from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall count them by their divisions.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Arms, (fortium). “Strong or brave.” The psalmist (104:37,) says, there was not one feeble. Menochius.—Troops. Hebrew “army.” Septuagint “force.” Their officers shall be at their head, and shall assist you in the work. Some might command 1000, others 100, and some only 50. See Exodus 13:18. 18:21.—Princes; the first-born, or most ancient, (Lyran.) the lineal descendants of the patriarchs; (Jansen) or, in fine, such as were chosen for their merit, as all were equally noble; and hence Nahasson, prince of Juda, is mentioned, though he was not a descendant of the eldest son of Juda, but of Phares; and those who were at the head of those who were numbered a little before the death of Moses, were not the descendants of these. Calmet. 26:64. In effect, we find that Moses chose for his council, able men out of all Israel. Exodus 18:25. Bonfrere. Calmet.