Numbers 10:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun [was] Eliab the son of Helon.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Over the company of the descendants of Z'vulun was Eli'av the son of Helon.

Berean Standard Bible:

and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun.

American Standard Version:

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And over the host^{H6635} of the tribe^{H4294} of the children^{H1121} of Zebulun^{H2074} was Eliab^{H446} the son^{H1121} of Helon^{H2497}.

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Commentary for Numbers 10:16

Numbers 10:16 is a part of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Numbers, which details the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. The verse is set within the context of organizing the tribes of Israel for their march through the wilderness. According to the verse, Eliab, the son of Helon, is appointed as the leader or prince of the tribe of Zebulun. This appointment is significant as it reflects the structured and orderly manner in which the Israelite camp was to be managed during their travels.

The theme of organization and leadership is central to this verse. The Israelites, under the guidance of Moses and Aaron, are instructed by God to arrange themselves by tribes, with each tribe having a designated leader. These leaders played a crucial role in the coordination of the camp's movement, ensuring that each tribe knew when to set out and when to camp. The mention of Eliab, son of Helon, as the leader of the children of Zebulun, highlights the importance of specific, divinely sanctioned roles within the community, emphasizing God's concern for order and authority among His people.

Historically, this verse reflects the hierarchical and militaristic organization that was necessary for the survival and successful navigation of a large group of people through a harsh desert environment. The leadership structure also served as a precursor to the more formal governance and military command that would develop in Israel's history, particularly with the establishment of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon.

In summary, Numbers 10:16 underscores the theme of divine order and leadership within the Israelite community as they prepared to embark on their journey to the Promised Land. It reflects the historical need for structured governance and military-like organization to manage the logistics of a large population on the move. Eliab's role as the leader of the tribe of Zebulun is a testament to the importance of appointed leadership in the execution of God's plan for His people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6635
   There are 463 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָבָא
   Transliteration: tsâbâʼ
   Pronunciation: tsaw-baw'
   Description: or (feminine) צְבָאָה; from צָבָא; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare).
   
2. Strong's Number: H4294
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַטֶּה
   Transliteration: maṭṭeh
   Pronunciation: mat-teh'
   Description: or (feminine) מַטָּה; from נָטָה; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2074
   There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זְבוּלוּן
   Transliteration: Zᵉbûwlûwn
   Pronunciation: zeb-oo-loon'
   Description: or זְבֻלוּן; or זְבוּלֻן; from זָבַל; habitation; Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe; Zebulun.
   
5. Strong's Number: H446
   There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלִיאָב
   Transliteration: ʼĔlîyʼâb
   Pronunciation: el-ee-awb'
   Description: from אֵל and אָב; God of (his) father; Eliab, the name of six Israelites; Eliab.
   
6. Strong's Number: H2497
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵלֹן
   Transliteration: Chêlôn
   Pronunciation: khay-lone'
   Description: from חַיִל; strong; Chelon, an Israelite; Helon.