The first Census of the book of Numbers was reported in two ways. The first way was simply by tribe with a total numbers of men who were able to serve in the army. The second was by the 3-tribe units that surrounded the tabernacle. In the census, each tribe was represented by a leader of that tribe, descended from one of the sons of Israel. The numbers are as follows:
Census One
Reuben 46,500
Simeon 59,300
Gad 45,650
Judah 74,600
Issachar 54,400
Zebulun 57,400
Joseph
Ephraim 40,500
Manasseh 32,200
Benjamin 35,400
Dan 62,700
Asher 41,500
Naphtali 53,400
TOTAL 603, 550
Census Two
East Side Forces (Judah, Issachar, Zebulun) 186, 400
South Side Forces (Reuben, Simeon, Gad) 151,450
West Side Forces (Mannaseh, Benjamin, Ephraim) 108,100
North Side Forces (Dan, Asher, Naphtali) 157,600
These were commanded of God, and Moses obeyed God and took the census. Why was this necessary? At other times God told them not to number themselves, so that they would not be puffed up with pride and think they were invincible because of their numerical strength. However, I think this is a statement of the importance of numbers for one reason: Numbers represent the redeemed. There were many times when Israel was brought to a place of remembrance of what God had done for them. This is another of those moments. God wanted them to see what a great people, the seed of Abraham, that He had redeemed from the hand of Pharaoh. Some do not like to here about numbers or membership in our churches today. They say numbers do not matter. I believe that numbers do matter, but to the extent that they represent redeemed souls, not just numerical strength. When the numbers become a source of unholy pride, or something to rub int he face of others, then numbers are cumbersome and useless. However, if numbers represent the blessings and the work of God among His people, then they encourage and lift up. Let’s celebrate the numbers, but remember what they represent: Souls!
Devoted To You 