Numbers 1 5

Numbers 1:5 kjv

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

Numbers 1:5 nkjv

"These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Numbers 1:5 niv

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

Numbers 1:5 esv

And these are the names of the men who shall assist you. From Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Numbers 1:5 nlt

"These are the tribes and the names of the leaders who will assist you: Tribe ? Leader
Reuben ? Elizur son of Shedeur

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 5 Meaning

Numbers 1:5 introduces the first tribal leader designated by God to assist Moses and Aaron in the census of Israel. Specifically, it identifies Elizur, son of Shedeur, as the chosen representative for the tribe of Reuben. This verse establishes the beginning of the divinely ordained hierarchical structure for organizing the nation of Israel for their wilderness journey, military readiness, and communal life under God's detailed instruction. It highlights the principle of delegated authority and specific appointment within God's meticulously ordered community.

Numbers 1 5 Context

Numbers chapter 1 opens a new phase in Israel's wilderness journey. The context is Mount Sinai, approximately a year after the Exodus, following the giving of the Law and the erection of the Tabernacle. God commands Moses to conduct a census of all men twenty years old and upward who are able to go to war, according to their tribal divisions. This census serves several critical purposes: to organize Israel into an orderly military host, to establish a framework for tribal identity and land distribution, and to prepare for the long journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of Canaan. Verse 5 is the starting point for listing the specific tribal leaders (nasi) chosen by God to assist Moses and Aaron in this momentous task of counting and organizing the nation. Their names, position, and roles are integral to God's precise ordering of His people.

Numbers 1 5 Word analysis

• And these are the names (וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת - v'elleh sh'mot): This phrase, literally "And these are the names," serves as a common introductory formula in the Hebrew Bible for lists of individuals, especially those of importance or lineage. It signifies an authoritative and formal enumeration, emphasizing that the upcoming list is divinely ordained and specifically identified, much like "These are the generations of..." elsewhere (e.g., Gen 2:4). It prepares the reader for a systematic roster of individuals chosen for a significant role.
• of the men (הָאֲנָשִׁים - ha'anashim): The definite article "the" points to specific, distinguished men, not just any men. In this context, it refers to the designated leaders, distinct from the general population being counted. This highlights their selection and special appointment.
• that shall stand with you (אֲשֶׁר יַעַמְדוּ אִתְּכֶם - asher ya'amdu it'khem):
  • Stand (עָמַד - `amad): This verb means to stand, arise, be present, or endure. Here, it implies taking an appointed place of authority, readiness for service, active support, and responsibility. It suggests they are not merely observers but are actively involved in the process alongside Moses and Aaron. It conveys an authorized, delegated role in leadership.
  • With you (אִתְּכֶם - it'khem): Refers directly to Moses and Aaron. This indicates shared responsibility and co-labor in a divine undertaking. These tribal leaders are given a direct connection to Moses' divine mandate, thereby lending authority to their own actions in leading the tribes.
• of Reuben (לְרְאוּבֵן - l'Re'uven): Clearly identifies the tribe from which the leader is drawn. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, but the tribe had lost its preeminence due to Reuben's sin (Gen 35:22; 49:4), yet it still retained its position as the leading tribe in the numbering sequence, respecting the birth order.
• Elizur (אֱלִיצוּר - ' Elitsur): A Hebrew name composed of two elements: "Eli" (אֱלִי), meaning "my God" or "God," and "Tsur" (צוּר), meaning "rock" or "fortress." Thus, "Elizur" translates to "My God is a rock" or "God is my rock." This name carries significant theological weight, indicating a personal reliance on God as strength and stability, a fitting quality for a leader of God's people.
• the son of Shedeur (בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאוּר - ben-Shedi'ur):
  • Son of (ben): Standard Hebrew genealogical marker, establishing lineage and family identity.
  • Shedeur (שְׁדֵיאוּר - Shedi'ur): A Hebrew name. Its components are likely "Shaddai" (שַׁדַּי), referring to the Almighty God, and "Or" (אוּר), meaning "light" or "fire." Thus, "Shedeur" translates to "Light of the Almighty" or "My Almighty is Light." This name, like Elizur, emphasizes a divine connection and evokes God's power, presence, and guidance as light, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of these leadership appointments.

Numbers 1 5 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on divine names within the names of the leaders (Elizur and Shedeur both referencing God's nature) is a theological statement in itself. It subtly reminds the people that even their human leaders are accountable to God, reflecting His character and relying on His power. This counters any potential for the leaders to seek glory for themselves or to depend solely on their own wisdom. Furthermore, the selection of leaders by name for specific, detailed tasks emphasizes that every member of the covenant community, especially its leaders, plays a unique, purposeful role in God's redemptive plan.

Numbers 1 5 Commentary

Numbers 1:5 lays the foundation for Israel's structured journey. It demonstrates God's commitment to order, even in the mundane tasks of a census. The precise identification of each leader, with their names often embodying attributes of God, underscores that these were not random selections but divinely chosen individuals entrusted with significant authority and responsibility. Their task to "stand with" Moses and Aaron signifies a principle of delegated leadership, essential for managing a large community. This highlights that effective administration within God's people requires both top-down divine commissioning and a distributed network of authorized individuals, ensuring accountability and preparedness for the challenges ahead in the wilderness and the promised land.