Numbers 1 10

Numbers 1:10 kjv

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

Numbers 1:10 nkjv

from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur;

Numbers 1:10 niv

from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur;

Numbers 1:10 esv

from the sons of Joseph, from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur;

Numbers 1:10 nlt

Ephraim son of Joseph ? Elishama son of Ammihud
Manasseh son of Joseph ? Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 10 Meaning

Numbers 1:10 records the specific tribal leaders (princes) chosen from the descendants of Joseph – Ephraim and Manasseh – who were designated by God to assist Moses and Aaron in the census of the fighting men of Israel. This verse signifies the structured organization of God's people under appointed leadership, essential for their journey, worship, and eventual military campaign in the wilderness. It highlights the continued blessing on Joseph's lineage through his two sons being elevated to distinct tribal status, each with their own leader.

Numbers 1 10 Context

Numbers chapter 1 opens the fourth book of the Pentateuch, immediately after the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle and its services in Exodus and Leviticus. The historical setting is the Sinai wilderness, approximately one year after the Exodus from Egypt and one month after the completion of the Tabernacle (Num 1:1). The primary purpose of Numbers 1 is to conduct a divinely commanded census of all Israelite men aged twenty years and upward, who were able to go to war. This registration was not just for military purposes but also for orderly encampment (detailed in chapter 2) and allocation of duties, particularly in relation to the Tabernacle. Each tribal unit needed a recognized leader to facilitate this massive organizational task. Numbers 1:10, therefore, is a specific part of the broader listing of these tribal leaders, demonstrating the careful and systematic organization of God's people under His sovereign direction as they prepared for their journey to the Promised Land.

Numbers 1 10 Word analysis

• Of the sons of Joseph (מִבְּנֵי יוֹסֵף, mibenei Yosef): This phrase highlights the unique status of Joseph's descendants. Unlike other patriarchs who produced one main tribe, Joseph was granted a "double portion" through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen 48:5). This reflects Jacob's prophetic blessing and God's faithfulness to Joseph, who preserved his family during famine. It also effectively maintained the twelve-tribe structure of Israel in terms of land inheritance, even though Levi was set apart for priestly service and not counted in this military census.
• of Ephraim (אֶפְרָיִם, Ephraim): Joseph's younger son, yet famously blessed by Jacob before Manasseh (Gen 48:19). The name means "fruitful" or "doubly fruitful." Historically, Ephraim later became a prominent tribe, even synonymous with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Its placement here before Manasseh, despite Manasseh being the older son, aligns with Jacob's prophecy and subtly hints at its future significance.
• Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע, Elishama): Meaning "My God has heard" or "God has heard." This name carries a theological message, reminding the people that God hears their cries and prayers, and is attentive to His covenant people. As the chosen prince, his name might serve as a constant affirmation of God's attentiveness and involvement in the nation's affairs.
• the son of Ammihud (עַמִּיהוּד, Ammihud): Meaning "my kinsman is majesty" or "people of majesty/splendor." This name speaks of honor and noble lineage, connecting the leader to the esteemed heritage of his ancestors and indirectly, to God's glorious presence among His people. It reinforces the importance of tribal identity and generational connection.
• and of Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, Manasseh): Joseph's elder son. His name means "making to forget," reflecting Joseph's statement: "God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Gen 41:51). While older, the tribal line of Manasseh was prophetically placed after Ephraim. The tribe of Manasseh later inherited land on both sides of the Jordan.
• Gamaliel (גַּמְלִיאֵל, Gamaliel): Meaning "God is my recompense/reward" or "recompense of God." This name signifies that God is the one who repays or rewards, affirming divine justice and providence. It implies that any success or authority of this leader is ultimately a gift or reward from God. (Notably, this is a different Gamaliel from the famed New Testament teacher of Paul in Acts).
• the son of Pedahzur (פְּדָהצוּר, Pedahzur): Meaning "the Rock has redeemed" or "redeemed of the Rock (God)." This name is deeply significant, proclaiming God as the source of redemption and a steadfast "Rock." It's a foundational theological statement, recognizing God's unchanging nature and His act of deliverance for Israel from Egypt. This name serves as a reminder that Israel's very existence as a free people is due to God's redemptive power, a core theme throughout the Pentateuch.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Of the sons of Joseph: of Ephraim... and of Manasseh...": This phrasing formally establishes the two tribal lines of Joseph as distinct entities for the census, confirming Jacob's earlier blessing and showing God's attention to familial structures within His nation. It emphasizes their separate, yet connected, identities under their lineage from Joseph.
• "Elishama the son of Ammihud, and... Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur": This provides the full names and patronymics of the tribal leaders. This precise genealogical detail is critical for ancient Israelite society, serving to verify identity, establish authority, and confirm lineage. It ensures that the appointed leaders were recognized members of their respective tribal units and families, carrying a respected name passed down through generations. The names themselves are not arbitrary, but carry meaningful declarations about God, indicating a society where faith was integrated into personal and public identity.

Numbers 1 10 Bonus section

The systematic recording of tribal leaders and their genealogies throughout Numbers emphasizes the covenantal structure of ancient Israel. Every man listed had a designated role in the broader military and social organization. The census itself wasn't just a headcount; it was a demonstration of God's active involvement in ordering His people for His purposes. The distinct leaders for Ephraim and Manasseh foreshadow their separate destinies and the future roles these tribes would play in the land of Canaan, Ephraim eventually becoming the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom and a reference point for the whole region. The mention of "Pedahzur" (redeemed of the Rock) serves as a quiet but potent reminder within this administrative detail that Israel's identity was rooted in God's prior act of redemption, underpinning all their societal and military endeavors.

Numbers 1 10 Commentary

Numbers 1:10 concisely names two pivotal figures—Elishama from Ephraim and Gamaliel from Manasseh—chosen to represent their respective tribes during the census. This selection underscores the unique arrangement where Joseph's offspring were counted as two distinct tribes, fulfilling Jacob's ancient prophecy (Gen 48). Each leader's name—"My God has heard" (Elishama), "My kinsman is majesty" (Ammihud), "God is my recompense" (Gamaliel), "the Rock has redeemed" (Pedahzur)—carries a profound theological meaning, declaring God's attentive ear, majesty, recompensing grace, and redemptive power. This verse exemplifies the divinely ordained order and precise organization of Israel as a "holy nation" and "kingdom of priests" (Exod 19:6). It reflects a society structured by divine command, where leadership was vital for unity, accountability, and the proper functioning of the community, preparing them for their God-given mission to enter and conquer the promised land.