Numbers 1:33
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 7
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 7
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Ephraim's territory in the central highlands included Shiloh, where the tabernacle would rest for centuries, giving the tribe spiritual significance. The tribe's central location and religious importance contributed to its later political prominence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's elevation of Ephraim according to His purposes rather than natural order challenge our tendency to rely on worldly advantages?
- What does this teach us about God's sovereignty in determining who rises to prominence in His kingdom?
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Analysis & Commentary
Ephraim's 40,500 warriors represented the beginning of the tribe's rise to prominence in Israel's northern territories. The specific number demonstrates God's providential preparation of this tribe for leadership, despite human expectations based on birth order. The census serves not merely as administrative record-keeping but as evidence of God's sovereign orchestration of tribal strengths according to His redemptive purposes.