelites' journey through the desert served multiple purposes. It was a practical measure for organizing the community and preparing for military encounters. It also underscored the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Furthermore, the census highlighted the distinct roles within the Israelite community, particularly the special status of the Levites.

The journey through the desert, beginning with this census, was a formative period for the Israelites. It was a time of testing, growth, and preparation as they moved towards the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land of Canaan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:37
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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King of Israel, the Messiah. ... and the actualization in him and through him of ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

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/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm