In Numbers chapter 1, we follow the same format that has persisted in the end of Exodus through Leviticus, which is Yahweh speaking to Moses at Mt. Sinai. The instructions are for a census to be taken. But the goal isn’t just to know how many folks are around these days, the count is specifically targeting males twenty years and older, those who can go to war. It sets the stage for what is to come, God to deliver the land He promised Abraham through his descendants. The lead man from each tribe of Israel is responsible to do the count and return the number to Moses.
Notice here that the list of the tribes of Israel are not a full count of the sons of Israel. In place of Joseph, we see his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, treated in the same way Israel’s actual sons are (a promise kept from back in Genesis 48). Also, the Levites are not listed as, we will see later, they won’t be allocated any specific land and are not part of the “army” that is being counted. So the count is still 12, but it includes no Joseph and no Levi, but the addition of Joseph’s sons Manasseh and Ephraim.
All in all, everyone gets counted and there’s over 600,000 fellas. That’s a large group of people, and a sure sign that Yahweh has been faithful in His other promise to Abraham, that his offspring would be of a great number.
The chapter ends with the instructions about the tribe of Levi. One, they are not counted, because they will not be expected to fight. Instead, they are responsible for the protection and moving of the tabernacle and all the items associated with it. This includes surrounding it while the camp is settled and packing it up and hauling it when the camp is moving. Why is this necessary? The instructions tell them it is to keep folks from coming to death and avoiding Yahweh’s wrath upon the congregation. It’s a matter of creating a hospitable environment for a holy God to live among them. The Levites protection of the tabernacle ensures that the holiness of God’s dwelling among them isn’t intentionally or unintentionally violated by someone, thereby resulting in both a personal and corporate impact.
The people obey, a solid step of faithfulness and an affirmation that they intend to cooperate with this execution of God’s promise.