(The Lord speaking is red text)
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
From Z'vulun, Eli'av the son of Helon.
from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;
Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.
Of Zebulun{H2074}; Eliab{H446} the son{H1121} of Helon{H2497}.
1. Themes:
- **Organization of Israel**: Numbers 1:9 is part of a census conducted by Moses and Aaron at the command of God. This reflects the theme of divine order and structure within the Israelite community.
- **Preparation for Journey**: The census was a step towards organizing the people for their journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, emphasizing themes of preparation and readiness for God's plan.
- **Military Readiness**: The count included all men able to go to war, highlighting the importance of military preparedness and the role of the tribes in the defense and conquest of Canaan.
- **Divine Blessing**: The detailed attention to each tribe signifies God's care and interest in the lineage and roles of each Israelite family and individual.
2. Historical Context:
- **The Exodus**: The book of Numbers begins after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their arrival at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law.
- **Wilderness Wanderings**: This verse is set during the Israelites' time in the wilderness, as they prepared to continue their journey to the land promised to their ancestors.
- **Census for Organization**: The census was taken to organize the tribes and clans into a cohesive nation ready for the responsibilities ahead, including the military campaigns to possess the land of Canaan.
- **Leadership Transition**: The generation that left Egypt was nearing its end, and a new generation was being prepared to enter the Promised Land. This required a clear understanding of the number of fighting men and the organization of the tribes.
In Numbers 1:9 specifically, Eliab the son of Helon is mentioned as the leader of the tribe of Zebulun. This indicates his role in the tribal leadership structure, responsible for marshaling the men of his tribe for the census and for military service. The mention of individual leaders also underscores the importance of accountability and leadership within each tribe.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)