King James Version
What Does Numbers 2:15 Mean?
“And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.”
Numbers 2:15 · KJV
Context
13
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
14
Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
15
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.
16
All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.
17
Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGad's census total (45,650) contributed substantially to Reuben's division. Despite the tribe's later somewhat ambiguous status (settling east of Jordan), their numerical strength in the wilderness demonstrated God's blessing. This reminds us that current blessing doesn't guarantee future faithfulness—each generation must walk faithfully or risk losing God's continued favor through rebellion.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Gad's military strength proved valuable during the conquest, as the tribe fulfilled its promise to fight alongside the western tribes before settling their own territory east of Jordan (Joshua 22:1-9). Their faithfulness in this obligation prevented greater problems.
Reflection Questions
- How does Gad's blessing paired with later questionable choices teach us that current spiritual prosperity doesn't guarantee future faithfulness?
- What does this warn us about the need for continued vigilance and obedience across time?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 8
“And his host”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם2 of 8
“and those that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֔לֶף5 of 8
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ6 of 8
“and six”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Study Guide
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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge