Numbers 10:25 kjv
And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rearward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Numbers 10:25 nkjv
Then the standard of the camp of the children of Dan (the rear guard of all the camps) set out according to their armies; over their army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Numbers 10:25 niv
Finally, as the rear guard for all the units, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard. Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai was in command.
Numbers 10:25 esv
Then the standard of the camp of the people of Dan, acting as the rear guard of all the camps, set out by their companies, and over their company was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Numbers 10:25 nlt
Dan's troops went last, marching behind their banner and serving as the rear guard for all the tribal camps. Their leader was Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
Numbers 10 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 2:31 | "The standard of the camp of Dan shall be last by their divisions..." | Dan's predetermined position in the encampment |
| Num 10:11 | "On the twentieth day of the second month...the cloud lifted..." | God's signal for movement and order |
| Ex 13:21 | "The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud..." | God's active leading of His people |
| Isa 52:12 | "for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." | God as Israel's divine rear guard |
| Isa 58:8 | "Your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." | Divine protection as a blessing for obedience |
| Deut 31:6 | "Be strong and courageous...the LORD your God...He will not leave you..." | God's unfailing presence and support |
| Ps 23:4 | "Even though I walk through the darkest valley...your rod and your staff, they comfort me." | Divine presence provides security |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the churches..." | Emphasizing divine order in gatherings |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." | Importance of structure and discipline |
| Col 2:5 | "For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see your orderly conduct..." | Commendation for structured conduct |
| Gen 49:17 | "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, a viper by the path..." | Jacob's prophecy concerning Dan, often interpreted defensively |
| Jdg 18:1 | "In those days there was no king in Israel. The tribe of the Danites was seeking a place to live..." | Later events show Dan's migratory tendency and unique role |
| Neh 9:12 | "You led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire..." | Reminder of God's wilderness guidance |
| Ps 77:20 | "You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." | God's shepherding guidance in the wilderness |
| Deut 8:2 | "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness..." | Recalling God's deliberate guidance |
| Josh 3:17 | "the priests...stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan..." | Ordered movement under divine guidance into Canaan |
| Ex 17:8 | "Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim." | Battles emphasizing need for rear-guard protection |
| Deut 25:18 | "...he cut off all your stragglers behind you, when you were faint..." | Remembering Amalek's attack on the rear |
| Lk 22:32 | "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail." | The Lord's prayer and care for His followers' endurance |
| Eph 6:11 | "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." | Spiritual readiness and defense |
Numbers 10 verses
Numbers 10 25 Meaning
Numbers 10:25 details the meticulous, divinely ordained marching order of the Israelite tribes during their journey from Mount Sinai. Specifically, it identifies the camp of the children of Dan as the ultimate rear guard, bringing up the entirety of the tribal camps. This position, far from being one of insignificance, was a crucial protective and organizational role, ensuring the safety and cohesion of the vast assembly as they set forth in disciplined companies.
Numbers 10 25 Context
Numbers chapter 10 marks a significant transition point in the Israelite narrative. After over a year encamped at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law, built the Tabernacle, and were meticulously organized according to God's precise instructions (chapters 1-9), the Israelites are finally prepared to break camp and resume their journey toward the Promised Land. This chapter details the commands for departure, the blowing of silver trumpets to signal movement, and the exact sequence in which each division of the vast camp was to set out. The movement described is not chaotic, but a highly structured, almost military procession, demonstrating God's emphasis on order, unity, and preparedness for His people. Verse 25 specifically concludes the description of this grand movement by identifying the last division to march, ensuring all have safely departed and no one is left behind.
Numbers 10 25 Word Analysis
- Then (וְאַחֲרֵי): A connective particle signifying a temporal or sequential relationship, indicating that this event follows the departure of the first two main camps.
- the standard (וְדֶגֶל – v'degel): Refers to the banner or ensign representing a major tribal division. Each camp had a distinct standard (Num 2:2, 2:10, 2:18, 2:25), serving as a rallying point and a visual identifier for that grouping of tribes. It symbolized their unity, identity, and divine appointment.
- of the camp (מַחֲנֵה – machaneh): Denotes a military encampment, a vast body of people organized for travel and dwelling. Here, it refers to the specific grouping of three tribes: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (Num 2:25).
- of the children of Dan (בְּנֵי דָן – b'nei Dan): Refers to the tribe descended from Jacob's son, Dan. They were part of the northern division of the camp, alongside Asher and Naphtali (Num 2:25). Their position in the rear was not a mark of dishonor but of strategic importance.
- which was the rear guard (מְאַסֵּף – m'assef): A crucial term. M'assef literally means "gatherer" or "one who collects." This denotes the one who gathers up stragglers, protects the flanks from the rear, and ensures nothing and no one is left behind. It implies strength, vigilance, and protection for the entire body, especially the weak, old, or slow. This was a position of trust and responsibility.
- of all the camps (כָּל־הַמַּחֲנֹת): Emphasizes that the Danite camp was the final contingent, closing the entire procession of the twelve tribes and the Levites. They served as the protective rearmost element of the colossal marching body.
- set forward (וַיִּסַּע – vayyissa): A common Hebrew verb meaning to pull up stakes, journey, or depart. It highlights the dynamic movement initiating their journey away from Sinai. This action was commanded by God and signaled by the cloud and trumpets.
- according to their hosts (לְצִבְאֹתָם – l'tziv'otam): This refers to their divisions, companies, or armies. The term tziv'ot (hosts) often denotes organized military units. It underscores the structured, disciplined, and formidable nature of the Israelite assembly, moving not as a disorganized mob, but as an army under God's command.
Numbers 10 25 Bonus Section
The consistent imagery of the rear guard in the Bible points to God's comprehensive protection—from both front and rear—ensuring no part of His people's journey is unguarded. Even when faced with potential dangers, the presence of the Lord as the "rear guard" means complete security and peace for His people. This can be spiritually applied to a believer's walk; as we press forward in faith, Christ is not only our guide ahead but also our protector from behind, sweeping away any lingering doubts, fears, or spiritual attacks from our past. It teaches the importance of all roles within the community of faith, emphasizing that even the seemingly less prominent positions are critical for the overall health, security, and progression of the collective body.
Numbers 10 25 Commentary
Numbers 10:25 provides a snapshot of divine order in action as Israel embarked on their wilderness journey. The description of the Danite camp serving as the rear guard encapsulates profound significance. This position was not a mark of inferiority but a vital protective assignment, similar to how God Himself is described as Israel's rear guard in passages like Isaiah 52:12 and 58:8. It signifies strength, vigilance, and the assurance that no one is left vulnerable. This disciplined movement, organized "according to their hosts," underscores that God's people were meant to move as an orderly assembly, reflecting His character as a God of peace and order (1 Cor 14:33). It speaks to His provident care, ensuring the protection of even the slowest and weakest among them, a principle that echoes God's commitment to His flock. The verse reminds us of the careful, structured nature of God's plans and His commitment to safeguarding those under His leadership throughout their journey of faith.