Numbers 2:32

Verse

These are the Israelites, numbered according to their families. The total of those counted in the camps, by their divisions, was 603,550.

American Standard Version (1901)

These are they that were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses: all that were numbered of the camps according to their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

Bible in Basic English

These are all who were numbered of the children of Israel, in the order of their fathers' families: all the armies in their tents together came to six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty.

Free Bible Version

This is sums up the registration of the Israelites, carried out by family. The final total of those counted in the camps by their tribal division was 603,550.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

One Unity Resource Bible

These are those who were counted of the children of Israel [God prevails] by their fathers’ houses. All who were counted of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

Translation for Translators

So there were 603,550 Israeli men who were able to fight who were listed according to their families’ ancestors.

Unlocked Literal Bible

These are the Israelites, numbered according to their families. All those counted in their camps, by their divisions, are 603,550.

Noah Webster Bible

These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers. All those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts, were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

World English Bible

These are those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were counted of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

Young's Literal Translation

These [are] those numbered of the sons of Israel by the house of their fathers; all those numbered of the camps by their hosts [are] six hundred thousand, and three thousand, and five hundred and fifty.

Context

The Order of the Camps

³¹The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.”³²These are the Israelites, numbered according to their families. The total of those counted in the camps, by their divisions, was 603,550.³³But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Summary

Numbers 2:32 lists the total number of the Israelites' camp, which consisted of 603,550 men. This verse highlights the vastness of the Israelite community as they journeyed through the wilderness. It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars. The detailed organization of the camp reflects God's orderliness and preparation for the Israelites' travels. Overall, this verse showcases the magnitude of God's chosen people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

In Num 2:32 we have the whole number given, 603,550 men, not including the Levites (Num 2:33, see at Num 1:49); and in Num 2:34 the concluding remark as to the subsequent execution of the divine command-an anticipatory notice, as in Exo 12:50; Exo 40:16, etc.

John Gill Bible Commentary

These are those that were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers,.... As the number was taken by Moses and Aaron, assisted by twelve princes of the tribe, who were now constituted captains over them, as so many hosts or armies: all those that were numbered of the camp throughout their hosts: of the four camps, of Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan, throughout the respective tribes or hosts that belonged to each of them: were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty; 603,550 men, which is exactly the sum total of them, as taken Num 1:46. It is a large number, considering in how short a time, and that great part of it a state of bondage, from seventy persons, they rose unto it; but the spiritual Israel of God, consisting of his people of all nations, is a number which no man can number, Rev 7:9; besides, the number of the sealed ones, of every tribe, Num 2:4; Now this encampment of the people of Israel was an emblem of the form and order of the spiritual Israel or church of God, under the Gospel dispensation. Christ in human nature is the tabernacle, who is in the midst of his people by his gracious presence; as the heart and life of the congregation of his saints, in whom they all centre and terminate, and where he sits enthroned as King of saints; and as the Levites encamped in four squadrons next unto the tabernacle, all around it, to these answer the living creatures in Eze 1:5; which design the ministers of the word, who are in the highest place in the church, between Christ and the congregation, and are near to him, to be supplied by him; then encamped the whole body of the people of Israel by their standards, with their ensigns, to whom answer the wheels in Eze 1:15; and the twenty four elders in Rev 4:4; all which show the church to be militant, and that there is an order in Gospel churches, which makes them both comely and terrible, Sol 6:4; and may teach every member to abide by his standard, and follow his ensign and ensign bearer, Isa 11:10.