Reading Plan · Day 39
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Numbers 1-3
Day 39
About Numbers
The Book of Numbers was the fourth book of the Old Testament. The name of this book in Hebrew was Bəmidbar which literally meant "in the desert of." This book continued the narrative from the end of the Book of Exodus and documented the forty years between Israel being given the Law and their entry into the Promised Land. There were three main parts to this book. The first nine chapters covered the numbering of Israel and preparations to continue their journey to the Promised Land. The next twelve chapters documented their journey to the Promised Land and exile into the desert for forty years. The final fifteen chapters documented the events that occurred before crossing the Jordan River.
Day 39 Read
Where You Stopped
Numbers 1
Commentary · verses 1-3
1And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, every male, by their polls; 3from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall number them by their hosts.
1And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
2Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
3From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
Commentary · verse 3
God told Moses to number the males who were twenty years old and up and able to go to war.
Commentary · verses 4-16
Verses 4-16: the heads of the tribes.
4And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of his fathers’ house.
5And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you. Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.
6Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
7Of Judah: Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
8Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.
9Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.
10Of the children of Joseph: Of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud. Of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
11Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.
12Of Dan: Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
13Of Asher: Pagiel the son of Ochran.
14Of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
15Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan.
16These are they that were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
4And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
5And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
6Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
7Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
8Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
9Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
10Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
11Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.
12Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
13Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.
14Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
15Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.
16These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
Commentary · verse 16
The head man (elder) from each tribe accompanied Moses during the numbering. Remember, Levi was not represented and Joseph was represented by two tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh.
17And Moses and Aaron took these men that are mentioned by name: 18and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
19As Jehovah commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
17And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by their names:
18And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
19As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
Commentary · verses 17-19
As God commanded, they were numbered in the wilderness.
Commentary · verses 20-21
Verses 20-21: Reuben.
20And the children of Reuben, Israel’s first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 21those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
20And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
21Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 21
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Verses 22-23: Simeon.
22Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those that were numbered thereof, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 23those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
22Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
23Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Commentary · verse 23
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Simeon numbered 59,300.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Verses 24-25: Gad.
24Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 25those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.
24Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
25Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.
Commentary · verse 25
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Gad numbered 45,650.
Commentary · verses 26-27
Verses 26-27: Judah.
26Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 27those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
26Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
27Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
Commentary · verse 27
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.
Commentary · verses 28-29
Verses 28-29: Issachar.
28Of 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 that were able to go forth to war; 29those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
28Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
29Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 29
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400.
Commentary · verses 30-31
Verses 30-31: Zebulun.
30Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 31those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
30Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
31Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 31
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Zebulun numbered 57,400.
Commentary · verses 32-33
Verses 32-33: Ephraim.
32Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 33those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
32Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
33Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 33
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Ephraim (of Joseph) numbered 40,500.
Commentary · verses 34-35
Verses 34-35: Manasseh.
34Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 35those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
34Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
35Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
Commentary · verse 35
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Manasseh (of Joseph) numbered 32,200.
Commentary · verses 36-37
Verses 36-37: Benjamin.
36Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 37those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
36Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
37Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 37
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Benjamin numbered 35,400.
Commentary · verses 38-39
Verses 38-39: Dan.
38Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 39those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
38Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
39Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
Commentary · verse 39
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700.
Commentary · verses 40-41
Verses 40-41: Asher.
40Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 41those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
40Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
41Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 41
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500.
Commentary · verses 42-43
Verses 42-43: Naphtali.
42Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 43those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
42Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
43Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 43
The males twenty years old and up in the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400.
Commentary · verses 44-46
Verses 44-46: Summary of census.
44These are they that were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: they were each one for his fathers’ house.
45So all they that were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel; 46even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
44These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.
45So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel;
46Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
Commentary · verse 46
All that were numbered twenty years old and up were 603,550.
47But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
47But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
Commentary · verse 47
The Levites were not numbered.
48For Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 49Only the tribe of Levi thou shalt not number, neither shalt thou take the sum of them among the children of Israel; 50but appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all the furniture thereof, and over all that belongeth to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the furniture thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
48For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,
49Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
50But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
Commentary · verses 48-50
The Levites were in charge of the tabernacle and everything in it. This responsibility took precedence to them going to war.
51And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
51And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Commentary · verse 51
The Levites set up and took down the tabernacle when they were on the move. Any stranger that went near it would be put to death.
52And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their hosts.
53But the Levites shall encamp round about the tabernacle of the testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.
52And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
53But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Commentary · verses 52-53
The Levites made their camp around the tabernacle so that no wrath from God would come upon the Israelites.
54Thus did the children of Israel; according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so did they.
54And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.
Where You Stopped
Numbers 2
1And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2The children of Israel shall encamp every man by his own standard, with the ensigns of their fathers’ houses: over against the tent of meeting shall they encamp round about.
1And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
2Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.
Commentary · verses 1-2
When the Israelites made camp, each tribe was assigned their own area distinguished by their tribe's standard (banner/flag). They were instructed to make their camps "over against" the tent of meeting/tabernacle. "Over against" was translated to "far off" in the KJV. They were not supposed to camp near the tabernacle.
Commentary · verses 3-9
Verses 3-9: Those camped to the east of the tabernacle.
3And those that encamp on the east side toward the sunrising shall be they of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their hosts: and the prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
4And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
3And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.
4And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
Commentary · verse 4
Judah made their camp on the east side of the tabernacle.
5And those that encamp next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and the prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar.
6And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
5And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.
6And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 6
Issachar camped next to Judah.
7And the tribe of Zebulun: and the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon.
8And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
7Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.
8And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 8
Zebulun camped next to Judah.
9All that were numbered of the camp of Judah were a hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, according to their hosts. They shall set forth first.
9All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.
Commentary · verse 9
Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped on the east side of the tabernacle. These were Leah's fourth, fifth, and sixth sons. The number of these three tribes was 186,400. These tribes led the way whenever Israel would move. Remember, Leah's first three sons all committed a grievous act.
Commentary · verses 10-16
Verses 10-16: Those camped to the south of the tabernacle.
10On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their hosts: and the prince of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
11And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
10On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
11And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 11
Reuben, Leah's and Jacob's eldest son, made their camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
12And those that encamp next unto him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
13And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
12And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
13And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Commentary · verse 13
Simeon, Leah's and Jacob's second oldest son, camped next to Reuben.
14And the tribe of Gad: and the prince of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
15And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.
14Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
15And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.
Commentary · verse 15
Gad, born of Leah's handmaid, camped next to Reuben.
16All that were numbered of the camp of Reuben were a hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, according to their hosts. And they shall set forth second.
16All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.
Commentary · verse 16
Reuben, Simeon, and Gad camped on the south side of the tabernacle. The number of these three tribes was 151,450. They, the two eldest sons, traveled second, behind Leah's youngest sons.
17Then the tent of meeting shall set forward, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place, by their standards.
17Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.
Commentary · verse 17
The Levites, Leah's third oldest son, were in the middle of the camps.
Commentary · verses 18-24
Verses 18-24: Those camped to the west of the tabernacle.
18On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their hosts: and the prince of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
19And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.
18On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
19And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 19
Ephraim made their camp on the west side of the tabernacle.
20And next unto him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the prince of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
21And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
20And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
21And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
Commentary · verse 21
Manasseh camped next to Ephraim.
22And the tribe of Benjamin: and the prince of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.
23And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
22Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.
23And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 23
Benjamin camped next to Ephraim.
24All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were a hundred thousand and eight thousand and a hundred, according to their hosts. And they shall set forth third.
24All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.
Commentary · verse 24
Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin camped on the west side of the tabernacle. The number of these three tribes was 108,100. These represent Rachel's sons...and Jacob's youngest sons. They traveled third.
Commentary · verses 25-31
Verses 25-31: Those camped to the north of the tabernacle.
25On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their hosts: and the prince of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
26And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
25The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
26And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
Commentary · verse 26
Dan made their camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
27And those that encamp next unto him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the prince of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ochran.
28And his hosts, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
27And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.
28And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Commentary · verse 28
Asher camped next to Dan.
29And the tribe of Naphtali: and the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.
30And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
29Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.
30And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
Commentary · verse 30
Naphtali camped next to Dan.
31All that were numbered of the camp of Dan were a hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall set forth hindmost by their standards.
31All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.
Commentary · verse 31
Dan, Asher, and Naphtali camped on the north side of the tabernacle. The number of these three tribes was 157,600. Dan and Naphtali were Jacob's sons by Rachel's handmaid. Asher was Jacob's other son by Leah's handmaid. They traveled last. Notice, all of Rachel's and her handmaid's children traveled after the Levites.
32These are they that were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses: all that were numbered of the camps according to their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
32These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
Commentary · verse 32
The total number was 603,550. These were the men available to fight.
33But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
34Thus did the children of Israel; according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set forward, every one by their families, according to their fathers’ houses.
33But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
34And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.
Where You Stopped
Numbers 3
Commentary · verses 1-51
This chapter covered the numbering of the Levites.
1Now these are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Jehovah spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
2And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office.
4And Nadab and Abihu died before Jehovah, when they offered strange fire before Jehovah, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children; and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father.
5And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 6Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
1These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
2And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office.
4And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.
5And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
6Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
Commentary · verses 1-6
The Levites were presented before Aaron so that they could minister to him.
7And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.
8And they shall keep all the furniture of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
9And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him on the behalf of the children of Israel.
7And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.
8And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
9And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
Commentary · verses 7-9
The Levites were wholly given to Aaron.
10And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
11And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 12And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the first-born that openeth the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:
10And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
11And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
12And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;
Commentary · verses 10-12
The Levites were given to Aaron instead of all the firstborn. God said the Levites "shall be Mine."
13for all the first-born are mine; on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am Jehovah.
13Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.
Commentary · verses 14-20
Verses 14-20: the command to number the Levites.
14And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15Number the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
14And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
15Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Commentary · verse 15
The Levites were numbered by males from a month old and up.
16And Moses numbered them according to the word of Jehovah, as he was commanded.
17And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
16And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded.
17And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
Commentary · verse 17
Levi had three sons. The Levites were separated by the descendants of these three sons.
18And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
19And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
20And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.
18And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
19And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
20And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
Commentary · verses 21-26
Verses 21-26: the family of Gershon.
21Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
22Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
23The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward.
21Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
22Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
23The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
Commentary · verse 23
The Gershonites numbered 7,500 males one month old and older. They camped to the west of the tabernacle, with Rachel's (and Joseph's) sons.
24And the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
25And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting shall be the tabernacle, and the Tent, the covering thereof, and the screen for the door of the tent of meeting, 26and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
24And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
25And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
26And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
Commentary · verses 27-32
Verses 27-32: the family of Kohath.
27And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
28According to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
29The families of the sons of Kohath shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle southward.
27And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
28In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
29The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.
Commentary · verse 29
The Kohathites numbered 8,600 males one month and older. They camped to the south of the tabernacle, with Leah's sons that were second in the procession.
30And the prince of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof.
32And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
30And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
32And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Commentary · verses 33-37
Verses 33-37: the family of Merari.
33Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
34And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
35And the prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: they shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle northward.
33Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
34And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
35And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
Commentary · verse 35
The families of Merari numbered 6,200 males one month and older. They camped to the north of the tabernacle, with Rachel's handmaid's sons that were the last in the procession.
36And the appointed charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the instruments thereof, and all the service thereof, 37and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
38And those that encamp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
36And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,
37And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
38But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Commentary · verse 38
Moses, Aaron and his sons set their camp to the east of the tabernacle, with Leah's sons that led the procession.
39All that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of Jehovah, by their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
39All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
Commentary · verse 39
All that were numbered of the Levites from one month old and up were 22,000.
40And Jehovah said unto Moses, Number all the first-born males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
40And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
Commentary · verse 40
The Lord told Moses to number all the firstborn of Israel from a month old and up.
41And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am Jehovah) instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
42And Moses numbered, as Jehovah commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel.
43And all the first-born males according to the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
41And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
42And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
43And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
Commentary · verses 41-43
All that were numbered of the firstborn of Israel from one month old and up were 22,273.
44And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 45Take the Levites instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am Jehovah.
46And for the redemption of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the first-born of the children of Israel, that are over and above the number of the Levites, 47thou shalt take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs): 48and thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
49And Moses took the redemption-money from them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites; 50from the first-born of the children of Israel took he the money, a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 51and Moses gave the redemption-money unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of Jehovah, as Jehovah commanded Moses.
44And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
45Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
46And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
47Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
48And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
49And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:
50Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
51And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Commentary · verses 44-51
Since there were more firstborn than Levites, the surplus was redeemed and given to Aaron and his sons.
Commentary · verse 51
This day's reading covered the initial numbering of Israel when they came out of Egypt, the situation and responsibilities of each tribe of Israel, and the numbering of the Levites.
Verses 1-3: the purpose of the census.