Numbers 2:11
And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
Original Language Analysis
וּצְבָא֖וֹ
And his host
H6635
וּצְבָא֖וֹ
And his host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
1 of 7
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּפְקֻדָ֑יו
and those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקֻדָ֑יו
and those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
שִׁשָּׁ֧ה
and six
H8337
שִׁשָּׁ֧ה
and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
3 of 7
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Reuben's numbers remained relatively stable throughout the wilderness period, declining only slightly to 43,730 by the second census (Numbers 26:7). This stability contrasted with dramatic fluctuations in some tribes, suggesting neither exceptional blessing nor severe judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuben's maintained but not preeminent status illustrate the real but not total consequences of sin for God's people?
- What does this teach us about expecting both discipline and mercy when we fail God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Reuben's census total (46,500) made it one of the mid-sized tribes, neither largest nor smallest. This middle position reflected the tribe's loss of firstborn status without complete loss of blessing. The pattern teaches that sin brings real consequences (loss of preeminence) while God's covenant mercies continue (continued inclusion and blessing). This balance characterizes God's dealings with His people throughout redemptive history.