Numbers 10:24

KJV

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin [was] Abidan the son of Gideoni.

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the host {H6635} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} was Abidan {H27} the son {H1121} of Gideoni {H1441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Over the company of the descendants of Binyamin was Avidan the son of Gid'oni.

Berean Standard Bible

and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin.

American Standard Version

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 10:24 precisely identifies Abidan the son of Gideoni as the appointed leader over the host of the tribe of Benjamin. This seemingly minor detail is profoundly significant, underscoring God's meticulous attention to order and structure within the Israelite community as they prepared to depart Mount Sinai. It highlights the divine blueprint for leadership and organization necessary for the vast nation to function cohesively on their journey toward the Promised Land, demonstrating that every tribe and every leader had a specific, divinely ordained place within God's grand design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 10 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's journey, signaling their departure from Mount Sinai after a year of encampment, receiving the Law, and constructing the Tabernacle. The chapter meticulously details the precise, divinely ordained order of march for the Israelite tribes. Following the instructions for the silver trumpets (Numbers 10:1-10) and the initial movements of the first two divisions (Judah's camp and Reuben's camp, Numbers 10:14-20), Numbers 10:24 introduces the leader of Benjamin, a tribe belonging to the third division, the camp of Ephraim (Numbers 10:22-24). This structured enumeration of leaders and tribal positions echoes the initial census and encampment arrangements established in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census and Tribal Organization") and [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment Order"), emphasizing continuity in God's ordered plan for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the vast wilderness, a challenging environment requiring exceptional organization for the survival and movement of an estimated two million people. The Israelite society was fundamentally tribal, with each tribe maintaining a distinct identity yet functioning as part of a unified nation. Leaders like Abidan were not merely figureheads but held immense responsibility for the welfare, discipline, and logistical movement of their respective "hosts" or military divisions. This military-like organization was crucial for protection, efficiency, and adherence to divine commands in a hostile environment. The meticulous detail reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of order in large-scale movements, but here, it is divinely mandated, setting Israel apart as a people under God's direct governance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, along with its surrounding context, powerfully illustrates several core themes. First, **Divine Order and Structure** is paramount; God is not a God of chaos but of meticulous design, evident in the precise arrangement of the tribes and the appointment of specific leaders for every segment of the nation. This divine blueprint for organization is foundational to the entire book of Numbers, beginning with the detailed census and tribal arrangements described in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census and Tribal Organization"). Second, **Leadership and Responsibility** is highlighted through Abidan's role. As a tribal head, he bore the weighty responsibility for the well-being and movement of a significant portion of Israel, a theme reiterated throughout the Pentateuch regarding those in authority, such as Moses and the elders (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:15](/deuteronomy/1-15 "Deuteronomy 1:15 - Moses Appoints Leaders")). Third, **Tribal Identity and Unity** is subtly reinforced. While each tribe, like Benjamin, maintained its distinct identity and leader, they all functioned as integral parts of a larger, unified nation under God's ultimate leadership, demonstrating how individual components contribute to the strength and purpose of the whole. Abidan is also recognized as the leader of Benjamin in [Numbers 1:11](/numbers/1-11 "Numbers 1:11 - Abidan Listed as Leader").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abidan (Hebrew, _ʼĂḇîḏān'_):** This name means "my father is judge" or "father of judgment." This etymology is highly significant for a tribal leader, suggesting a person endowed with wisdom, authority, and the capacity for righteous discernment and leadership. It implies a lineage or character marked by justice and the ability to arbitrate disputes, fitting for one entrusted with the welfare of an entire tribe.
* **Gideoni (Hebrew, _Giḏʻōnî'_):** The name of Abidan's father, Gideoni, possibly derives from a root meaning "my hewer" or "my cutter." This could suggest a strong, decisive, or even warrior-like lineage, adding to the perceived strength and authority of Abidan as a leader.
* **Host (Hebrew, _ṣāḇāʼ'_):** While often translated as "host" or "army," this term can also mean "multitude" or "service." In this context, it emphasizes the organized, disciplined, and almost military-like nature of the Israelite camp and its divisions. It underscores that the movement was not a chaotic migration but a structured, purposeful march, reflecting divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin":** This clause precisely identifies the specific group being discussed—the entire multitude or military division belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the tribal structure that was fundamental to Israelite society and emphasizes the collective identity and organized nature of this specific segment of the nation. The use of "host" (ṣāḇāʼ) suggests a body capable of organized movement and defense, underscoring the practical necessity of leadership.
* **"[was] Abidan the son of Gideoni":** This part of the verse names the individual divinely appointed to lead the aforementioned "host." The "[was]" is supplied in the KJV, as the Hebrew simply states the leader's name directly after the tribe, implying his designated position. The inclusion of his father's name, Gideoni, establishes his lineage and identity within the tribal structure, reinforcing the patriarchal and familial nature of Israelite leadership and society. It confirms his authority and specific role in the grand divine plan for Israel's journey.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 10:24 and its surrounding context is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The detailed listing of tribal leaders and their specific positions within the marching order (Numbers 10:14-27) serves to emphasize the meticulous divine organization of the Israelite camp. This systematic cataloging reinforces the theme of God's orderliness and His direct involvement in the practical arrangements of His people. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of Abidan's name (e.g., in [Numbers 1:11](/numbers/1-11 "Numbers 1:11 - Abidan's Listing") and [Numbers 7:60](/numbers/7-60 "Numbers 7:60 - Abidan's Offering")) solidifies his identity and role, ensuring that his leadership is recognized as consistent and divinely sanctioned throughout the narrative of the wilderness journey. The phrase "host of the tribe" can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the military-like "host") represents the whole tribe, emphasizing their organized capacity for movement and defense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 10:24, though a specific detail, contributes significantly to the overarching theological narrative of God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or chaotic, but intimately involved in the practicalities of human existence, desiring order, structure, and clear leadership for the well-being and effective functioning of His covenant community. This divine meticulousness in organizing ancient Israel foreshadows God's ongoing commitment to order in His church and in the world. It reminds us that God's plans are purposeful and that every individual and group has a designated place and function within His larger design, contributing to the collective journey of faith. The appointment of leaders like Abidan underscores the principle that God works through human instruments, entrusting them with significant responsibilities for the guidance and care of His flock.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Gifts for the Church's Order")
* [Deuteronomy 1:15](/deuteronomy/1-15 "Deuteronomy 1:15 - Appointment of Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 10:24, while seemingly a dry genealogical or organizational detail, carries profound implications for our lives and communities today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, not chaos. Just as He meticulously arranged the tribes of Israel and appointed specific leaders for their journey, so too does He value structure, clear guidance, and individual responsibility within our contemporary lives, our families, our workplaces, and especially within the church. This verse encourages us to embrace order in our own affairs, recognizing that discipline and intentionality are often prerequisites for effective progress and harmony. It also calls us to appreciate and respect those whom God has placed in positions of leadership, understanding the weighty responsibility they carry. Furthermore, it reminds us that every person, like every tribe, has a unique and vital place within God's larger plan, contributing to the overall well-being and mission of the collective body. Our seemingly small roles are significant when performed faithfully within God's divine order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's desire for order in ancient Israel inform our approach to organization and structure in our own lives or communities today?**
* **What responsibilities come with leadership, and how can we support those God has placed in authority over us, whether in the church, family, or society?**
* **In what ways can we contribute to the unity and effective functioning of our spiritual community, even in seemingly "small" or overlooked roles, knowing that God values every part?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a specific detail as a tribal leader's name included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of specific names and detailed organizational structures, like Abidan's leadership in Numbers 10:24, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the **historical accuracy and reliability** of the biblical narrative, providing concrete details that ground the account in reality. Secondly, it highlights God's **meticulousness and attention to detail** in His dealings with His people. Every aspect of Israel's journey, from the Tabernacle's construction to the marching order, was divinely ordained, demonstrating God's sovereign control and care. This is evident throughout the book of Numbers, particularly in the detailed census records found in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census") and the precise encampment instructions in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment Order"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **importance of leadership and individual responsibility** within God's plan. Abidan was not an anonymous figure but a divinely appointed leader, accountable for his tribe. Finally, it reinforces the **tribal identity and inheritance** within Israel, ensuring that each family and lineage understood its place and role within the larger covenant community.

**What was the significance of the tribe of Benjamin in Israel's history?**

Answer: The tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest tribes of Israel (as noted in [Numbers 1:37](/numbers/1-37 "Numbers 1:37 - Benjamin's Census Count")), played a remarkably significant role throughout Israelite history. Known for their fierce warriors and skilled slingers (Judges 20:16), they were often at the forefront of battles. The first king of Israel, Saul, hailed from the tribe of Benjamin ([1 Samuel 9:1](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul from Benjamin")). After the division of the kingdom, Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David, forming part of the southern kingdom of Judah. Perhaps most notably, the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in early Christianity, identified himself as "of the tribe of Benjamin" ([Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - Paul's Benjaminite Heritage") and [Philippians 3:5](/Philippians/3-5 "Philippians 3:5 - Paul's Tribal Identity")). Their position in the marching order, as part of the third division following the Levites and the Tabernacle, reflects their strategic importance and their consistent presence within the core of Israel's national identity and spiritual life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and divinely appointed leadership seen in Numbers 10:24 and the broader organization of Israel's camp find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ and His church. Just as Abidan was the head of the tribe of Benjamin, Christ is the supreme and ultimate Head of His church, the new covenant people of God ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church") and [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")). The detailed structure and leadership within ancient Israel foreshadow the divinely ordained order within the body of Christ, where every member has a specific function and gifts are given for the building up of the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ")). The "host" of Israel, moving under divine guidance towards the Promised Land, prefigures the church, a spiritual host journeying towards its eternal inheritance in Christ. The perfect order and purpose of God's plan for Israel's earthly pilgrimage point to the even greater precision and intentionality of His redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who perfectly leads His people through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")). In Christ, all the fragmented leadership and imperfect order of the Old Covenant find their perfect unity and divine authority.

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 1:11

Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Numbers 7:60

On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, [offered]: