Numbers 1:40 - Of 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 who were able to go out to war;

Generated Verse: Numbers 1:40

What does "Numbers 1:40" mean?


This verse, Numbers 1:40, is part of a census taken in the Book of Numbers. It focuses on the tribe of Asher and is saying:

"Of the children of Asher..." This identifies the specific tribal group being counted: the descendants of Asher, one of Jacob's sons.
"...their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses..." This emphasizes the systematic and organized way the census was conducted. The people were counted according to their lineage, family groups, and ancestral homes. This demonstrates a deep connection to their heritage and kinship structures.
"...according to the number of the names..." Each individual was counted by name, signifying that this was a direct count of individuals, not just estimations.
"...from twenty years old and upward..." This specifies the age range of those being counted.
"...all who were able to go out to war;" This explains the purpose of the census. It was to determine the number of men of fighting age within the tribe. The count only included men of Asher who were physically fit and old enough to serve as soldiers in the Israelite army.

In essence, the verse is stating that the census of the tribe of Asher meticulously counted all men aged 20 and older who were fit for military service, organized by their family lineage.

This count was crucial for several reasons:

Military Strength: It provided an accurate assessment of the tribe's contribution to the overall Israelite military force.
Resource Allocation: Knowing the number of fighting men could influence the allocation of resources and responsibilities within the community.
Division of Land: It potentially played a role in the later division of the Promised Land, ensuring a fair distribution based on the tribe's size and strength.

In the broader context of the Book of Numbers, this census highlights the transition of the Israelites from a group of former slaves into an organized and structured nation, ready to take possession of their promised inheritance.

What categories does "Numbers 1:40" have?