Book of Numbers - Chapter 1 - Verse 27
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Numbers, the tribe of Judah is being counted as part of a larger census of the Israelites. The number given, "threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred," is a specific count of the men from the tribe of Judah who were at least twenty years old and fit for military service. This count was important for organizing the Israelites for various purposes, such as determining how many men could be called upon for battle or for the division of land among the tribes. The tribe of Judah was one of the largest and most prominent tribes in Israel, known for producing strong warriors and leaders. This verse serves as a historical record of the strength and size of the tribe of Judah at that particular time in Israelite history. It highlights the meticulous attention to detail in recording the demographics of each tribe within the larger community of Israelites.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of the verse focusing on the tribe of Judah numbering seventy-four thousand and six hundred individuals, there are several key points to consider. Firstly, the number seventy-four often symbolizes completeness or fullness in biblical numerology. This could signify that the tribe of Judah was a complete and significant part of the larger Israelite community. Additionally, the inclusion of the number six hundred could be seen as a reference to the strength and unity of the tribe. In terms of word studies, the name Judah itself holds theological significance as it means "praise" or "thanks" in Hebrew. This could suggest that the tribe of Judah was a group that praised and worshipped God fervently. Overall, this verse provides insight into the importance and strength of the tribe of Judah within the context of the larger Israelite community.