Numbers 10:25

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, [which was] the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host [was] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

And the standard {H1714} of the camp {H4264} of the children {H1121} of Dan {H1835} set forward {H5265}, which was the rereward {H622} of all the camps {H4264} throughout their hosts {H6635}: and over his host {H6635} was Ahiezer {H295} the son {H1121} of Ammishaddai {H5996}.

The banner of the camp of the descendants of Dan, forming the rearguard for all the camps, moved forward by companies; over his company was Achi'ezer the son of 'Ammishaddai.

Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command.

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was the rearward of all the camps, set forward according to their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 10:25 is part of a crucial section detailing the Israelite encampment's departure from Mount Sinai, where they had resided for nearly a year. Chapters 1-9 meticulously describe the organization of the twelve tribes, their census, their positions around the Tabernacle, and their duties. Chapter 10 then outlines the specific marching order for their journey toward the Promised Land. This verse specifically addresses the camp of Dan, which included the tribes of Asher and Naphtali, serving as the rereward, or rear guard, for the entire vast procession. Their position was strategic, protecting the camp from any attack from the rear and ensuring no one was left behind.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous detail given to the marching order, including the specific placement of each tribe and its leader, highlights God's preference for order and His careful planning for His people. This was not a chaotic migration but a divinely orchestrated movement.
  • Protection and Security: The assignment of Dan's camp as the "rereward" underscores the theme of divine protection. This position was vital for sweeping up stragglers, collecting forgotten items, and defending against potential attacks from the rear, ensuring the safety of the entire community, especially the vulnerable. This echoes the concept of God's glory being a rereward for His people.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai, is named as the leader of the host of Dan. This points to the importance of designated leadership in guiding God's people and executing His divine plans.

Linguistic Insights

The term "rereward" (KJV) is an archaic English word meaning rear guard. In the original Hebrew, it is ืขึธืกื•ึนืฃ ('asoph) or ืžึฐืึทืกึผึตืฃ (me'asseph), meaning "gatherer" or "collector," emphasizing their role in gathering up the last of the camp, including any who might have fallen behind or items left behind. This highlights a practical and protective function, not merely a trailing position.

Practical Application

The disciplined marching order of the Israelites, with Dan's camp serving as the protective rear guard, offers several insights for believers today:

  • God's Care for Every Detail: Just as God meticulously organized the Israelite journey, He cares about the details of our lives. We can trust His sovereign plan, even when our specific role seems less prominent.
  • No One Left Behind: The rear guard ensured the safety of everyone, even the slowest or weakest. This illustrates God's compassionate nature, ensuring that His people are cared for and protected, and that the body of believers moves forward together, supporting one another.
  • The Importance of Order: While we have freedom in Christ, the Bible often emphasizes order and discipline in our lives and in the church (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:40). God is a God of order, not confusion.
  • Trusting God's Placement: Each tribe had its designated place in the march. Similarly, we are called to serve where God places us, trusting that every role, from the vanguard to the rear guard, is vital for the collective journey of faith.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 6:9

    And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, [the priests] going on, and blowing with the trumpets.

  • Numbers 1:12

    Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

  • Numbers 7:66

    On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, [offered]:

  • Deuteronomy 25:17

    Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;

  • Deuteronomy 25:18

    How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, [even] all [that were] feeble behind thee, when thou [wast] faint and weary; and he feared not God.

  • Numbers 26:42

    These [are] the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These [are] the families of Dan after their families.

  • Numbers 26:51

    These [were] the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
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