Num 1:19 as the LORD commanded Moses. So he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai.
Num 1:21 those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.
Num 1:23 those listed of the tribe of Simeon were 59,300.
Num 1:25 those listed of the tribe of Gad were 45,650.
Num 1:27 those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600.
Num 1:29 those listed of the tribe of Issachar were 54,400.
Num 1:31 those listed of the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400.
Num 1:33 those listed of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500.
Num 1:35 those listed of the tribe of Manasseh were 32,200.
Num 1:37 those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400.
Num 1:39 those listed of the tribe of Dan were 62,700.
Num 1:41 those listed of the tribe of Asher were 41,500.
Num 1:43 those listed of the tribe of Naphtali were 53,400. all those listed were 603,550.
The people were numbered to show God’s faithfulness in thus increasing the seed of Jacob, that they might be the better trained for the wars and conquest of Canaan, and to ascertain their families in order to the division of the land. It is said of each tribe, that those were numbered who were able to go forth to war; they had wars before them, though now they met with no opposition. (Henry)
There is nothing material to observe, or anything different from what is in these verses, but the particular sums of each tribe numbered in which may be observed the various increase of the tribes, agreeably to divine predictions, and according to the sovereign will and infinite wisdom of God. (Gill)
600,000 men of age for battle but not ready for battle. It would be another 38 years before they would step into battle and start to claim the Promised Land.
After we take inventory or thought to what we have we may think we are ready for something or to do something, Yet there is a timing of which God ordains as perfect. In this perfection is His purpose, will, plans, and timing. All of God’s plans and purposes are perfect. God can and does direct the paths of those called according to His purpose, of which, Honoring and Glorifying Jesus Christ is most certainly first. We come into all kinds of problems when we live apart from this purpose. Direction from God does not fall on deaf ears and hardened hearts of stone. Plans made in this state of neglect will be outside of His plans and purpose. Oh, they may seem like they are right and worthy, but are they of God’s direction? Only you know. You know if you are walking with God, living to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, growing and maturing in the knowledge of God’s Holiness and the sinfulness of sin, or if you are living apart from Him in a lukewarm commitment. You know if you are complacent, seeking more of the worldly than godly, letting the busyness of life consume your time and give you an excuse to be neglectful and complacent. You know.
