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Numbers 2:3,4
And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadabshall be captain of the children of Judah…

Numbers 26:22
Theseare the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

2 Samuel 24:9
And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judahwere five hundred thousand men.

to the tribe of Judah
Judah is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Judah holds significant importance throughout biblical history. It is prophesied inGenesis 49:10 that the scepter will not depart from Judah, indicating leadership and kingship, which is fulfilled in King David and ultimately in Jesus Christ, who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah inRevelation 5:5. Judah's territory was located in the southern part of Israel, including Jerusalem, which became the political and spiritual center of the nation.

numbered 74,600
The number 74,600 represents the men of military age from the tribe of Judah. This large number indicates Judah's prominence and strength among the tribes. Historically, Judah often played a leading role in Israel's military campaigns and governance. The size of the tribe also foreshadows its future significance, as it becomes the dominant tribe in the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of Israel. This census reflects God's promise to Abraham of numerous descendants and the growth of the nation.

Numbers 1:27 says, “those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.”

• “Those” looks back to God’s command inNumbers 1:2-3 to count “all the men twenty years of age or older who can serve in Israel’s army.”

• They are part of “the congregation” (Numbers 1:2), a term that stresses unity and covenant belonging.

• LikeExodus 12:37, where “about six hundred thousand men on foot” depart Egypt, the focus is on the fighting-age males whom God will lead and protect.

Cross references:Numbers 1:45-46;1 Samuel 11:8 (mustering Israel);Acts 7:38 (the congregation in the wilderness).

• To be “registered” means their names were written down—an official, orderly record in obedience to God’s directive (Numbers 1:5).

• Registration shows accountability and readiness; this was not a random crowd but an organized army (Numbers 2:9).

• Later censuses, such asNumbers 26:2 andEzra 2:62, repeat this principle of keeping accurate rolls for service and inheritance.

Cross references:Luke 2:1-3 (the census in Jesus’ day);Revelation 20:12 (books opened, names recorded).

• Israel’s identity is tribal, rooted in Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 49:28).

• Tribe-based organization preserved family lines, land inheritance, and leadership assignments (Joshua 13–19).

• Military camps inNumbers 2 are arranged around tribal banners, underscoring order under God’s authority.

Cross references:Revelation 7:4-8 (tribes sealed);Judges 21:5 (tribal assemblies).

• Judah leads the procession when Israel breaks camp (Numbers 10:14) and occupies the east side nearest the tabernacle (Numbers 2:3).

• Jacob’s blessing foretold Judah’s prominence: “The scepter will not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10).

• From Judah comes David (Ruth 4:18-22;2 Samuel 7:16) and ultimately Christ, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5;Hebrews 7:14).

Cross references:Matthew 1:2-3;Micah 5:2.

• Counting reveals God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 22:17).

• Each man mattered; God knows every person (Psalm 147:4;Luke 12:7).

• The census also underscores readiness for battle. Soon after, Judah’s forces will face wilderness challenges (Numbers 14:40-45).

Cross references:Acts 2:41 (those who were added);Nehemiah 7:5 (God puts a census on Nehemiah’s heart).

• Judah is the largest tribe in this census, reflecting God’s favor and future leadership role.

• Forty years later, despite wilderness deaths, Judah grows to 76,500 (Numbers 26:22), showing preservation across a generation.

• The large number foreshadows Judah’s dominance in the land and in the monarchy.

•Revelation 7:5 lists 12,000 sealed from Judah, hinting at continued prominence in God’s redemptive plan.

Cross references:Deuteronomy 1:10;2 Chronicles 17:14-16 (large numbers in Judah’s armies under Jehoshaphat).

Numbers 1:27 records a specific, literal headcount of fighting-age men in Judah—74,600—highlighting God’s orderly leadership of His people, Judah’s preeminence among the tribes, and the Lord’s faithfulness to multiply and preserve the line through which the Messiah would come.

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