The number of registered men in the tribe of Reuben at the second census
The number 43,730 is the count of fighting men from the tribe of Reuben who were registered in the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, directly opposite Jericho (Num 26:7). This census took place toward the end of the wilderness journey, after the entire first generation that left Egypt had died out as a result of God's judgment. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son with Leah, and thus the tribe held a special historical position in Israel. At the first census (Num 1:21), the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500 men, meaning that the tribe had declined by 2,770 men during the wilderness period. This decline can be seen in light of the events that struck the tribe, including the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram against Moses (Num 16), where prominent Reubenites perished. Despite the decline, Reuben was still mustered as a full tribe in Israel's army, and the tribe eventually received its inheritance east of the Jordan. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son (Gen 29:32), but he lost his birthright because of his sin against his father (Gen 35:22; 1 Chr 5:1). The birthright was instead given to Joseph's sons. The decline from 46,500 to 43,730 – a loss of 2,770 men – makes Reuben one of the tribes that decreased in population between the two censuses. Several other tribes experienced similar declines, while others grew significantly. Dathan and Abiram, who were from the tribe of Reuben, led an uprising against Moses and Aaron together with Korah the Korite (Num 16:1–35). The earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, and fire from the Lord consumed 250 men who were offering incense. The tribe of Reuben chose, along with the tribe of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, to settle east of the Jordan, in the areas conquered from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Num 32).*