Numbers 10:22

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host [was] Elishama the son of Ammihud.

And the standard {H1714} of the camp {H4264} of the children {H1121} of Ephraim {H669} set forward {H5265} according to their armies {H6635}: and over his host {H6635} was Elishama {H476} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}.

The banner of the camp of the descendants of Efrayim moved forward by companies; over his company was Elishama the son of 'Ammihud.

Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command.

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their hosts: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Commentary

Numbers 10:22 marks a specific point in the grand procession of the Israelites as they depart from Mount Sinai, beginning their journey towards the Promised Land. This verse highlights the movement of the third major division of the Israelite camp, led by the tribe of Ephraim.

Context of the Journey

Chapter 10 of Numbers details the divine instructions for Israel's encampment and march order, which was meticulously planned by God. After spending nearly a year at Mount Sinai, receiving the Law and building the Tabernacle, it was time for the Israelites to move. The previous verses (Numbers 10:1-17) describe the blowing of the silver trumpets to signal movement and the departure of the first two camps (Judah and Reuben). Verse 21 notes the Levites carrying the sanctuary components. Numbers 10:22 introduces the third contingent, the "camp of Ephraim," which included the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, moving directly behind the Kohathites who bore the sacred ark and sanctuary items. This precise order ensured both protection for the Tabernacle and efficient travel for the vast multitude.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Discipline: The meticulous organization of the Israelite march underscores God's desire for order among His people. Every tribe had its designated place and leader, reflecting a disciplined and unified body moving under divine direction. This echoes the detailed instructions given in Numbers chapter 2 regarding the camp's layout.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: The naming of Elishama the son of Ammihud as the leader ("over his host") of the Ephraimite division emphasizes the importance of appointed leadership within God's plan. Leaders like Elishama bore significant responsibility for their respective tribes and their role in the collective journey. Elishama is also mentioned as a leader in Numbers 1:10.
  • Progress Towards Promise: This verse, part of the larger narrative of departure, signifies a critical step in Israel's journey towards fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. It's a physical manifestation of God leading His people to their inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The term "standard" (Hebrew: degel) refers to a banner or flag that served as a rallying point and identifier for each tribal division. These standards were essential for maintaining order and identity for the vast numbers of people on the move. The word "host" (Hebrew: tsaba) often carries a military connotation, reinforcing the idea of the Israelites as a disciplined army, even though they were a nation on the move, under the ultimate command of God.

Practical Application

Numbers 10:22 reminds us of the value of order, discipline, and effective leadership in any collective endeavor, whether in a church, family, or community. Just as God meticulously organized ancient Israel's journey, He also provides guidance and structure for our lives today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's divine plan, even when the path ahead seems long or challenging, knowing that He leads us toward His purposes and promises. It highlights that every individual and group has a vital role to play in the larger divine narrative.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 2:18 (4 votes)

    On the west side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim [shall be] Elishama the son of Ammihud.

  • Numbers 2:24 (4 votes)

    All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim [were] an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

  • Numbers 1:10 (3 votes)

    Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

  • Numbers 7:48 (2 votes)

    On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, [offered]:

  • Genesis 48:19 (2 votes)

    And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

  • Numbers 26:23 (2 votes)

    [Of] the sons of Issachar after their families: [of] Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

  • Numbers 26:41 (2 votes)

    These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred.