Numbers 10 27

Numbers 10:27 kjv

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

Numbers 10:27 nkjv

And over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

Numbers 10:27 niv

and Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the tribe of Naphtali.

Numbers 10:27 esv

And over the company of the tribe of the people of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

Numbers 10:27 nlt

and the troops of the tribe of Naphtali, led by Ahira son of Enan.

Numbers 10 verses

Numbers 10 27 Meaning

This verse describes the movement of the tribal division led by the standard of the sons of Dan. Positioned as the final segment, it functioned as the rear guard for the entire assembly of Israelite camps during their wilderness journey. This precise arrangement demonstrated God's meticulous order for His people's march, ensuring protection and accountability for all, especially those who might lag behind.

Numbers 10 27 Context

Numbers 10 details Israel's transition from their encampment at Mount Sinai, where they had received the Law and constructed the Tabernacle, to their actual wilderness journey towards the Promised Land. After the instructions regarding the two silver trumpets for summoning and directing the camp, verses 11-28 meticulously outline the prescribed order for the tribes to set out. The verse specifically concerns the third and largest division, the Danites, who formed the rearguard. This elaborate organization highlights God's demand for order and discipline among His people, essential for a successful pilgrimage in a hostile environment and a tangible sign of His presence dwelling in their midst. The detailed instructions ensure not just practical efficiency but also a symbolic reverence for the holy God who accompanies them.

Numbers 10 27 Word analysis

• and the standard (וְדֶגֶל - wə·de·gel):

  • Word: Degel refers to a "banner," "standard," or "ensign," acting as a rallying point and identifier for a large division of tribes.
  • Significance: It symbolized tribal identity and was a visible mark of organization. In the wilderness, four such main standards represented the four cardinal directions around the Tabernacle and the four divisions during the march.

• of the camp (מַחֲנֵה - ma·ḥa·neh):

  • Word: Maḥa·neh signifies an "encampment" or "camp," referring to a structured gathering of people, often with a military or journeying connotation.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the collective, organized nature of the Israelites' movement, not just individual travel.

• of the sons of Dan, (בְּנֵי־דָן֙ - bə·nê-ḏān):

  • Phrase: Identifies the specific tribal division. Dan was the largest of the tribes and led a division that also included Asher and Naphtali (Num 2:31).
  • Significance: This highlights Dan's significant position and strength. Despite a later problematic history (idolatry in Judges 18), here they fulfill a crucial protective role.

• as the rear guard (מְאַסֵּ֥ף - mə·’as·sêf):

  • Word: Mə·’as·sêf comes from the root ’āṣap̄ meaning "to gather," "collect," or "bring up." Hence, "rear guard" implies one who gathers up or brings up the stragglers and protects from behind.
  • Significance: This is a vital military and practical role. The rear guard protects the most vulnerable, ensures no one is left behind, and absorbs attacks from the rear. This position often required strength and readiness. Spiritually, it signifies God's comprehensive care, extending even to the last and weakest.

• of all the camps, (כָּל־הַמַּחֲנֹֽות׃ - kāl-ham·ma·ḥanôt):

  • Phrase: Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Dan's rear-guard function – they protected all the other camps, from front to back, ensuring the safety of the entire nation.
  • Significance: This underlines the collective unity and mutual dependence within Israel's highly structured system.

• set out last (נֹוסֵ֥עַ לְאַחֲרֹ֖ונָה - nō·sê·a‘ lə·’a·ḥa·rō·nāh):

  • Phrase: Reinforces the mə·’as·sêf (rear guard) role. The verbal root nasa means "to pull up stakes" or "to journey." Lə·’a·ḥa·rō·nāh means "last" or "in the end."
  • Significance: The very movement pattern reflects their defensive role. They were the final line of defense and security.

• by their companies. (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃ - lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām):

  • Word: Mishpakhah means "family," "clan," or "company" (of families).
  • Significance: Even within the large division of Dan, there was an internal organization down to smaller familial units. This points to the meticulous detail and order God ordained, ensuring every member of Israel had their place and responsibility within the larger structure. It wasn't just a tribal standard, but also a network of interconnected families.

Numbers 10 27 Bonus section

• The fact that the Danite camp was the largest of the divisions (over 157,000 in Num 2:31) and yet placed as the rear guard highlights the strength and protective capacity necessary for this vital role. This wasn't a position for the weak but for a robust and vigilant force.
• The meticulous order described throughout Numbers 1-10 is a direct theological statement. In the ancient world, order often signified divine presence and blessing, while chaos indicated a lack of it or even divine displeasure. God's blueprint for Israel's march demonstrated His intimate involvement and supreme authority.
• This verse provides a metaphor for the Christian walk: the church, as a community, moves forward with Christ as its head, yet each member has a distinct role, some possibly protecting and supporting those behind, reflecting the interconnectedness of the Body of Christ (Eph 4:16). God provides for and protects those on the spiritual journey, often using His people as instruments of that protection.

Numbers 10 27 Commentary

Numbers 10:27 meticulously describes the strategic and divinely ordained position of the Danite tribal division. Their role as the "rear guard" was not a lesser one but critical for the security and integrity of the entire Israelite community on the move. As the "gatherers" (from the Hebrew root asaf), they were responsible for sweeping up stragglers, protecting against surprise attacks from behind, and ensuring no one was left vulnerable in the wilderness. This demonstrated God's providential care that extended to every member of the covenant community, prioritizing their safety and order. The precision ("by their companies") highlights that God's plans are not vague but intensely practical and structured, reflecting His character as a God of order and peace, not confusion. It implicitly teaches the importance of specific roles within a larger collective, where even those who "go last" play a vital part in the success and well-being of the whole.