Numbers 2:30
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three 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
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 7
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Naphtali proved consistently faithful in Israel's struggles, contributing to Deborah's victory (Judges 4-5) and David's coronation (1 Chronicles 12:34). The tribe's steady service, though often unheralded, exemplified sustainable faithfulness across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naphtali's average strength paired with significant role in redemptive history encourage 'average' believers toward faithful service?
- What does this teach us about God's ability to accomplish extraordinary purposes through ordinary people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Naphtali's census total (53,400) gave the tribe average military strength. Paired with later prominence in Jesus's ministry, this teaches that God's purposes don't require exceptional human resources. Average believers in average circumstances can become instruments of extraordinary divine purposes when God chooses to work through them. This democratic principle encourages all Christians toward faithful stewardship regardless of perceived advantages.