From the sons of Zebulun, 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, From the sons of ZebulunZebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's tenth son, Zebulun. This tribe was known for its maritime activities, as suggested in Genesis 49:13, where Jacob prophesies that Zebulun will "live by the seashore and become a haven for ships." The tribe's territory was located in the northern part of Israel, which included fertile land conducive to agriculture and trade. Zebulun's role in the census highlights its importance in the military and social structure of Israel. According to the records of their clans and families
The organization into clans and families reflects the tribal structure of ancient Israel, which was patriarchal and kinship-based. This structure was crucial for maintaining order and identity among the Israelites. The records were likely kept meticulously, as seen in other parts of the Pentateuch, to ensure accurate representation and accountability. This system also underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. Counting the names of all those
The act of counting names indicates a formal census, which was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures for administrative and military purposes. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron, emphasizing divine order and preparation for the Israelites' journey and conquest of the Promised Land. It also reflects the importance of each individual within the community, as each name counted contributed to the collective strength of the nation. Twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was considered the age of maturity and responsibility in Israelite culture, particularly for military service. This age requirement aligns with other ancient cultures where young men were expected to be ready for battle. It signifies the readiness and capability of the individuals to contribute to the defense and expansion of the nation. Who could serve in the army
Military service was a critical aspect of Israelite society, especially during the wilderness period and the subsequent conquest of Canaan. The ability to serve in the army was not only a duty but also a sign of one's commitment to the community and to God's covenant promises. This phrase highlights the practical need for defense and the theological aspect of fulfilling God's promises to Abraham regarding the land. The military organization also foreshadows the spiritual battles faced by believers, drawing a parallel to the New Testament's call to be soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of ZebulunDescendants of Zebulun, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, representing one of the tribes of Israel. 2. GenealogiesThe record of lineage and family history, crucial for establishing tribal identity and inheritance rights. 3. Clans and FamiliesSubdivisions within the tribe, indicating the importance of family structure in Israelite society. 4. Army RegistrationThe census was conducted to determine the number of men eligible for military service, reflecting the need for defense and organization. 5. Tribe of ZebulunOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its later role in providing warriors and its territory in the Promised Land. Teaching Points Importance of Identity and HeritageUnderstanding one's spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, Christians should value their identity in Christ and the spiritual lineage they inherit through faith. Preparedness for Spiritual BattleThe census for military service reminds believers of the need to be prepared for spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages Christians to put on the full armor of God. Role of Community and FamilyThe structure of clans and families within the tribe of Zebulun emphasizes the importance of community and family in spiritual growth and support. Faithfulness in ServiceThe tribe of Zebulun's readiness for battle serves as a model for faithfulness and willingness to serve God and His purposes. Legacy and InfluenceThe tribe's role in biblical history encourages believers to consider the legacy they are leaving and how they can influence future generations for Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? 2. In what ways can you prepare yourself for spiritual battles, drawing from the example of the Israelites' military readiness? 3. How can you strengthen your role within your family and community to support spiritual growth and unity? 4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate faithfulness in your service to God and others? 5. Reflect on the legacy you are building. How can you ensure it aligns with biblical principles and influences others positively? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:13Jacob's blessing to Zebulun, foretelling their future by the sea, which connects to their role and location in Israel. Judges 5:18Zebulun's bravery in battle, highlighting their military contribution as seen in the census. 1 Chronicles 12:33The warriors of Zebulun who joined David, showing their continued military significance. Matthew 4:13-15Zebulun's land in the prophecy of Jesus' ministry, indicating the tribe's lasting legacy. 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, ZurishaddaiPlaces Egypt, SinaiTopics Able, Army, Births, Clans, Families, Fathers, Forth, Genealogical, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Listed, Male, Military, Names, Numbered, Records, Registration, Serve, Service, Sons, Twenty, Upward, War, Zebulun, Zeb'ulunDictionary 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. 1The 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 Links Numbers 1:30 NIVNumbers 1:30 NLTNumbers 1:30 ESVNumbers 1:30 NASBNumbers 1:30 KJV
Numbers 1:30 Commentaries
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