Numbers 1:46
Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This census total appears three times in Scripture (Exodus 38:26; Numbers 1:46; 2:32), emphasizing its historical accuracy. Comparing this to the 603,550 counted at the beginning of the wilderness period (Numbers 1) with the 601,730 counted near its end (Numbers 26:51) shows remarkable stability despite a generation's death. Scholars debate the historicity of such large numbers given the Sinai's limited resources, with proposals ranging from reading 'eleph' as 'clan' rather than 'thousand' to understanding the numbers as tribal census records. However, the text emphasizes miraculous provision (manna, water from rocks) making natural sustenance arguments moot. Ancient Near Eastern military records (Egyptian, Assyrian) sometimes use large round numbers, but Israel's precise figures suggest actual counting. The number's consistency across multiple texts indicates careful record-keeping. Extra-biblical ancient census records confirm the practice's antiquity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this large number demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to the patriarchs?
- What does the precision of this count teach about God's individual knowledge and care for each member of His people?
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Analysis & Commentary
The total numbered 603,550 men of war, demonstrating God's multiplication of Abraham's descendants from one man to a mighty nation in approximately 430 years. This number fulfills God's promise to make Abraham's seed 'as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore' (Genesis 22:17). The precision of the count shows God knows each individual in His covenant people. The number represents fighting men only; including women, children, and Levites, the total population likely exceeded two million. This multitude emerging from seventy persons who entered Egypt (Genesis 46:27) demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness and power. Reformed theology sees this multiplication as evidence of God's sovereignty in building His people—'the LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude' (Deuteronomy 1:10). This foreshadows the church's growth from twelve apostles to believers from every nation.