In this chapter orders are given to Moses to take the number of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upwards, Num 1:1; and the men that were to assist in this work, one of each tribe are mentioned by name, Num 1:4; all which was accordingly done, Num 1:17; and the particular numbers of each tribe are recorded, as they were taken, Num 1:20; and the sum total is given, Num 1:45; the Levites being excepted, who were employed about the tabernacle, and so not to be employed in military service, Num 1:47; they encamped about that, while the Israelites pitched their tents every man by his own camp and standard, Num 1:52.