21 Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
21 The number from the tribe of Reuben was 46,500.
21 those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.
21 The tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.
21 those who were numbered of the tribe of Reuben were forty-six thousand five hundred.
11 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
11 His division numbers 46,500.
11 his company as listed being 46,500.
11 His troops number 46,500.
11 And his army was numbered at forty-six thousand five hundred.
The order of the tribes in their tents.
The tribes were to encamp about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them. It was a token of God's gracious presence. Yet they were to pitch their tents afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary. The children of Israel put themselves in their posts, without murmuring or disputing; and as it was their safety, so it was their beauty. It is our duty and interest to be contented with the place allotted to us, and to endeavour to occupy it in a proper manner, without envying or murmuring; without ambition or covetousness. Thus the gospel church ought to be compact, according to the Scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place; and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Colossians 2:5.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 1:21
Commentary on Numbers 1:1-43
(Read Numbers 1:1-43)
The people were numbered to show God's faithfulness in thus increasing the seed of Jacob, that they might be the better trained for the wars and conquest of Canaan, and to ascertain their families in order to the division of the land. It is said of each tribe, that those were numbered who were able to go forth to war; they had wars before them, though now they met with no opposition. Let the believer be prepared to withstand the enemies of his soul, though all may appear to be peace.