Old Testament

Numbers 1:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Numbers 1:21, the focus is on the tribe of Reuben, which is one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written: Around 1400 BC
Genre: Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience: The Israelites in the wilderness

CBTClear Bible Translation

The tribe of Reuben totaled 46,500.

KJVKing James Version

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Numbers 1:21, the focus is on the tribe of Reuben, which is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse states that the total number of men in this tribe who were able to serve in the army was 46,500. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The counting of the tribes was significant for military and logistical purposes, ensuring that each tribe was represented and could contribute to the defense and governance of the nation. The number reflects not only the size of the tribe but also God's faithfulness in multiplying the descendants of Jacob, as Reuben was the firstborn son. This verse highlights the importance of community and collective identity among the Israelites, as they were to function as a unified nation under God's guidance.

Key themes

Census

Related Bible verses

How to apply Numbers 1:21 to your life

Understanding the significance of community and organization can help us in our own lives. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized, we too can recognize the value of working together in our communities. This encourages us to support one another and contribute to a common purpose, reflecting unity and strength.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 1:21 say about the tribe of Reuben?

Numbers 1:21 states that the tribe of Reuben had a total of 46,500 men who were able to serve in the army. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, highlighting the tribe's size and importance in the community.

Why was the census of the tribes important in Numbers?

The census in Numbers was crucial for military and logistical organization as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. It ensured that each tribe was accounted for and could contribute to the defense and governance of the nation, reflecting their collective identity and strength.

What does the number 46,500 signify in the context of Reuben?

The number 46,500 signifies the size of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. It reflects God's faithfulness in multiplying Jacob's descendants and emphasizes the tribe's role in the larger community of Israel as they organized for their journey.

How can we apply the lessons from Numbers 1:21 to our lives today?

We can apply the lessons from Numbers 1:21 by recognizing the importance of community and organization in our own lives. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized, we should value working together in our communities, supporting one another, and contributing to a common purpose.

Book Summary

The Book of Numbers

Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders

The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

The tribe of Levi is not numbered with the others. The Levites are appointed over the tabernacle of testimony, its furniture, and everything that belongs to it. They are to carry it, set it up, take it down, and camp around it so wrath does not come on the congregation, while the other tribes camp by their own standards. Numbers 2: Camp Arrangement and Marching Order The LORD assigns the layout of Israel's camp around the tabernacle, with each tribe grouped under its standard. On the east side, Judah camps with Issachar and Zebulun, led by Nahshon, with a stated count for each tribe and a total for that side. On the south side, Reuben camps with Simeon and Gad, led by Elizur, with counts and a total. On the west side, Ephraim camps with Manasseh and Benjamin, led by Elishama, with counts and a total. On the north side, Dan camps with Asher and Naphtali, led by Ahiezer, with counts and a total. The Levites camp around the tabernacle in the center, and when Israel moves, the groups set out in the same order as they camp. Numbers 3: Levites Assigned and Firstborn Counted The record identifies Moses and Aaron and Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu die before the LORD when they offer "strange fire," and Eleazar and Ithamar serve as priests under Aaron. The LORD sets the tribe of Levi apart, placing them under Aaron to serve in the tabernacle work on behalf of the children of Israel.

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