How many would there have been during the time of Abraham, for example? How many would have been present during the Exodus, assuming there really was one? I would think a few tens of thousands at most (WAG).
Also, how many troops would have been in the various armies that were periodically sent out to “smite” the ememies of God; Canaanites or Philistines, for example?
Well, consulting Numbers 26:51 of the Bible reveals that there were 60l,730 following the Exodus. That seems like an awful lot of people to provide food and water for in the Sinai desert, not to mention supplying enough porta-potties. And that figure apparently includes only those over 20.
Probably means supplying about a million gallons of water a day,minimum, and 500 tons of grain per day while on the move. Quite a feat. I guess this is where the manna from heaven comes in.
I can give you the easy answer. During the time of Abraham, there wouldn’t have been any. Israelites are decendants of Israel/Jacob. As for at the time of the Exodus, I could give you the numbers in the book of Numbers…these are of all men age 20 and older, who could serve in the army.
By Tribe
Reuben= 46,500
Simeon=59,300
Gad=45,650
Judah=74,600
Issachar=54,400
Zebulun=57,400
Ephraim=40,500
Manasseh=32,200
Benjamin=35,400
Dan=62,700
Asher=41,500
Naphtali=53,400
Total=603,550
This total doesn’t include the tribe of Levi, which was exempt from military service.
The tribe of Levi numbered 22,000, but that included every male a month of age or older.
Here’s a breakdown of the Levite clans, counting all men age 30-50
Kohath=2,750
Gershon=2,630
Merar=3,200
Hope that helps.
You’ve already seen the Biblical numbers, so I’ll give you the archaeological ones. In The Bible and the Ancient Near East, Gordon and Rendsburg estimate an Israelite population of around 150,000 at the time of King David. They also believe that several tribes were “adopted” into the Israelite family. This, coupled with moderate population growth, would put the number of Israelites at the time of the Exodus at around 50-100 thousand.
In The Bible Unearthed, Finkelstein and Silberman give an even smaller estimate of approximately 45,000 Israelites at the time of David.
These numbers are derived both from archaeological reconstructions and a careful reading of the Biblical text. Hidden among the armies of hundreds of thousands and tribes of millions are remnants of earlier traditions with more realistic numbers. Exodus reveals that only two midwives serviced the entire Israelite population; Samuel describes David and Saul as having armies of a few hundred.
Israel’s neighbors probably had fairly similar population numbers. The Assyrians and Egyptians were bigger, of course, but the Canaanites and Philistines were probably somewhat smaller.