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Numbers 1:5

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And these [are] the names of the men that shall stand with you: of [the tribe of] Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

And these are the names {H8034} of the men {H582} that shall stand {H5975} with you: of the tribe of Reuben {H7205}; Elizur {H468} the son {H1121} of Shedeur {H7707}.

These are the men to take with you: From Re'uven, Elitzur the son of Sh'de'ur;

These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you. Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 1:5

Numbers 1:5 introduces the specific individual chosen from the tribe of Reuben to assist Moses and Aaron in the upcoming census and organization of the Israelite camp. This verse marks the beginning of a detailed list of tribal leaders, one from each of the twelve tribes, who were appointed for this crucial task.

Context

This verse is situated at the very beginning of the Book of Numbers, which details Israel's journey through the wilderness after their departure from Mount Sinai. The immediate context is God's command to Moses to conduct a census of all men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war (Numbers 1:2-3). This was not merely a head count but an organizational effort to prepare the nation for its responsibilities, including military service and the structured encampment and movement through the desert. The leaders mentioned, like Elizur, were vital for implementing this divine directive and ensuring order among the vast multitude of Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The appointment of specific leaders for each tribe underscores God's meticulous plan for His people. Every aspect of Israel's journey, from their encampment to their marching order, was divinely ordained, reflecting a God of order, not chaos.
  • Delegated Leadership: Moses and Aaron, while divinely appointed, were not expected to manage the entire nation alone. This verse highlights the principle of delegated authority, where capable individuals are empowered to assist in leadership and administration. Elizur's role was to "stand with" Moses and Aaron, indicating support and active participation in the tribal organization.
  • Tribal Identity: The listing of leaders by tribe emphasizes the strong tribal identity within ancient Israel. Each tribe maintained its distinct lineage and internal structure, even as they functioned as a unified nation. Reuben, as the firstborn son of Jacob, traditionally held a prominent, though sometimes complicated, position among the tribes (Genesis 49:3-4).

Linguistic Insights

The name Elizur (אֱלִיצוּר, ʼĔlîṣûr) means "My God is a rock" or "God is my rock." This name carries a strong theological statement, reflecting a foundational trust in God's steadfastness and protection, a fitting name for a leader in the wilderness. The name Shedeur (שְׁדֵיאּוּר, Šəḏêʼûr) is less certain in meaning, but some suggest it relates to "Shaddai is light" or "giver of light," connecting to a divine attribute. These names highlight the pervasive spiritual worldview of the time.

Practical Application

Numbers 1:5, while seemingly a simple listing, offers valuable insights for today. It reminds us of the importance of structured leadership and organization within any large body, including spiritual communities. It teaches that:

  • God values order and delegates responsibility to capable individuals for the effective functioning of His purposes.
  • Every person, even those not in the most prominent roles, has a vital part to play in the overall mission. Elizur, though not Moses or Aaron, was essential to the success of the census and the wilderness journey.
  • Trust in God's steadfastness ("God is my rock") is a crucial quality for those in leadership, especially when facing challenging circumstances. This verse provides a glimpse into the meticulous care God took in organizing His people for their journey towards the Promised Land.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:30 (3 votes)

    On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, [did offer]:

  • Exodus 1:2 (2 votes)

    Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

  • Exodus 1:5 (2 votes)

    And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt [already].

  • Numbers 10:18 (2 votes)

    And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host [was] Elizur the son of Shedeur.

  • Genesis 35:17 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

  • Genesis 35:26 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

  • Genesis 29:32 (2 votes)

    And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.