Numbers 10 22

Numbers 10:22 kjv

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.

Numbers 10:22 nkjv

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set out according to their armies; over their army was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 10:22 niv

The divisions of the camp of Ephraim went next, under their standard. Elishama son of Ammihud was in command.

Numbers 10:22 esv

And the standard of the camp of the people of Ephraim set out by their companies, and over their company was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 10:22 nlt

Ephraim's troops went next, marching behind their banner. Their leader was Elishama son of Ammihud.

Numbers 10 verses

Numbers 10 22 Meaning

Numbers 10:22 details the moment when the standard of the camp of Ephraim commenced its journey, organized according to their respective military divisions, with Elishama, the son of Ammihud, serving as their designated leader. This verse describes the disciplined, God-ordained marching order of the Israelites as they departed from Mount Sinai.

Numbers 10 22 Context

Numbers 10:22 is set within the book of Numbers, which recounts Israel's journey from Mount Sinai through the wilderness to the borders of the Promised Land. The immediate context of chapter 10 marks a significant transition: the Israelites are finally departing from Sinai, where they have encamped for nearly a year, receiving divine law and instruction, including the detailed organization of their camp and marching order.

This verse specifically describes the departure of the third division of the camp. Chapters 1 and 2 of Numbers detail the precise arrangement of the twelve tribes around the Tabernacle, grouping them into four major camps, each with its own standard and leader. Chapter 9 discusses the cloud of the Lord guiding their movements, and chapter 10, immediately prior to this verse, outlines the use of silver trumpets for signaling. The sequence of departure established in Numbers 2 and reiterated in Numbers 10 begins with the standard of Judah, followed by the Tabernacle's heavy components, then Reuben, then the Tabernacle's sacred items, and finally the camp of Ephraim (which includes Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin), followed by Dan. Thus, Ephraim's departure signifies the ongoing, orderly movement of the vast Israelite congregation according to God's exact commands.

Historically and culturally, this meticulous order was unusual for nomadic groups and reflects God's meticulous care, divine presence, and the nation's disciplined identity under His covenant. The detailed genealogies and appointments underscore God's authority in establishing human leadership and structure for His people.

Numbers 10 22 Word analysis

• And: This conjunction serves as a narrative continuation from the preceding verses, signaling the next part of the overall movement.
• the standard (דֶּגֶל - degel): This Hebrew term refers to a military or tribal banner/flag, but signifies much more than a mere flag. It represents an entire division or contingent of people—in this case, the Camp of Ephraim. Its visibility served as a rallying point and a symbol of tribal identity and unity for tens of thousands of people, enabling orderly movement of a vast population. The very setting forth of the degel indicated that the entire host under it was commencing its march.
• of the camp (מַחֲנֶה - machaneh): Denotes an encampment or collective body of people, typically organized in a military fashion. Here, it refers to the distinct encampment or division associated with Ephraim, which included the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin as well, united under one general standard.
• of the children of Ephraim (בְּנֵי אֶפְרַיִם - bnei Ephraim): Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph and received a special blessing from Jacob (Gen 48:19), placing him in a position of future prominence among the tribes. The phrase "children of Ephraim" refers to the entire tribe descending from him. Historically, Ephraim grew to be a very populous and influential tribe, often representing the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel in later prophetic literature (e.g., Isa 7:2, Hos 4:17).
• set forward (נָסַע - nasa'): This verb means to pull up stakes, journey, depart, or march. It emphasizes the commencement of physical movement, the dismantling of the encampment, and beginning a leg of the journey. It signifies the direct action of obedience to God's guidance.
• according to their hosts (לְצִבְאֹתָם - le-tziv'otam): The word tzava (plural tziva'ot) refers to an army, host, or organized group of people. This phrase highlights the disciplined and military-like structure of the Israelite community, emphasizing that they moved not as a disarrayed crowd but as an organized, disciplined host, ready for action under God's command. This also implies they were counted and organized in their units as prescribed in earlier chapters.
• and over their host: This part indicates the specific leadership assigned to this contingent.
• was Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע - Elishama): Meaning "My God has heard" or "God has heard." He was the tribal prince (leader) of Ephraim, initially appointed in Numbers 1:10 and listed as one of the contributing princes for the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:48-53. His presence here underscores the continuation of divinely appointed and recognized leadership within Israel's structured journey.
• the son of Ammihud (בֶּן־עַמִּיהוּד - ben-Ammihud): Ammihud means "My kinsman is majesty" or "My kinsman is glory." This patronymic provides a clear genealogical identifier for Elishama, connecting him to the established tribal lineage and further confirming his identity as a legitimate, registered leader (Num 1:10).

Words-group Analysis:

• "And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim": This entire phrase immediately identifies the specific tribal contingent, emphasizing its collective identity and readiness for movement through the symbol of its standard (degel), which represents the whole organized body, not just a flag.
• "set forward according to their hosts": This emphasizes the orderliness and military-like discipline of the movement. It signifies an intentional, structured departure, not a spontaneous exodus, fully aligned with the census and organization instructions received at Sinai. The 'hosts' refers to the structured family and clan units within the tribe, ensuring proper formation.
• "and over their host was Elishama the son of Ammihud": This highlights the consistent and specific nature of the divinely appointed leadership within each tribal contingent. The naming of the specific leader and his lineage confirms continuity and accountability, reinforcing that the movement was orchestrated under recognized authority, both divine and human.

Numbers 10 22 Bonus section

The positioning of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin on the western side of the Tabernacle and their role as the third division to set out positioned them to follow the heavy and sacred components of the Tabernacle. This implies a protective role for the ark and other holy vessels carried by the Kohathites, which moved out directly before them. Their formation would have served as a shield, ensuring the safety of the most holy elements of God's dwelling place as Israel traversed the wilderness. This intricate staging highlights the profound reverence and physical protection afforded to the divine presence among the Israelites.

Numbers 10 22 Commentary

Numbers 10:22, though a concise statement, provides a snapshot of God's remarkable orderliness and the obedience expected of His covenant people. It details the precise setting forth of the "Camp of Ephraim," representing the third major division to move in the Israelite procession. The significance lies not merely in reporting who moved next but in the meticulousness and obedience with which Israel executed God's intricate instructions for their encampment and journey.

The mention of the standard (degel) is crucial. It was more than a flag; it was a visible symbol for tens of thousands, serving as their rallying point, embodying their identity, unity, and position within the grand army of the Lord. The orderly movement "according to their hosts" (military-style units) stands in stark contrast to the potential chaos of a vast populace moving through a wilderness. This divine arrangement underscores that God is a God of peace and order, not confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Every tribe had its place, its role, and its leader, functioning together as one body directed by God's cloud (Num 9:15-23).

Elishama, as the divinely appointed prince, ensures that human leadership is aligned with divine will, illustrating the principle that God works through both His direct guidance and through human authorities established by Him. The preeminence of Ephraim, rooted in Jacob's blessing (Gen 48:19), is quietly affirmed by its significant position in this sacred march. This verse, therefore, speaks to divine direction, corporate unity under a banner, and orderly procession towards the Promised Land—themes that resonate deeply with the Church as it journeys towards its ultimate rest in Christ. It teaches us about the importance of order, appointed leadership, and obedience in the communal walk of faith.