Deep Dive

Numbers 2:31

A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →

The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.”

Deep diveReferences (6)

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 31

The thousands of Israel, having been mustered in the former chapter, in this are marshalled, and a regular disposition is made of their camp, by a divine appointment. Here is, I. A general order concerning it (Num 2:1, Num 2:2). II. Particular directions for the posting of each of the tribes, in four distinct squadrons, three tribes in each squadron. 1. In the vanguard on the east were posted Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (Num 2:3-9). 2. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad (Num 2:10-16). 3. In the rear, westward, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, (Num 2:18-24). 4. In the left wing, northward, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (Num 2:25-31). 5. The tabernacle in the centre (Num 2:17). III. The conclusion of this appointment (Num 2:32, etc.).

Open source ↗

Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 31

פָּקַד (pâqad, H6485) — to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care… מַחֲנֶה (machăneh, H4264) — an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or… דָּן (Dân, H1835) — Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory;… מֵאָה (mêʼâh, H3967) — a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… חֲמִשִּׁים (chămishshîym, H2572) — fifty שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… שֵׁשׁ (shêsh, H8337) — six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. sixth נָסַע (nâçaʻ, H5265) — properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on ajourney אַחֲרוֹן (ʼachărôwn, H314) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western דֶּגֶל (degel, H1714) — a flag

Open source ↗

Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Numbers 10:25rank 5

Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command.

Numbers 2:16rank 2

The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Reuben is 151,450; they shall set out second.

Numbers 2:24rank 1

The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Ephraim is 108,100; they shall set out third.

Numbers 2:9rank 1

The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Judah is 186,400; they shall set out first.

Your reflection

My Journey
Read
Library