Numbers 1:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 1:10 is part of a detailed census commanded by God to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai, shortly after the Israelites departed from Egypt. This verse specifically names the tribal leaders, or "princes," for the two half-tribes descended from Joseph: Ephraim and Manasseh.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Numbers begins with a divine instruction to count all the men aged twenty years and upward who were able to go to war (Numbers 1:3). This census was vital for military organization, assigning tribal responsibilities, and establishing the order of march and encampment. The children of Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, were counted as two distinct tribes, fulfilling Jacob's blessing on Joseph to receive a double portion (Genesis 48:5), ensuring their significant presence among the twelve tribes of Israel. This detailed record highlights the importance of order and accountability in the Israelite community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous nature of the census, including the naming of specific leaders, underscores God's desire for order and structure within His people. This divine foresight prepared Israel for their journey through the wilderness and their future settlement in the promised land.
  • Tribal Identity and Leadership: The verse emphasizes the importance of tribal identity and the role of designated leaders. Elishama, son of Ammihud, for Ephraim, and Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, for Manasseh, were not just names on a list; they were pivotal figures responsible for the well-being, organization, and spiritual guidance of their respective large communities.
  • Fulfillment of God's Promises: The sheer number of men counted across the tribes, including Ephraim and Manasseh, testifies to God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants, fulfilling His covenant promises made generations earlier, demonstrating His ongoing commitment to His people.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned in this verse carry significant meanings, often reflecting the faith and theological understanding of the parents:

  • Elishama (ืึฑืœึดื™ืฉึธืืžึธืข - 'Eliyshama') means "My God has heard" or "God has heard."
  • Ammihud (ืขึทืžึดึผื™ื”ื•ึผื“ - 'Ammiyhuwd) means "My kinsman is glory" or "People of majesty."
  • Gamaliel (ื’ึทึผืžึฐืœึดื™ืึตืœ - Gamliy'el) means "God is my recompense" or "Reward of God." This name is famously borne by the esteemed Pharisee who taught the Apostle Paul (Acts 5:34), though it is a different individual from this Old Testament leader.
  • Pedahzur (ืคึฐึผื“ึธื”ืฆื•ึผืจ - Pedah'tsuwr) means "The Rock has ransomed" or "My Rock is a redeemer."

Practical Application

Numbers 1:10, though seemingly a list of names, reminds us that God's plan for His people involves both individual identity and collective organization. It emphasizes the importance of good leadership, accountability, and the recognition that each part contributes to the whole. For believers today, it encourages us to value order in our lives and communities, to recognize and support godly leadership, and to trust in God's meticulous care and faithfulness in all His dealings with humanity, knowing that He has a purpose for each of us within His grand design.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:54 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 7:48 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 2:18 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 7:26 (2 votes)

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