“And those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.”
Numbers 1:37 is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that details the census of the Israelites. In this particular verse, it specifically mentions the tribe of Benjamin:and provides the number of men who were eligible for military service within that tribe.
To understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to have some context. The book of Numbers takes place during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. God commanded Moses to take a census of the entire congregation of Israel, counting all the able-bodied men who were twenty years old and above. The purpose of this census was to establish the military strength of each tribe and to allocate their respective duties and responsibilities in the journey to the Promised Land.
Context:In verse 37, the focus is on the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob (also known as Israel). The census revealed that the tribe of Benjamin consisted of 35,400 eligible men who were fit for military service.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. In Genesis 35:11, God had spoken to Jacob and declared that Benjamin:would become a great tribe. The fact that Benjamin had a substantial number of men eligible for military service was an indication of God’s provision and fulfilment of His promises.
Additionally, the census highlighted the importance of each tribe in fulfilling their specific roles and responsibilities within the community of Israel. Each tribe had its own unique contribution and significance in the overall journey towards the Promised Land.
Overall, Numbers 1:37 emphasizes the significance of the tribe of Benjamin:within the broader context of the Israelite community. It highlights God’s faithfulness and the importance of fulfilling one’s specific role within the community of believers.
