Numbers 1:28 Study Bible: Of the children of Issachar, 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;

◄ Numbers 1:28 ►

From the sons of Issachar, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Study Bible

From the sons of Issachar
The tribe of Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. Issachar is often associated with wisdom and understanding, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:32, where the men of Issachar are described as having understanding of the times. This tribe was known for its agricultural prowess, as their territory was fertile and conducive to farming.

According to the records of their clans and families
The organization of the tribes into clans and families reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. This system ensured that lineage and inheritance were clearly defined, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and land ownership. The records were likely kept meticulously, as seen in other parts of the Pentateuch, to ensure accurate genealogical and census data.

Counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was significant in Israelite culture as it marked the transition to adulthood and eligibility for military service. This age requirement is consistent throughout the census instructions in the Book of Numbers. It reflects the importance of readiness for battle in a time when the Israelites were preparing to enter and conquer the Promised Land.

Who could serve in the army
Military service was a key responsibility for the men of Israel, as they were tasked with defending their people and securing the land promised to them by God. This phrase underscores the necessity of a strong and organized military force. The concept of serving in the army also has spiritual implications, as it symbolizes the readiness and willingness to fight for God's purposes, drawing parallels to the New Testament call for Christians to be soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sons of Issachar
This refers to the descendants of Issachar, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose tribe was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times.

2. Genealogies
The record of lineage and family history, which was crucial for establishing identity and inheritance among the Israelites.

3. Clans and Families
The subdivisions within the tribe of Issachar, indicating the importance of family structure and community in Israelite society.

4. Twenty Years of Age or Older
This age was significant as it marked the eligibility for military service, reflecting the readiness and responsibility expected of young men in Israel.

5. Army Service
The context of this verse is a census for military purposes, highlighting the organization and preparedness of the Israelites as they journeyed towards the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Understanding Our Heritage
Just as the Israelites valued genealogies, Christians should understand their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
The census for military service reminds believers of the need to be spiritually prepared and equipped for the battles they face in life.

Wisdom and Discernment
Like the sons of Issachar, Christians are called to understand the times and discern God’s will in their lives and communities.

Community and Accountability
The structure of clans and families underscores the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ.

Age and Responsibility
The age of military service reflects the transition to responsibility and service, encouraging young believers to step into roles of leadership and service in the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence our identity and purpose today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we face, drawing parallels from the military census in Numbers 1:28?

3. How can we, like the sons of Issachar, develop wisdom and discernment to understand the times and make godly decisions?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual growth, and how can we foster accountability within our church families?

5. How can young believers be encouraged to take on responsibilities and serve within the church, reflecting the readiness seen in those counted for military service?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:14-15
This passage provides insight into the character and future of the tribe of Issachar, as prophesied by Jacob.

1 Chronicles 12:32
This verse highlights the sons of Issachar as men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, emphasizing their wisdom and strategic importance.

Deuteronomy 20:1-4
These verses discuss the laws concerning warfare, providing context for the military census and the role of faith in battle.

Sermons

The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church Militant	W. Jones.	Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of War	H. W. Beecher.	Numbers 1:20-46

People

Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai

Places

Egypt, Sinai

Topics

Able, Army, Births, Clans, Families, Fathers, Forth, Genealogical, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Issachar, Is'sachar, Listed, Male, Military, Names, Numbered, Records, Registration, Serve, Service, Sons, Twenty, Upward, War

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Numbers 1:1-49

5249 census

Numbers 1:20-43

7266 tribes of Israel

Library

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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