Numbers 1:20 - The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
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What does "Numbers 1:20" mean?
This verse from Numbers 1:20 is a specific instruction related to a census being taken of the Israelite tribes. Let's break it down:
"The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn..." This identifies the specific group being counted: the descendants of Reuben, who was the firstborn son of Jacob (Israel). This seemingly important status of firstborn is somewhat complicated; Reuben lost some of his privileges due to his actions later in the story (see Genesis 49:3-4).
"...their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses..." This describes how the census was organized. It wasn't just a head count. People were counted within their family units (generations) grouped into larger family clans (father's houses). This emphasized kinship and tribal structure.
"...according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward..." This is the core instruction about who to count. The men were counted individually by name. Only males age 20 and older were included.
"...all who were able to go out to war;" This clarifies why this specific group was being counted. The census was taken to determine the number of men of fighting age. This suggests that the purpose was for military organization or assessment of military strength.
In essence, this verse describes the beginning of a military census of the tribe of Reuben. It specifies that all able-bodied men aged 20 and up were counted and recorded by name within their family groups. The census was for military purposes, likely to determine the strength and organization of the Israelite army.
Numbers 1:20 - The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
What does "Numbers 1:20" mean?
This verse from Numbers 1:20 is a specific instruction related to a census being taken of the Israelite tribes. Let's break it down:
"The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn..." This identifies the specific group being counted: the descendants of Reuben, who was the firstborn son of Jacob (Israel). This seemingly important status of firstborn is somewhat complicated; Reuben lost some of his privileges due to his actions later in the story (see Genesis 49:3-4).
"...their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses..." This describes how the census was organized. It wasn't just a head count. People were counted within their family units (generations) grouped into larger family clans (father's houses). This emphasized kinship and tribal structure.
"...according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward..." This is the core instruction about who to count. The men were counted individually by name. Only males age 20 and older were included.
"...all who were able to go out to war;" This clarifies why this specific group was being counted. The census was taken to determine the number of men of fighting age. This suggests that the purpose was for military organization or assessment of military strength.
In essence, this verse describes the beginning of a military census of the tribe of Reuben. It specifies that all able-bodied men aged 20 and up were counted and recorded by name within their family groups. The census was for military purposes, likely to determine the strength and organization of the Israelite army.