Verse:
"The number of men from the tribe of Reuben was 46,500." (Numbers 1:21, Berean Standard Bible)

Context and Background:
Numbers 1:21 is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament. This book is traditionally attributed to Moses and is a continuation of the narrative that began in Exodus and Leviticus. The Book of Numbers derives its name from the censuses of the Israelites recorded within its pages, the first of which is detailed in this chapter.

The Census of Israel:
The verse falls within the context of a divinely commanded census of the Israelite community. This census was conducted in the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, while they were encamped in the Wilderness of Sinai. The purpose of the census was to organize the Israelites for their journey to the Promised Land and to prepare them for potential military engagements.

Tribe of Reuben:
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence, although his tribe's status was later diminished due to Reuben's transgression against his father (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4).

Significance of the Number:
The census recorded in Numbers 1:21 lists 46,500 men from the tribe of Reuben who were twenty years old or older and able to serve in Israel's army. This figure represents the military strength of the tribe at that time. The enumeration of fighting men underscores the importance of preparation and organization for the challenges that lay ahead as the Israelites journeyed toward Canaan.

Theological Implications:
The census reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). It also highlights the importance of order and obedience to divine instructions, as the Israelites were being shaped into a nation under God's covenant.

Application for Believers:
For contemporary readers, Numbers 1:21 serves as a reminder of the importance of community, preparation, and reliance on God's guidance. It encourages believers to recognize their role within the larger body of faith and to be ready to serve according to their God-given abilities and responsibilities.

Conclusion:
Numbers 1:21, while seemingly a simple record of numbers, is rich with historical, theological, and practical significance. It is a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people and His sovereign plan for their lives, both in ancient times and today.46500 (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 1:21
those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.
(See NAS NIV)

Numbers 2:11
His division, and those who were numbered of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.
(See NAS NIV)

46500 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 46500 (2 Occurrences). Numbers 1:21 those who were numbered
of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred. ...
/num/46500.htm - 6k

Reuben (73 Occurrences)
... At the Exodus numbered 46,500 male adults, from twenty years old and upwards (Numbers
1:20, 21), and at the close of the wilderness wanderings they numbered ...
/r/reuben.htm - 46k

50000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/50000.htm - 6k

45650 (2 Occurrences)

/num/45650.htm - 6k

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