19 Moses did exactly what the LORD commanded—he counted the people while they were in the desert of Sinai.

20 The tribe of Reuben was counted. (Reuben was the firstborn son of Israel.) The names of all the men who were 20 years old or older and able to serve in the army were listed. They were listed with their families and family groups.

21 The total number of men counted from the tribe of Reuben was 46,500.