King James Version
What Does Numbers 1:2 Mean?
“Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;”
Context
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
2
Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
3
From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
4
And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **After their families.**—The family or clan, *mishpahah, *included several fathers’ houses (see Kurtz’s *Hist. of the Old Covenant, *2, pp. 8-10).
**With the number of their names.**—Better, *according to the number of names. *The reference is probably to the previous numbering recorded in Exodus 30:12. There is no corresponding clause in the account of the later numbering in Numbers 26:2.
**By their polls**—i.e., man by man. The word *gulgoleth *denotes *a man’s head, *or *skull. *Cf. Matthew 27:33.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 1:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge