Numbers 1:24
Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Original Language Analysis
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
H1121
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
2 of 15
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם
by their generations
H8435
תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם
by their generations
Strong's:
H8435
Word #:
3 of 15
(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
after their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לְבֵ֣ית
by the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
by the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
according to the number
H4557
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
7 of 15
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
שֵׁמ֗וֹת
of the names
H8034
שֵׁמ֗וֹת
of the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
H1121
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
12 of 15
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Gad chose to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32), along with Reuben and half of Manasseh. This choice, while permitted by Moses, placed them at the physical margins of Israel and may have contributed to their eventual conquest by foreign powers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal treatment of all tribes in the census challenge any feelings of spiritual inferiority or superiority among believers?
- What does Gad's eventual separation east of the Jordan teach us about the importance of remaining close to the center of God's revealed will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The methodical recording of each tribe's census, even those less prominent in biblical narrative, reveals God's impartial care for all His covenant people. Every tribe received the same careful attention, the same census protocol, the same dignity of inclusion. This pattern reflects the New Testament truth that 'God is no respecter of persons' (Acts 10:34) and that in Christ 'there is neither Jew nor Greek' (Galatians 3:28) in terms of spiritual standing.