Numbers 1:39
those registered to the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700.
those registered to the tribe of Dan
The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe's inheritance was located in the northern part of Israel, which later became known for idolatry (Judges 18:30-31). Dan's role in the encampment was on the north side of the tabernacle, alongside Asher and Naphtali, forming the rear guard during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness (Numbers 2:25-31). The tribe of Dan is also mentioned in the context of the judges, with Samson being one of its most famous members (Judges 13-16). In the book of Revelation, the tribe of Dan is notably absent from the list of the sealed tribes (Revelation 7:4-8), which has led to various interpretations regarding its spiritual significance.

numbered 62,700
The census in Numbers 1 was conducted to determine the number of men eligible for military service, specifically those aged twenty and above. The tribe of Dan had a significant number of fighting men, indicating its strength and potential influence among the tribes. The number 62,700 reflects the tribe's growth since the family of Dan originally consisted of only one son, Hushim (Genesis 46:23). This increase demonstrates God's promise of multiplication to the descendants of Jacob (Genesis 35:11). The census was crucial for organizing the Israelites for their journey to the Promised Land and for preparing them for the battles they would face. The large number also highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his descendants (Genesis 15:5).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe is known for its later struggles with idolatry and relocation.

2. Census of Israel
This event, commanded by God, was conducted by Moses and Aaron to count the number of men able to go to war. It was a significant organizational step for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

3. Moses and Aaron
Leaders of the Israelites during the Exodus. Moses was the prophet and lawgiver, while Aaron served as the first high priest.

4. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census took place. It was a period of preparation and testing for the Israelites before entering Canaan.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. The census was part of the preparation for the conquest of this land.
Teaching Points
God's Order and Organization
The census reflects God's desire for order and organization among His people. It reminds us of the importance of structure and preparation in our spiritual lives.

Identity and Heritage
The mention of the tribe of Dan emphasizes the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity. As Christians, we are part of a larger body and have a role to play in God's plan.

Faithfulness and Obedience
The census was conducted in obedience to God's command. It teaches us the importance of being faithful and obedient to God's instructions, even in tasks that seem mundane.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
The counting of men able to go to war symbolizes the need for spiritual readiness. We must be prepared to face spiritual battles with the armor of God.

Consequences of Idolatry
The later history of the tribe of Dan serves as a warning against idolatry and turning away from God. It challenges us to remain faithful and avoid spiritual compromise.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the census of the tribe of Dan teach us about the importance of preparation and organization in our spiritual lives?

2. How can understanding our spiritual heritage and identity, as seen in the tribe of Dan, impact our walk with God today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared for the battles we face, drawing from the example of the census?

4. Considering the later history of the tribe of Dan, what steps can we take to guard against idolatry and spiritual compromise in our lives?

5. How does the absence of the tribe of Dan in Revelation 7 challenge us to reflect on our faithfulness and obedience to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:23
This verse lists the sons of Dan, providing a genealogical connection to the tribe's origins.

Judges 18
This chapter describes the migration of the tribe of Dan and their establishment in a new territory, highlighting their struggles with idolatry.

Revelation 7:4-8
The tribe of Dan is notably absent from the list of tribes sealed in the vision of the 144,000, which has led to various interpretations about their spiritual state.
The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church MilitantW. Jones.Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of WarH. 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
Dan, 700, Hundred, Numbered, Ones, Seven, Sixty, Sixty-two, Thousand, Threescore, Tribe
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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