Numbers 1:44 states: "These are those who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: they were each one for his fathers’ house."
This verse is summarizing the census that Moses and Aaron conducted, assisted by twelve princes (one from each tribe). Let's break down the meaning:
"These are those who were counted...": This refers back to the total number of Israelite men, twenty years old and older, who were fit for military service.
"...whom Moses and Aaron counted...": Moses and Aaron were specifically appointed by God to oversee this census.
"...and the princes of Israel, being twelve men...": These princes represented each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They assisted Moses and Aaron in identifying and counting the men of their respective tribes.
"...they were each one for his fathers’ house.": This means that each of the twelve princes represented their ancestral tribe or clan. Their role was to ensure that the census accurately reflected the number of eligible men within their own tribal lineage. "Father's house" is a common term in the Old Testament for an extended family or clan unit.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the systematic and organized nature of the census. It highlights that it was a collaborative effort, led by Moses and Aaron, with the princes representing the interests and accurately accounting for the men within their respective tribal houses. It shows that each tribe had representation in this important undertaking, ensuring a fair and accurate count of the fighting men of Israel.
Numbers 1:44 states: "These are those who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: they were each one for his fathers’ house."
This verse is summarizing the census that Moses and Aaron conducted, assisted by twelve princes (one from each tribe). Let's break down the meaning:
"These are those who were counted...": This refers back to the total number of Israelite men, twenty years old and older, who were fit for military service.
"...whom Moses and Aaron counted...": Moses and Aaron were specifically appointed by God to oversee this census.
"...and the princes of Israel, being twelve men...": These princes represented each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They assisted Moses and Aaron in identifying and counting the men of their respective tribes.
"...they were each one for his fathers’ house.": This means that each of the twelve princes represented their ancestral tribe or clan. Their role was to ensure that the census accurately reflected the number of eligible men within their own tribal lineage. "Father's house" is a common term in the Old Testament for an extended family or clan unit.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the systematic and organized nature of the census. It highlights that it was a collaborative effort, led by Moses and Aaron, with the princes representing the interests and accurately accounting for the men within their respective tribal houses. It shows that each tribe had representation in this important undertaking, ensuring a fair and accurate count of the fighting men of Israel.