The number 603,550 holds significant importance in the context of the Israelite census as recorded in the Old Testament. This figure represents the total number of Israelite men who were counted in the first census taken after the Exodus from Egypt. The census was conducted under the leadership of Moses and Aaron, as commanded by God, and is detailed in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Context:

1. The Census Commanded:
· The census was commanded by God to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. The purpose was to count all the men of Israel who were able to go to war, from twenty years old and upward. This is recorded in Numbers 1:1-3 : "The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt. He said: 'Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.'"

2. The Result of the Census:
· The census was meticulously carried out, tribe by tribe, and the results are detailed in Numbers 1:44-46 : "These were the men numbered by Moses and Aaron, with the assistance of the twelve leaders of Israel, each one representing his family. All the men of Israel twenty years of age or older who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. The total number was 603,550."

3. Significance of the Number:
· The number 603,550 is significant as it represents the strength and size of the Israelite community in terms of military capability. It reflects the organization and structure of the tribes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This number excluded the Levites, who were not counted among those who could go to war, as their duties were related to the tabernacle and religious service.

4. Comparison with Later Census:
· A later census, taken near the end of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, also records a similar number, though slightly reduced, indicating the changes in the population over the forty years. This is found in Numbers 26:51 : "These were the men counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they numbered the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730."

5. Theological Implications:
· The census and the number 603,550 underscore themes of divine order, preparation, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his descendants. It also highlights the importance of obedience and organization within the community of God's people.

The number 603,550 thus serves as a historical and theological marker within the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, illustrating both the logistical aspects of their community and the broader spiritual narrative of God's covenant with His people.603550 (3 Occurrences)

Exodus 38:26
a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men.
(See NAS NIV)

Numbers 1:46
even all those who were numbered were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
(See NAS NIV)

Numbers 2:32
These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers' houses. All who were numbered of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
(See NAS NIV)

603550 (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 603550 (3 Occurrences). Exodus 38:26 a beka a head,
that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary ...
/num/603550.htm - 7k

601730 (1 Occurrence)

/num/601730.htm - 6k

675000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/675000.htm - 6k

Census (24 Occurrences)
... were encamped at Sinai. The number of men from twenty years old and upward
was then 603,550 (Exodus 38:26). (2.) Another census ...
/c/census.htm - 15k

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