Numbers 2:13 kjv
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Numbers 2:13 nkjv
And his army was numbered at fifty-nine thousand three hundred.
Numbers 2:13 niv
His division numbers 59,300.
Numbers 2:13 esv
his company as listed being 59,300.
Numbers 2 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Order & Structure | ||
| Num 1:52 | So the children of Israel shall pitch their tents... every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard... | Israel's ordered camp arrangement. |
| Num 2:2 | Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house... | God's prescribed camping method. |
| Num 10:14 | In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah... | Marching order reflects camping order. |
| Lev 10:3 | I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. | God's demand for order and reverence. |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. | God's nature is orderly and peaceful. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | Let all things be done decently and in order. | Principle of divine order in all things. |
| Heb 8:5 | Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things... | Earthly structures reflect heavenly patterns. |
| Leadership & Delegation | ||
| Num 1:4, 16 | And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers... | God appointed tribal leaders. |
| Num 7:18 | On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer... | Nethanel's role in offerings. |
| Exod 18:21 | Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness... | Principles of selecting leaders. |
| Deut 1:13 | How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance... choose you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes... | Leaders appointed from the people. |
| 1 Tim 3:2 | A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour... | Qualities of godly leaders. |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves... | Submission to appointed leadership. |
| Tribal Identity & Blessing | ||
| Gen 49:14-15 | Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens... he bowed his shoulder to bear... | Jacob's prophecy concerning Issachar. |
| Deut 33:18-19 | Of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. | Moses' blessing on Issachar and Zebulun. |
| 1 Chr 12:32 | And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do... | Issachar's unique spiritual wisdom. |
| Rev 7:7 | Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. | Issachar's place among God's redeemed. |
| God's Faithfulness & Guidance | ||
| Num 9:23 | At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed... | Israel moved according to God's command. |
| Psa 78:53 | And he led them on safely, so that they feared not... | God's protective guidance in the wilderness. |
| Deut 32:10 | He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about... | God's careful leading of Israel. |
| Isa 49:10 | They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them... | God's provision and care in the journey. |
| Phil 2:14 | Do all things without murmurings and disputings: | Call to obedience to God's established order. |
Numbers 2 verses
Numbers 2 13 Meaning
Numbers 2:13 outlines the divinely ordained encampment position of the tribe of Issachar. It specifies that this tribe was to pitch their tents "next unto" Judah, highlighting their position within the eastern division of Israel's camp. Furthermore, the verse identifies Nethanel, son of Zuar, as the appointed leader, or "captain," of the children of Issachar. This meticulous instruction emphasizes God's precision and order in organizing His people for their journey in the wilderness, signifying the importance of both communal structure and designated leadership within His covenant community.
Numbers 2 13 Context
Numbers chapter 2 meticulously details the precise arrangement of the twelve tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle, which was the central dwelling place of God's presence. This chapter follows the census in chapter 1, which counted all the males aged twenty years and upward, able to go to war, assigning them to their respective tribes. The placement described in Numbers 2 is not arbitrary; it's a divine command reflecting the order, sanctity, and military preparedness that God desired for His people.
Verse 13 specifically places the tribe of Issachar on the eastern side of the Tabernacle, adjacent to the prominent tribe of Judah. This entire section (Numbers 2:3-9) establishes the order for the first division to encamp on the east, under the standard of Judah, including Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. This arrangement was critical for maintaining holiness around God's dwelling, efficient movement during travel, and strategic defensive formation. It countered the chaotic and often disorganized religious practices of surrounding pagan cultures by demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled order and precision in managing His covenant people.
Numbers 2 13 Word analysis
- And: Connects this specific tribal placement to the overarching divine instruction that precedes it, continuing the enumeration of the camp's structure.
- those that pitch: From the Hebrew verb chanah (חָנָה), meaning "to encamp," "to settle," or "to pitch a tent." It indicates a designated, orderly dwelling place, not a random halt.
- next unto him: Refers directly to the tribe of Judah, the lead tribe of the eastern encampment. This signifies a precise, pre-determined spatial relationship, emphasizing God's detailed plan.
- shall be: Indicates a divine command and certainty. It is not a suggestion but an established decree from God for their arrangement.
- the tribe of Issachar: One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's ninth son. The word for "tribe" is shevet (שֵׁבֶט), literally a "rod" or "staff," denoting a distinct branch or division. Issachar's name is often associated with "there is reward" or "he is hired." Jacob's blessing (Gen 49:14-15) depicted Issachar as a strong donkey bearing burdens, implying strength and agricultural diligence. Later, 1 Chr 12:32 portrays them as discerning, understanding the times.
- and: Serves as a conjunction, connecting the tribal identity with the specific leader assigned to it.
- Nethaneel: (Hebrew: נְתַנְאֵל, Nethan'el). Meaning "God has given" or "Gift of God." This common Hebrew name underscores a sense of divine appointment and favor, suitable for a leader in God's ordered community.
- the son of Zuar: Patronymic identifying Nethanel as the offspring of Zuar. "Zuar" potentially means "smallness" or "insignificance," providing a subtle contrast to the divine gift inherent in Nethanel's name and role.
- shall be captain: (Hebrew: נָשִׂיא, Nasi). More than a military leader, a nasi was a "prince," "chief," or "leader" who held significant administrative, judicial, and political authority within the tribal structure. This was an appointed role, typically involving responsibility for the people, their offerings, and their well-being within the divine law. The nasi often functioned as a representative of the tribe before God and Moses.
- of the children of Issachar: Specifically denotes Nethanel's authority and responsibility over the entire lineage or descendants of Issachar, emphasizing the familial and communal aspect of his leadership role.
Numbers 2 13 Bonus section
The careful listing of each tribal prince in Numbers 1, 2, and 7 highlights a recurring biblical theme: God-ordained leadership is foundational for the functioning of His people. The "nasi" was central to maintaining the unity and spiritual health of the tribe. Furthermore, the contrast between Jacob's prophecy of Issachar as a "strong ass" burdened with labor (Gen 49:14-15) and 1 Chronicles 12:32's description of Issachar as "men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" offers a fascinating dual perspective. The physical strength for work complemented a spiritual insight, suggesting Issachar was both diligent and discerning. Nethanel's leadership over such a people would have involved guiding their labor and discerning divine will, emphasizing that God's call to leadership often matches the unique characteristics and potential of the people being led.
Numbers 2 13 Commentary
Numbers 2:13 provides a microcosm of God's perfect order and care for His people. Placed immediately after Judah, Issachar's positioning emphasizes their role in a well-defined structure designed by God, not human convenience. The appointment of Nethanel, a "gift of God," as the nasi of the tribe signifies the divine origin and nature of true leadership in Israel. His role as "captain" (nasi) extended beyond mere military command, encompassing judicial, administrative, and priestly functions (as seen later in offerings), reflecting the holistic nature of biblical leadership. This verse underscores that God's plan for His people includes clear identification, assigned positions, and divinely appointed leaders to ensure their unity, protection, and faithfulness during their wilderness journey. The precise detail conveys that every individual and tribe had a designated place and purpose within God's larger design for a holy and ordered community, serving as a powerful counter-narrative to the idolatry and disorder of surrounding nations.