All 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.

NUMBERS 2:31KJV
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Numbers 2:31 (KJV)

What does Numbers 2:31 mean?

Numbers 2:31 states that the total number of people counted in the camp of Dan was 157,600, and that this group was assigned to travel last, following their own tribal banners. This verse describes the organization and order of the Israelite tribes as they journeyed through the wilderness.

In context, God is giving Moses instructions about how the Israelites should camp and travel. Each tribe had a specific place and order, and the tribe of Dan, along with the tribes assigned to its camp, was to bring up the rear. The verse emphasizes the careful structure and leadership God provided for the people during their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 2:31

  • "Camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word refers to the organized encampment or group of tribes. Here, it highlights the structured, communal aspect of Israel’s journey.
  • "Hindmost" (אַחֲרוֹן, acharon): This word means "last" or "at the rear." It shows that Dan’s camp was intentionally placed at the back, which may have had practical or protective reasons.
  • "Standards" (דֶּגֶל, degel): This term means a banner or flag representing each tribe. It points to the visible identity and unity of each group as they traveled.

Why Numbers 2:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites did not travel as a chaotic crowd but in a well-organized formation, with each tribe having a specific role and position.
  • The mention of Dan’s camp being "hindmost" shows that every tribe, even those at the rear, had an important part in the community’s journey.
  • The detailed numbering and arrangement connect to the broader themes in Numbers of order, leadership, and God’s care for the people as they moved toward the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“standards” Hebrew H1714 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 1:52 And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
  • Numbers 2:17 Then 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.
  • Numbers 10:14 In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

“hindmost” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:27 For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
  • Psalms 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“go” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.