### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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