The Hebrew name Pagʻîyʼêl, represented by H6295, means "accident of God". It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This name identifies a specific Israelite leader during the time of the census in the wilderness.
Pagiel is consistently identified as "the son of Ocran" Numbers 1:13. He is the appointed leader for the tribe of Asher, serving as the captain H5387 of the children of Asher during their encampment Numbers 2:27 and as the commander over their host H6635 when they marched Numbers 10:26. His most detailed role is as the prince H5387 of Asher who presented an offering on the eleventh day H3117 for the dedication of the altar Numbers 7:72.
Several related words help clarify Pagiel's identity and role:
- H5918 ʻOkrân (muddler): This is the name of Pagiel's father, establishing his direct lineage in every mention Numbers 1:13.
- H836 ʼÂshêr (happy): This identifies the tribe from which Pagiel came, one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from a son of Jacob Numbers 2:27.
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; captain, chief, governor, prince, ruler): This title is used for Pagiel to denote his position of leadership and authority over his tribe Numbers 7:72.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is used in every instance to connect Pagiel to his father, Ocran, emphasizing his identity through his family line Numbers 10:26.
The scriptural account of Pagiel highlights specific principles of order and worship in early Israel.
- Tribal Leadership: Pagiel exemplifies the structured leadership God established for the tribes of Israel, where a designated prince H5387 or captain H5387 represented his people Numbers 2:27.
- Role in Worship: His primary recorded action is bringing a substantial offering H7133 for the dedication of the altar. This included two H8147 oxen H1241, five H2568 rams H352, five H2568 he goats H6260, and five H2568 lambs H3532 Numbers 7:77.
- Systematic Dedication: Pagiel's participation on the eleventh day Numbers 7:72 was part of a systematic, twelve-day process where each tribal leader brought an identical offering, demonstrating unity and obedience.
In summary, H6295 Pagʻîyʼêl is the name of a key leader from the tribe of Asher. While his name appears infrequently, his role is significant as a representative of his tribe in the civil and religious organization of Israel in the wilderness. He stands as an example of leadership, obedience, and participation in the nation's collective worship as documented in the book of Numbers.
TRV