Numbers 34:26

KJV

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prince {H5387} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Issachar {H3485}, Paltiel {H6409} the son {H1121} of Azzan {H5821}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the tribe of the descendants of Yissakhar, a leader, Palti'el the son of 'Azan;

Berean Standard Bible

Paltiel son of Azzan, a leader from the tribe of Issachar;

American Standard Version

And of the tribe of the children of Issachar a prince, Paltiel the son of Azzan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 34:26 introduces Paltiel, son of Azzan, as the divinely appointed prince representing the tribe of Issachar. This verse is part of a crucial enumeration within the Book of Numbers, detailing the specific leaders selected by God to oversee the equitable and orderly distribution of the Promised Land of Canaan among the nine and a half tribes of Israel, underscoring God's meticulous planning and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 34:26 is embedded within a highly structured passage (Numbers 34:16-29) that meticulously lists the twelve tribal leaders chosen to assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in the division of the land of Canaan. This specific list follows the detailed outlining of Canaan's precise borders in [Numbers 34:1-15](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-15 - Borders of the Promised Land"), emphasizing the divine precision in both the territory and its allocation. The inclusion of individual names like Paltiel underscores the personal, divinely ordained nature of this administrative task, transitioning from the general command for land distribution by lot to the specific human agents responsible for its execution. This section serves as a practical implementation of God's promise, ensuring a fair and ordered process for the tribes upon their entry into their inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the culmination of forty years of wilderness wandering and the imminent entry into the Promised Land. The meticulous division of land was not merely an administrative task but a foundational act for the nascent nation, establishing their identity, economy, and social structure. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership was paramount, signifying identity, security, and divine favor. The allocation by tribe, overseen by divinely appointed leaders, prevented internal strife and reinforced the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The concept of "prince" (nasi) was well-established in Israelite society, denoting a tribal head or leader responsible for the welfare and representation of their people, particularly in significant national undertakings such as the census ([Numbers 1:4](/numbers/1-4 "Numbers 1:4 - Princes in the Census")) or, in this case, the distribution of their sacred inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 34:26 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing God's meticulousness in establishing clear structures and appointing specific individuals to carry out His will, ensuring fairness and preventing chaos in the allocation of the land. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as the very act of preparing to divide the land signifies the nearing realization of God's ancient covenant pledge to [Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and his descendants—a tangible homeland after generations of wandering. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Leadership and Responsibility**, as Paltiel, like the other appointed princes, was entrusted with a vital role in ensuring justice and equity within his tribe during this momentous process, illustrating the weighty accountability placed upon those chosen to serve in positions of authority within God's community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prince (Hebrew, _nasi'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to lift up" or "to be exalted," denotes a leader, chief, or exalted one. Throughout the book of Numbers, _nasi'_ is consistently used to refer to the heads of tribes or clans, indicating their prominent standing and the significant trust placed in them. Here, it signifies a person of recognized authority and representation, specifically chosen by divine appointment to execute a critical national task—the equitable distribution of the Promised Land. The use of _nasi'_ underscores the importance and legitimacy of Paltiel's role.
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissakar'_):** Meaning "there is recompense" or "he is hired," Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob by Leah. The tribe of Issachar was known for its understanding of the times and what Israel ought to do ([1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar")). In this context, the mention of "the tribe of the children of Issachar" specifically identifies the constituency Paltiel represents, highlighting the tribal-based structure of Israelite society and the representative nature of his leadership role in the land allocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prince":** This phrase immediately establishes the authoritative figure being introduced. The "prince" is not merely a common individual but a leader, one vested with the power and responsibility to act on behalf of his tribe in a matter of national importance. This highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of the Israelite community as ordained by God.
* **"of the tribe of the children of Issachar":** This clause precisely identifies the specific tribal affiliation of the prince. It emphasizes that this appointment is not a personal one in isolation, but a representative role, ensuring that each of the twelve tribes (or nine and a half, in this context of land division west of the Jordan) has a voice and a designated leader to oversee its interests in the distribution of the land. It reinforces the tribal identity as the fundamental unit of Israelite society.
* **"Paltiel the son of Azzan":** This provides the specific name and lineage of the appointed leader. "Paltiel" means "God is my deliverance" or "God is my escape," a name that may subtly allude to God's faithfulness in bringing His people to their promised inheritance. The inclusion of his father's name, "Azzan," further solidifies his identity and lineage, a common practice in biblical genealogies and administrative lists, lending authenticity and precision to the record. It also underscores that God's plan involves specific, identifiable individuals.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 34:26, and indeed throughout Numbers 34:16-29, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The text meticulously lists each tribal prince by name and lineage, creating a comprehensive roster of the appointed leaders. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the **Precision** and **Meticulousness** of God's divine plan for the land distribution. It is not a vague or haphazard process but a divinely organized and humanly executed task, with every participant clearly identified. This literary choice also lends an air of **Authority** and **Veracity** to the narrative, underscoring that these were real individuals involved in a historically significant event, demonstrating God's direct involvement in the practical affairs of His people. The repetition of the formula "the prince of the tribe of the children of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father]" creates a rhythmic pattern that reinforces the systematic nature of the divine appointments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 34:26, though a single verse in a long list, powerfully illustrates God's commitment to order, justice, and the meticulous fulfillment of His promises. It reveals a God who is not distant or abstract but deeply involved in the practical details of His people's lives, even down to the fair distribution of their inheritance. The appointment of specific leaders like Paltiel signifies the divine principle of delegated authority and the importance of human cooperation in executing God's will. The land itself is more than mere territory; it is a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness, a place where His people can live in security and worship Him. This passage reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds through seemingly small, administrative details and the faithful service of ordinary individuals entrusted with significant responsibilities.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 14:1-5](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1-5 - Division of the Land in Canaan")
* [Deuteronomy 1:13](/deuteronomy/1-13 "Deuteronomy 1:13 - Appointing Wise Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 34:26, seemingly a dry administrative detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and personal involvement. Just as He meticulously planned the distribution of the Promised Land and appointed specific individuals like Paltiel for crucial roles, so too does He have a detailed plan for our lives and our collective endeavors as His church. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty over the "details" of our circumstances, knowing that His plans are always for our good and the fulfillment of His greater purposes. It challenges us to consider our own unique roles within God's kingdom, whether in prominent leadership or faithful, behind-the-scenes service, recognizing that every task, when undertaken with integrity and obedience, contributes to the unfolding of His divine will. Paltiel's appointment underscores the importance of faithful stewardship and the ethical administration of resources, urging us to exercise fairness and justice in all our dealings, reflecting the character of the God who meticulously provides for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous planning for the land distribution encourage your trust in His sovereignty over your own life's details and future?**
* **In what specific ways are you called to exercise leadership or faithful service within God's larger plan today, and how can you emulate Paltiel's dedication to a divinely appointed task?**
* **What does Paltiel's role teach us about the importance of integrity and fairness in administering resources or responsibilities within our families, communities, or the church?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names included in the Bible, especially for a seemingly minor administrative task like land distribution?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists, including specific names like Paltiel, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the **divine meticulousness and order** in God's plan. The allocation of the Promised Land was not to be a chaotic or arbitrary process but a divinely orchestrated, precise, and equitable division. Naming each prince highlights God's intentionality and care for every tribe. Secondly, it provides **historical authenticity and veracity** to the biblical narrative. These were real people, real tribes, and a real historical event, demonstrating that the Bible is rooted in factual history, not merely abstract theology. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **importance of individual responsibility and leadership** within God's community. God works through specific individuals, empowering them for specific tasks. Paltiel's inclusion signifies that even seemingly administrative roles are vital to God's overarching purposes. Finally, it reinforces the **fulfillment of God's covenant promises**. The very act of preparing to divide the land is a tangible sign that God is bringing His ancient promises to Abraham to pass, providing a homeland for His people, and the detailed list ensures that every part of the nation receives its rightful inheritance, just as God promised in [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Borders and Leaders for the Land Division").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 34:26, with its focus on the meticulous division of an earthly inheritance under the leadership of appointed princes, powerfully foreshadows the far greater spiritual inheritance secured and distributed by Jesus Christ. Paltiel, as a "prince" (_nasi'_) tasked with ensuring each tribe received its portion of the Promised Land, serves as a type of leader who facilitates the reception of an earthly blessing. This points forward to Jesus, the ultimate "Prince" – the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), the [Ruler of God's people](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Ruler from Bethlehem") – who not only secures but also distributes an eternal, heavenly inheritance. Just as the land was a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, so too is the new creation and eternal life the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Through His atoning work, Christ has purchased for us an [inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance"). We, as believers, are not merely recipients of a physical land but are made [co-heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ") of all spiritual blessings, adopted into God's family and guaranteed an eternal dwelling in His presence. The meticulous planning for the earthly inheritance in Numbers points to the perfect, divine plan of salvation, meticulously executed by God through Christ, ensuring that all who believe receive their portion in the [glorious inheritance of the saints](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light").

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.