Numbers 1:13

Numbers 1:13 is a concise verse identifying the designated leader for the tribe of Asher during the first census of Israel, taken shortly after the Exodus from Egypt. It names Pagiel the son of Ocran as the chosen representative for this significant task.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed list found in Numbers Chapter 1, which records the command from the Lord to Moses and Aaron to take a census of all Israelite males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war. This census was crucial for organizing the vast nation for their wilderness journey and for military purposes. Each tribe, with the exception of Levi (who had a different role, as detailed in Numbers 1:49), appointed a specific prince or head of their father's house to assist in this process. Pagiel's mention here signifies his tribal leadership within the larger divine plan for Israel's encampment and march.

Key Themes and Figures

• The Tribe of Asher: Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's eighth son, Asher, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid (Genesis 30:13). The tribe's name means "happy" or "blessed," and its territory in the Promised Land was in the fertile northern coastal region.
• Pagiel the Son of Ocran: Pagiel, whose name can mean "event of God" or "God meets," served as the prince (nasi in Hebrew) of the tribe of Asher. His inclusion among the appointed leaders highlights the importance of divinely sanctioned leadership and the structured organization God instituted for His people. Ocran, his father, is otherwise unknown in scripture, but his name, possibly meaning "troubled" or "afflicted," is part of Pagiel's identity.
• Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of tribal leaders and the census itself underscore God's emphasis on order and preparation. Even in the wilderness, God ensures His people are well-organized for their journey, worship, and future conquest of the Promised Land. This foreshadows the need for order in all aspects of communal life, including spiritual endeavors.

Linguistic Insights

While the verse itself is straightforward, the names carry significance. Pagiel (Hebrew: פַּגְעִיאֵל, Pagʻiʼel) literally means "event of God" or "God meets," suggesting a divine appointment or encounter. His father, Ocran (Hebrew: עָכְרָן, ʻOkran), possibly derives from a root meaning "to trouble" or "afflict," though its exact meaning in this context is less clear. These names, while not providing direct theological insights into the verse's action, remind us that individuals in biblical narratives are often named with purpose or in reflection of circumstances.

Practical Application

Though a simple listing of names, Numbers 1:13, within its broader context, offers several insights:

• God Values Every Individual and Group: Even in a vast nation, God’s plan includes specific roles for each tribe and their leaders. This reminds us that God is concerned with the details of His people's lives and that every part of the body is important.
• The Importance of Leadership and Order: The census and the appointment of leaders like Pagiel demonstrate God's desire for order and good management among His people. This principle remains vital for any community, including the church, to function effectively and fulfill its mission, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40.
• Preparation for Purpose: The census was not just an administrative task but preparation for the journey and future inheritance. Similarly, believers are called to be prepared for service and for the Lord's purposes, ensuring that their lives are ordered according to His will, as described in Ephesians 2:10.