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.
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.