King James Version
What Does Numbers 2:8 Mean?
“And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.”
Numbers 2:8 · KJV
Context
6
And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
7
Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.
8
And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
9
All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.
10
On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe census total for Zebulun (57,400) positioned the tribe solidly in the middle range numerically. This average status paired with first-division placement illustrates that God's assignments don't always correlate with human measures of strength or prominence. The principle applies broadly: God's calling doesn't require exceptional human qualifications but faithfulness in whatever capacity He assigns.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Zebulun's 57,400 fighting men contributed significantly to the eastern division's total of 186,400 (Numbers 2:9), making this division the largest and most prominent. Zebulun's average numbers didn't diminish their importance to the division's overall strength.
Reflection Questions
- How does Zebulun's combination of average size with prominent position encourage believers who don't consider themselves exceptionally gifted?
- What does this teach us about God's ability to use average people for significant kingdom purposes?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 7
“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
וּפְקֻדָ֑יו2 of 7
“and those that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
שִׁבְעָ֧ה3 of 7
“and seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
אֶ֖לֶף5 of 7
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge