Numbers 1:39 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:39 mean?

Numbers 1:39 reports the total number of men from the tribe of Dan who were counted in the census: 62,700. This verse is part of a detailed record showing how many men from each tribe of Israel were available for military service as the people prepared to travel through the wilderness.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recording the results of a census that God commanded. The focus is on counting men who could serve in Israel’s army, specifically those twenty years old and older. This verse highlights the size of the tribe of Dan, showing it as one of the larger tribes among the Israelites at this point in their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:39

• "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means to count, appoint, or muster. In this context, it emphasizes an official, organized counting for a specific purpose—military readiness.
• "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This term refers to a branch or division within Israel, often used for the twelve tribes descended from Jacob’s sons. It underscores the tribal structure of Israel’s society.
• "Dan" (דָּן, Dan): This is the name of one of Jacob’s sons and the tribe descended from him. The mention here identifies which group is being counted.
• "threescore" (שִׁשִּׁים, shishim), "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph), "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva), "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah): These are the Hebrew words for the numbers 60, 2, 1,000, 7, and 100, respectively. The specific listing shows the careful, precise nature of the census.

Why Numbers 1:39 matters

• Numbers 1:39 helps clarify that the census was thorough and organized, with each tribe’s numbers recorded separately, showing the importance of order in Israel’s community life.
• The verse highlights the significant size of the tribe of Dan, which would have implications for their role and influence among the Israelites during their journey and later settlement.
• By connecting this verse to the broader context of Numbers 1, readers can see how the census prepared Israel for both travel and defense, emphasizing the practical steps taken as they followed God’s instructions.