Numbers 10 26

Numbers 10:26 kjv

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.

Numbers 10:26 nkjv

Over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.

Numbers 10:26 niv

Pagiel son of Okran was over the division of the tribe of Asher,

Numbers 10:26 esv

And over the company of the tribe of the people of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ochran.

Numbers 10:26 nlt

They were joined by the troops of the tribe of Asher, led by Pagiel son of Ocran,

Numbers 10 verses

Numbers 10 26 Meaning

Numbers 10:26 describes the specific movement of the camp of Dan as the rear guard for the entire Israelite procession during their wilderness journey. This verse highlights the precise and divinely ordained order of the Israelites' march from Mount Sinai, emphasizing the critical role of the Danite division in protecting and ensuring the safe passage of the whole community.

Numbers 10 26 Context

Numbers chapter 10 marks a pivotal transition in the Israelites' journey. After spending nearly a year at Mount Sinai, receiving the Law and setting up the Tabernacle, it's time for them to depart towards the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Num 10:1-10) detail the making and use of the silver trumpets, crucial for signaling the camps for assembly or movement. Verses 11-28 then describe the actual setting out of the vast Israelite host in their divinely ordered formation.

This specific verse (10:26) is part of the meticulous account of this departure. The Israelites moved in four large divisions, each led by a standard and comprising three tribes. The first three divisions were focused on vanguard and middle protection (Judah, Reuben, Ephraim respectively), with the Levites carrying the disassembled Tabernacle components mixed within. Numbers 10:26 specifies that the "standard of the camp of the sons of Dan," along with its associated tribes (Asher and Naphtali, as seen in Num 2:25), formed the final, crucial division – the rear guard. This complex, orderly march of over a million people (plus their livestock) through challenging terrain demanded precise planning and execution, reflecting God's sovereignty over every detail of their existence.

Numbers 10 26 Word Analysis

• and the standard (וְדֶגֶל, və·ḏe·ḡel):
  • Degel (דֶּגֶל): Signifies a large banner or standard, distinct from smaller flags. It represented a major tribal division (e.g., "camp of Dan" which comprised three tribes). It served as a visible rallying point and symbol of the tribal identity and its divinely appointed place within the larger assembly of Israel. Its setting out marked the movement of that entire unit.
• of the camp (מַחֲנֵה, ma·ḥă·neh):
  • Maḥăneh (מַחֲנֶה): Refers to the collective "camp" or "encampment," implying not just individuals but the entire structured body of people, their tents, and belongings. In this context, it refers to a grand military-style division of thousands of people, emphasizing its organized and formidable nature.
• of the sons of Dan (בְנֵי דָן, bə·nê ḏān):
  • This specifies the tribal confederation. As detailed in Num 2:25, this camp also included the tribes of Asher and Naphtali. While Dan is listed first and its "standard" leads, it represents the entire large block of these three tribes.
• the rear guard (מְאַסֵּף, mə·’as·sêp̄):
  • Me'asseph (מְאַסֵּף): Derived from the verb ’asaph (אָסַף), meaning "to gather" or "collect." The participle form, me'asseph, denotes one who "gathers up" or "brings up the rear." This was a vital strategic position. The rear guard was responsible for protecting the flanks and tail of the column, collecting stragglers, ensuring no one (or nothing) was left behind, and guarding against surprise attacks from the rear—a common vulnerability for a moving army. This role suggests protection for the most vulnerable or lagging members of the community, demonstrating a comprehensive care that includes those who might struggle to keep up. It reflects the idea of divine care even for the "last."
• of all the camps (כָּל־הַמַּחֲנוֹת, kol-ham·ma·ḥă·nōṯ):
  • "All the camps" underscores the scope of their protection. The Danite division was not merely the last of its own tribes, but specifically designated to protect the entire procession—all twelve tribes and their accompanying mixed multitude. This highlights the interdependency and communal responsibility within Israel.
• set out (Implied verb from context of v. 13 "the standards...set out"):
  • The act of "setting out" (nasa’) is key to Numbers. It signifies not just physical movement but progression in God's plan, transitioning from a static encampment to an active, mobile journey towards the promise.
• according to their divisions (לְצִבְאֹתָם, lə·ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯām):
  • L’tzivotam (לְצִבְאֹתָם): Literally, "according to their armies" or "according to their hosts/divisions." This reinforces the highly organized, almost military-like precision of their movement. It points back to the divine instructions for encampment and march laid out in Numbers 1 and 2, affirming that this departure was not haphazard but followed a predetermined, God-given structure.

Numbers 10 26 Bonus Section

• Significance of "Rear Guard" for the Vulnerable: In ancient large migrations or military movements, the rear guard was essential not just for defense against attack but also for ensuring that the slow, the weak, the old, the children, and the vast amount of non-military support (livestock, supplies) could keep up and be protected. This highlights God's holistic care for all members of His community, not just the strongest or fastest.
• Dan's later trajectory: While Dan is given this vital, protective role here, later biblical accounts sometimes portray the tribe of Dan in less favorable light (e.g., idolatry in Jdg 18; absence from the list of redeemed tribes in Rev 7, though interpretations vary). This passage in Numbers underscores God's original divine blueprint and appointment for the tribe within the corporate body of Israel.
• Typological Application: The principle of God as the ultimate rear guard finds spiritual echo for believers today. God provides spiritual protection against unseen forces, often shielding us from the "rear" vulnerabilities of life, ensuring His church moves forward under His ultimate guidance and protection, preventing spiritual stragglers from being left behind.

Numbers 10 26 Commentary

Numbers 10:26 succinctly details a critical part of Israel's divinely ordered departure from Sinai. The placement of the Danite camp as the me'asseph, the rear guard, is not an arbitrary assignment but a strategic choice that embodies God's comprehensive care for His people. As the gatherers of the rear, this division's primary role was defensive—to protect against external threats, manage the slower-moving parts of the assembly, and prevent anything valuable or anyone vulnerable from being lost or left behind.

This meticulous arrangement speaks profoundly to God's character as a God of order, not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). Every tribe, every division, had its assigned place and function, contributing to the safe progress of the whole community. The rear guard, often absorbing the brunt of surprise attacks, especially from peoples like the Amalekites (Deut 25:17-18), required strength, vigilance, and self-sacrifice. God's positioning of Dan (including Asher and Naphtali) in this vulnerable yet vital role indicates their specific suitability or calling for this protective service.

Ultimately, the order of march and the role of the rear guard served as a visible manifestation of God's guiding and protective presence among His people (Exod 14:19-20; Isa 52:12). Even as human divisions took their places, it was the Lord Himself who truly acted as the ultimate vanguard and rear guard, fighting their battles and ensuring their journey. This verse is a testament to the divine foresight and love that ensured the security and cohesion of the vast Israelite congregation as they advanced towards the Promised Land under His sovereign direction.