This verse is part of a census being taken in the Book of Numbers, chapter 1. It specifies how the tribe of Zebulun is being counted. Let's break it down:
"Of the children of Zebulun..." This clearly identifies which tribal group the verse is referring to. Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from one of Jacob's sons.
"...their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses..." This indicates that the census is being organized in a very structured way: by generations (indicating descent), by families (smaller units within a tribe), and by fathers' houses (meaning the lineage traced through the head of each household). This hierarchical organization helped ensure that the census was accurate and accounted for everyone within the tribe.
"...according to the number of the names..." This means that each individual being counted was identified by their name. It emphasizes the individualized nature of the census and that each person was being taken into account.
"...from twenty years old and upward..." This sets the age requirement for inclusion in the census. Only men aged 20 and older were being counted.
"...all who were able to go out to war;" This explains why this specific group of people was being counted. The census was primarily concerned with determining the number of men in the tribe who were fit for military service. Counting the adult males capable of military service was crucial for understanding the tribe's potential contribution to the Israelite army, particularly as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land.
In summary, Numbers 1:30 describes the methodology for counting the men of the tribe of Zebulun who were 20 years old and older and fit for military duty. This census was important for assessing the military strength of each tribe as they prepared to conquer and settle the land of Canaan.
This verse is part of a census being taken in the Book of Numbers, chapter 1. It specifies how the tribe of Zebulun is being counted. Let's break it down:
"Of the children of Zebulun..." This clearly identifies which tribal group the verse is referring to. Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from one of Jacob's sons.
"...their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses..." This indicates that the census is being organized in a very structured way: by generations (indicating descent), by families (smaller units within a tribe), and by fathers' houses (meaning the lineage traced through the head of each household). This hierarchical organization helped ensure that the census was accurate and accounted for everyone within the tribe.
"...according to the number of the names..." This means that each individual being counted was identified by their name. It emphasizes the individualized nature of the census and that each person was being taken into account.
"...from twenty years old and upward..." This sets the age requirement for inclusion in the census. Only men aged 20 and older were being counted.
"...all who were able to go out to war;" This explains why this specific group of people was being counted. The census was primarily concerned with determining the number of men in the tribe who were fit for military service. Counting the adult males capable of military service was crucial for understanding the tribe's potential contribution to the Israelite army, particularly as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land.
In summary, Numbers 1:30 describes the methodology for counting the men of the tribe of Zebulun who were 20 years old and older and fit for military duty. This census was important for assessing the military strength of each tribe as they prepared to conquer and settle the land of Canaan.