Numbers 1:10

KJV

Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}: of Ephraim {H669}; Elishama {H476} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}: of Manasseh {H4519}; Gamaliel {H1583} the son {H1121} of Pedahzur {H6301}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the children of Yosef: From Efrayim, Elishama the son of 'Ammihud; From M'nasheh, Gamli'el the son of P'dahtzur.

Berean Standard Bible

from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur;

American Standard Version

Of the children of Joseph: Of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud. Of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:10 meticulously records the designated tribal leaders for the two distinct half-tribes of Joseph—Ephraim and Manasseh—as part of a divinely commanded census. This verse, embedded within the foundational chapters of the Book of Numbers, profoundly underscores God's meticulous attention to order, organization, and the establishment of authoritative leadership within the nascent nation of Israel. It highlights the divine preparation of His people for their arduous wilderness journey and the eventual inheritance of the Promised Land, while simultaneously affirming the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises regarding the multiplication and structured identity of Abraham's descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:10 is an integral part of the extensive census account detailed in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"). The preceding verses, specifically [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - God Commands a Census and Appoints Leaders"), establish the divine imperative given to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, instructing him to conduct a precise enumeration of all Israelite men aged twenty years and upward who were fit for military service. Following this overarching directive, [Numbers 1:4-16](/numbers/1-4-16 "Numbers 1:4-16 - Tribal Representatives for the Census") proceeds to list the specific tribal leaders, often referred to as "princes" or "heads of their fathers' houses," who were divinely appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in this monumental undertaking. Our specific verse, [Numbers 1:10](/numbers/1-10 "Numbers 1:10 - Leaders of Ephraim and Manasseh"), precisely names Elishama for the tribe of Ephraim and Gamaliel for the tribe of Manasseh, uniquely reflecting the status of Joseph's descendants who were counted as two distinct tribes. The subsequent verses, [Numbers 1:17-46](/numbers/1-17-46 "Numbers 1:17-46 - The Census Results by Tribe"), then present the actual numerical results of the census for each tribe, culminating in the grand total of the fighting men of Israel. This meticulous listing serves as the foundational premise for the subsequent organization of the Israelite camp, the prescribed order of march, and the assignment of specific responsibilities, all predicated upon this fundamental act of divine ordering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census described in Numbers 1 occurred on the first day of the second month in the second year following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, specifically within the wilderness of Sinai, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - Setting of the Census"). This precise temporal marker is profoundly significant, indicating that the Israelites had resided at Mount Sinai for nearly a full year, a period during which they received the Mosaic Law, constructed the Tabernacle, and formally established their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The primary purpose of this census transcended mere demographic accounting; it was fundamentally a military registration designed to prepare the nascent nation for its perilous journey through the wilderness and for the impending conquest of the Promised Land of Canaan. Furthermore, it was essential for the systematic organization of the vast multitude for encampment and for the orderly progression of their march, assigning specific positions and responsibilities to each tribe, as comprehensively detailed in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment and March Order"). The distinctive inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh as separate, full tribes, rather than as a single "tribe of Joseph," directly fulfills Jacob's prophetic blessing articulated in [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob's Blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh"), where he elevated Joseph's two sons to the status of his own, thereby granting Joseph a "double portion" among his brothers. This intricate historical context profoundly underscores the divine foresight and unwavering faithfulness in preparing His covenant people for their destiny, ensuring order, accountability, and the precise fulfillment of ancient promises.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 1:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**. The census itself, and the meticulous listing of leaders, demonstrates God's character as a God who brings structure out of potential chaos, essential for a people embarking on a divinely appointed mission. This is further elaborated in the precise camp arrangements and marching orders in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment and March Order"). Another crucial theme is **Covenant Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promise**. The elevation of Ephraim and Manasseh to full tribal status directly fulfills Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"), showcasing God's meticulous memory and execution of His word across generations. The census also highlights **Divine Preparation for Mission**, as the counting and organization of fighting men directly relates to the impending conquest of Canaan, emphasizing that God equips and arranges His people for the tasks He sets before them. Finally, the theme of **Leadership and Accountability** is prominent, as specific individuals are identified and appointed by God to guide and represent their respective tribes, underscoring the importance of godly authority within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _'Eliyshama'_):** Meaning "God of hearing" or "My God has heard." This name carries a profound theological weight, likely reflecting the parents' experience of divine attentiveness to their prayers or their hope that God would indeed hear their petitions concerning their child. In the context of a tribal leader, Elishama's name suggests a man whose very identity is a testament to God's responsive nature, potentially inspiring confidence in his leadership as one who walks in divine favor and whose prayers, like those of his people, are heard by God.
* **Gamaliel (Hebrew, _Gamliy'el_):** Meaning "reward of God" or "God is my recompense." This name speaks directly to divine justice, blessing, or compensation. It could signify a belief that God provides abundantly, blesses faithfully, or vindicates righteously. For a tribal prince, such a name would symbolize the expectation that God would reward the faithfulness of the tribe under his leadership, or that his very existence and position were a direct divine blessing to his people, a tangible manifestation of God's recompense.
* **Pedahzur (Hebrew, _Pedahtsuwr_):** Meaning "a rock (i.e. God) has ransomed" or "My Rock is a redeemer." This name is exceptionally rich in its theological implications, identifying God metaphorically as a "Rock"—a common biblical symbol for strength, stability, refuge, and unwavering faithfulness—and explicitly as a "redeemer" or "ransomer." It powerfully points to God's saving action, His deliverance from bondage, and His protective nature. As the father of Gamaliel, Pedahzur's name would have deeply ingrained in his son, and by extension in the tribe of Manasseh, a fundamental understanding of God's redemptive power and His steadfast, rock-like faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the children of Joseph:"** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the specific lineage being addressed, indicating that the subsequent names pertain to the direct descendants of Joseph, Jacob's eleventh and favored son. This highlights the unique and privileged status of Joseph's lineage, as his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were formally adopted by Jacob and elevated to the status of full tribes, thereby receiving a double portion of the inheritance—a distinction that set them apart from the other tribes, which typically descended from a single son of Jacob.
* **"of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud:"** This clause precisely identifies the leader chosen for the tribe of Ephraim. Elishama, explicitly identified as the son of Ammihud, is presented as the "prince" or divinely appointed head of this significant tribe. The inclusion of the father's name (patronymic) was an indispensable element for clear identification, establishing legitimate lineage, and affirming authority within the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, thereby emphasizing the continuity of leadership and the profound importance of family identity within the broader tribal framework.
* **"of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur."** Similarly, this clause names Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, as the designated leader for the tribe of Manasseh. Just as with Ephraim, this detailed naming convention underscores the meticulous nature of the census and the divine appointment of specific individuals to roles of immense responsibility within the burgeoning nation. Both Ephraim and Manasseh, though often referred to as "half-tribes" due to their shared paternal lineage, were substantial in number and held significant importance within the Israelite confederacy, necessitating strong, divinely recognized leadership for their effective organization, function, and contribution to the larger covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 1:10, and indeed the entire census list, primarily employs the literary device of **List/Genealogy**. This meticulous enumeration of names and lineages serves not merely as a dry record but as a profound theological statement, demonstrating God's meticulous **Order** and **Organization** in the formation of His people. It underscores that the nation is not a chaotic multitude but a divinely structured and purposeful community. The consistent formula of "X the son of Y" is a form of **Repetition** or **Formulaic Language**, which lends a sense of authority, precision, and historical reliability to the text, reinforcing the divine precision behind the census. Furthermore, the practice of **Onomastics** (the study of names) is highly significant here, as the names themselves (Elishama, Gamaliel, Pedahzur) carry deep theological meanings. These names are not arbitrary labels but are miniature theological declarations, subtly reinforcing the overarching narrative of God's faithful relationship with Israel, even within what might otherwise appear to be a simple, administrative roster.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:10, despite its seemingly simple listing of names, is profoundly rich with theological and thematic implications. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to order, structure, and accountability within His covenant people. The meticulous census, including the precise identification of specific leaders for each tribe, underscores divine foresight in preparing Israel for their arduous wilderness journey and their eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. This profound emphasis on organization reflects God's character as a God of perfect order, not chaos, and His desire for His people to function as a cohesive, purposeful, and disciplined community. Moreover, the distinct listing of Ephraim and Manasseh as separate tribes highlights the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient promises, particularly Jacob's prophetic blessing to Joseph, thereby demonstrating His ongoing commitment to His covenant with Abraham and his countless descendants. The very names of the leaders themselves, carrying profound meanings like "God has heard" and "God is my recompense," serve as miniature theological declarations, embedding faith and divine attributes within the very fabric of Israel's divinely appointed leadership.

* [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob's Adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Numbers 2:18-24](/numbers/2-18-24 "Numbers 2:18-24 - The Camp and March Order of Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Deuteronomy 33:13-17](/deuteronomy/33-13-17 "Deuteronomy 33:13-17 - Moses' Blessing on Joseph's Descendants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 1:10 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's meticulous care, His divine design for order, and His sovereign placement of individuals within His people. While we no longer live under a tribal system, the enduring principles of divine order, the indispensable importance of godly leadership, and the intrinsic value of every individual within the community of faith remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God has a specific place and a unique purpose for each of us within His grand redemptive design, and that He faithfully calls and equips leaders to guide, organize, and shepherd His people for effective mission and faithful witness in the world. It encourages us to cultivate a deep appreciation for the structure and order within the church, to respectfully support and pray for those in spiritual authority, and to recognize that our individual contributions, however seemingly small or hidden, are absolutely vital to the flourishing and collective functioning of the body of Christ. Just as God prepared ancient Israel for their journey with divine precision, He continues to prepare and equip us for our spiritual pilgrimage, ensuring that we are adequately prepared, organized, and empowered for the challenges, blessings, and opportunities that lie ahead. This passage ultimately fosters a profound trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing with certainty that He oversees every minute detail of our lives and the life of His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous organization of Israel in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") inform our understanding of His character and His desire for order in our personal lives and spiritual communities today?**
* **What essential qualities do Elishama and Gamaliel, as divinely appointed tribal leaders, represent, and how can we prayerfully apply these principles to leadership within the church or other communities we serve?**
* **In what profound ways does this seemingly "dry" list of names reveal God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises, and how does that encourage and strengthen us in our own walk of faith amidst life's uncertainties?**
* **How can we, as individual members of Christ's body, actively contribute to the order, unity, and effective functioning of our spiritual communities, recognizing our unique and indispensable place within God's larger redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**Why are Ephraim and Manasseh listed as separate tribes, rather than a single tribe of Joseph?**

Answer: This unique arrangement fulfills Jacob's prophetic blessing upon Joseph, specifically recorded in [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"). Jacob, on his deathbed, adopted Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, thereby elevating them to the full status of tribes alongside his other sons. This act effectively granted Joseph a "double portion" among his brothers, a significant privilege typically reserved for the firstborn son. This divine arrangement ensured a larger and more prominent representation for Joseph's descendants within the twelve tribes of Israel, profoundly reflecting God's unique favor and blessing upon Joseph and his posterity throughout the generations.

**What was the primary purpose of this census for the Israelites?**

Answer: The census, explicitly commanded by God in [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2-3 "Numbers 1:2-3 - The Purpose of the Census"), served multiple critical and interconnected purposes for the newly formed nation of Israel. Primarily, it was a comprehensive military registration of all men aged twenty and upward who were able to go to war, preparing them for the impending conquest of Canaan. Secondly, it was absolutely essential for the systematic organization of the vast Israelite camp and their precise order of march through the challenging wilderness, as meticulously detailed in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes"). This meticulous organization ensured efficiency, discipline, and a clear sense of identity and responsibility for each tribal unit. Finally, it laid the crucial groundwork for the future allocation of tribal territories in the Promised Land, where land would be equitably distributed according to the proportional size and strength of each tribe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 1:10 meticulously details the earthly organization of Old Testament Israel, it subtly yet profoundly points to the ultimate order, perfect leadership, and unified family found in Christ. The meticulous care God took in counting, organizing, and appointing leaders for His people foreshadows the divine precision and wisdom with which He builds His spiritual house, the Church. Just as Elishama and Gamaliel were appointed leaders for their respective tribes, Christ is the supreme Head and perfect Shepherd of His new covenant people, the Church, as beautifully described in [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church") and [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Body"). The individual names of the tribal leaders, carrying profound meanings like "God has heard" and "God is my recompense," find their ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus, through whom God fully hears and answers our prayers ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")) and provides ultimate recompense, eternal reward, and perfect justice for His faithful ones ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus Brings His Reward")). The unique inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh as distinct tribes, fulfilling Jacob's ancient blessing, prefigures the expansive, inclusive, and diverse nature of God's family in Christ, where there is no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free, but all are one in Him through faith ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Ultimately, the census of Israel, meticulously preparing them for an earthly inheritance, points decisively to the spiritual census of those whose names are eternally written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"), destined for an eternal inheritance in the New Jerusalem through Christ Jesus, our perfect Leader, Redeemer, and the very foundation of our hope.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 7:54

On the eighth day [offered] Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

Numbers 7:48

On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, [offered]:

Numbers 2:18

On the west side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim [shall be] Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 2:20

And by him [shall be] the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh [shall be] Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Numbers 10:22

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host [was] Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 10:23

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh [was] Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

1 Chronicles 7:26

Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,