Numbers 1 is the opening chapter of the biblical book of Numbers, and it begins with God commanding Moses to take a census of the Israelites. The purpose of this census was to determine the number of men eligible for military service from each tribe. Moses, along with the help of Aaron and other appointed leaders, gathers the Israelite community and counts the men over the age of 20.
The chapter provides a detailed account of each tribe, their leaders, and the total number of eligible men in each tribe. The tribes include Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, Gad, and Naphtali.
The chapter highlights the importance of organization and preparation for the Israelites as they journey towards the Promised Land. It showcases the divine order and structure that God establishes for His people, reinforcing the idea that each individual is valued and has a role to play within the community.