Numbers 1 8

Numbers 1:8 kjv

Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

Numbers 1:8 nkjv

from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar;

Numbers 1:8 niv

from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar;

Numbers 1:8 esv

from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar;

Numbers 1:8 nlt

Issachar ? Nethanel son of Zuar

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 8 Meaning

Numbers 1:8 concisely identifies Nethanel, son of Zuar, as the designated tribal leader representing Issachar. This verse is part of a divinely commanded census in the wilderness, aimed at organizing the Israelite community for their journey and military readiness, emphasizing order and specific roles under God's instruction.

Numbers 1 8 Context

Numbers chapter 1 opens with God commanding Moses and Aaron to conduct a census of all Israelite males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war. This census, taken in the wilderness of Sinai, was not merely a head count but a military enrollment and a foundational organizational step for the burgeoning nation. It underscored God's precise plan for their movement, encampment, and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. Prior to the census itself, God specifies the appointment of a representative leader from each tribe—"the head of his father’s house"—to assist Moses and Aaron in this vital task (Num 1:4). Numbers 1:8 specifically names Nethanel, son of Zuar, as Issachar's designated leader within this divinely ordained administrative structure, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in establishing the sacred community.

Numbers 1 8 Word analysis

• of Issachar (לְיִשָּׂשכָר - leYissachar):
  • The prefix לְ (le-) signifies "belonging to," "for," or "concerning," directly linking the individual to his tribal identity.
  • Yissachar (Issachar) is the Hebrew name for one of the twelve tribes of Israel, tracing its lineage to Jacob's ninth son born to Leah. His name, derived from יש (yesh – "there is") and שָׂכָר (sakhar – "reward"), means "there is reward" or "man of reward" (Gen 30:18), reflecting Leah's statement about God giving her a reward. The tribe later gained a reputation for its "understanding of the times" (1 Chr 12:32), crucial for discerning God's will and strategic action. Here, it marks a specific family within the organized nation.
• Nethanel (נְתַנְאֵל - Netanel):
  • This Hebrew name is a combination of נָתַן (nathan – "to give") and אֵל (El – "God"), literally translating to "God has given" or "Gift of God."
  • Significance: The name itself carries theological weight, subtly affirming the belief that leaders, especially those entrusted with guiding God's people in significant moments, are divinely appointed or gifted. It reinforces God's sovereignty over human organization and His active provision for His people's needs. This principle transcends generations, from ancient Israel's leadership to New Testament overseers.
• the son of (בֶּן - ben):
  • Standard Hebrew construct, ben indicates paternity and establishes lineage.
  • Significance: This phrase underscores the importance of genealogy and patrilineal descent in Israelite society. The selection of these leaders was tied to being the "head of his father’s house" (Num 1:4), emphasizing inherited status and familial responsibility within the tribal structure, essential for maintaining tribal boundaries and identities.
• Zuar (צוּעָר - Tsu'ar):
  • The meaning of Zuar is debated but commonly associated with "smallness," "low," "rock," or "one who comes to light."
  • Significance: Little is known about Zuar beyond his being Nethanel's father. His inclusion solely serves to genealogically place Nethanel, grounding his leadership not merely as an individual, but as part of a recognized family within the tribe of Issachar. This meticulous genealogical record reinforces the orderly and systematic nature of God's interaction with Israel.

Words-group analysis:

• "of Issachar, Nethanel": This grouping directly associates the leader with his tribal affiliation, demonstrating the immediate and direct relationship between tribal identity and designated authority. It reflects God's ordered allocation of responsibilities, where each tribe is uniquely represented and accounted for within the national framework.
• "Nethanel the son of Zuar": This full identification emphasizes the precision and importance of lineage in ancient Israelite leadership. It not only names the leader but grounds his authority in his specific family origin. This detail authenticates his position within the intricate genealogical records vital to Israel's identity and its understanding of the "heads of fathers' houses," highlighting the blend of divine appointment and established human social structure.

Numbers 1 8 Bonus section

• The census in Numbers 1 provided a crucial demographic and military inventory of Israel. These tribal leaders, including Nethanel, were integral in accurately compiling the numbers from their respective "fathers’ houses."
• Nethanel, son of Zuar, reappears in Numbers 7:18, bringing his offering as a tribal prince during the dedication of the tabernacle, confirming his sustained role and leadership within the community.
• The meticulous enumeration and assignment of roles underline the foundational principle of divine order (κόσμος - kosmos), which is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing God as a God of structure, peace, and purposeful organization, in contrast to chaos or random societal formations.
• The detail in this verse reminds us that even in seemingly mundane administrative tasks, God is intimately involved and calls individuals for specific service, recognizing their unique lineage and role within His grand design for His people.

Numbers 1 8 Commentary

Numbers 1:8 is a terse but significant verse within the meticulously detailed record of Israel's organization at Sinai. It exemplifies God's divine order and His intentional structuring of His chosen people. The mention of Nethanel, whose name means "God has given," son of Zuar, for the tribe of Issachar, is not arbitrary. It speaks to a deep theological truth: the leaders are ultimately appointed and provided by God. This specific verse, as part of the list, lays the groundwork for Israel's encampment, their marching order, and their military readiness as they prepare to move from Sinai toward the Promised Land. Each tribal head, identified precisely by name and lineage, acted as a crucial point of contact and authority, facilitating the implementation of God's commands for the thousands within their respective tribes. This system ensured both tribal autonomy under a central divine authority and accountability for every family unit. It stands as a testament to God's careful attention to every aspect of His covenant community, ensuring both spiritual alignment and practical functionality for their earthly pilgrimage.