Definition: All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important passage from Numbers 2:31. Itâs a really significant detail about the Israelitesâ victory in the Battle of Jericho! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes an massive and overwhelming army that marched into Jericho, and they were so numerous that they filled the entire camp of Dan â which was a large area â and came right behind the walls of the city. Letâs unpack it piece by piece: âNumbers in the Camp of Danâ : This refers to a specific group of Israelites who were stationed near the borders of Canaan (modern-day Israel). It's a detail that highlights their importance and was likely a result of a strategic placement. âWere an Hundred Thousand and Fifty and Seven Thousand and Six Hundredâ : This is the number itself â itâs a huge number! Itâs not just a big group, but an incredibly large population. Let's convert those numbers to something more understandable: 100,000 = 100,000 people 500 = 500 soldiers 7000 = 7,000 men 600 = 600 horses Total: Approximately 22,300 people âThey shall go hindmost with their standardsâ : This is the action they took. "Hindmost" means behind. âStandardsâ refers to their banners and flags. They marched right at the back of the city walls, making them feel incredibly vulnerable and exposed. Whatâs the Significance? This is a powerful image that speaks to: Military Victory: The sheer number of the army suggests an overwhelming advantage for the Israelites. Divine Protection: It shows God was actively protecting His people. Fear & Vulnerability: It conveys a sense of fear and vulnerability for the city's defenders, as they were caught off guard by such a massive force. In short, itâs a story about a massive, victorious army that came behind the walls of Jericho, demonstrating Godâs power and a decisive outcome. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?