Numbers 2:23
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four 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
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
and those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
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
Historical Context
Benjamin's small size became proverbial ('little Benjamin,' Psalm 68:27), yet the tribe's fighting prowess exceeded its numbers. Benjamite warriors were renowned for ambidextrous sling and bow skills (Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Benjamin's small size paired with huge impact challenge assumptions about what God requires for significant kingdom service?
- What does this teach us about God's power being perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Benjamin's census total (35,400) made it one of the smaller tribes, yet this small size didn't prevent significant kingdom impact. The tribe would produce King Saul (Israel's first king) and the apostle Paul (Christianity's greatest missionary and theologian). This demonstrates God's pattern of choosing the weak and small to accomplish His mighty purposes, directing glory to Himself rather than human strength.