Ranks Of 100s and 50s

Q

At the feeding of the 5000 Why did Jesus divide them into groups by rank, 100’s, 50’s? (Mark 6:30-44)

A

It brought a sense of order into what might have become a chaotic experience. It also recalled how Moses divided the Israelites into similar groups for ease in governing them. (Exodus 18:21)

The Greek word translated “groups” literally means “garden plots” perhaps to draw a Garden of Eden parallel to this miraculous event.