Counting of the Jews

Why were only the men from ages 20-60 counted and yet we consider it like everyone was counted. For example it’s often said “ Hashem counted the Yidden in the midbar because He loves us..” or “Parshas Bamidbar is read before Shavuos to remind us that each yid was given the Torah because we were all counted..we all count..” But it seems just a segment of the population was counted? Not every yid. And if ever all the Yidden were counted.. it was never the woman and children.

 Shalom! 

Thank you for your question. 

Indeed, not all the Jewish people were counted. Yet, there is a concept in the Torah of “representation.” The counting of the males 20-60 was “representative” of his love for the entire Jewish people. So too, the Levites are frequently cited as the most beloved tribe, yet, we never find that the entire tribe was counted. 

I will also add that those who were counted had communal responsibilities, while women and children did not. 

Hence, there is no contradiction that counting shows his love for the Jewish people, yet not all Jews were counted.