Numbers 1:37
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 8
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 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בִנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
3 of 8
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Despite small numbers, Benjamin produced fierce warriors known for ambidextrous skill with slings and bows (Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2). The tribe's fighting prowess exceeded its size, showing that God's blessing matters more than numerical strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Benjamin's combination of small size with significant impact challenge assumptions about what God requires to accomplish His purposes?
- What does this teach us about the source of effectiveness in spiritual warfare?
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Analysis & Commentary
Benjamin's 35,400 warriors made it one of the smaller tribes, yet this small size did not diminish its significance in God's purposes. The tribe that would produce King Saul, the apostle Paul, and remain faithful to Judah demonstrates that God's choice is not determined by human strength or numbers. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: God chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), directing glory to Himself rather than human achievement.