Numbers 2 27

Numbers 2:27 kjv

And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

Numbers 2:27 nkjv

"Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, and the leader of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Numbers 2:27 niv

The tribe of Asher will camp next to them. The leader of the people of Asher is Pagiel son of Okran.

Numbers 2:27 esv

And those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, the chief of the people of Asher being Pagiel the son of Ochran,

Numbers 2:27 nlt

[27-28] Asher ? Pagiel son of Ocran ? 41,500

Numbers 2 verses

Numbers 2 27 Meaning

Numbers 2:27 precisely defines the assigned location for the tribe of Asher within the meticulously organized camp of Israel during their wilderness journey. It places them adjacent to the tribe of Gad on the north side of the Tabernacle and identifies their designated leader, Pagiel, the son of Ocran, who held authority over the tribe.

Numbers 2 27 Context

Numbers chapter 2 meticulously outlines the precise encampment order for the twelve tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle in the wilderness. This chapter immediately follows the census of the fighting men in Numbers chapter 1, which served to identify the capable men for this structured formation and to select the leaders. The detailed instructions highlight God's profound emphasis on order, organization, and holiness within His chosen people. The Tabernacle, symbolizing God's dwelling presence, was to be at the exact center of the camp, with three tribes encamped on each of its four sides (East, South, West, North).

Asher is specified here as one of the three tribes positioned on the north side, alongside Dan and Naphtali. This elaborate arrangement was not merely for practical purposes like managing a large population; it primarily served theological functions. It underscored God's omnipresence in the midst of His people, His meticulous nature, and the holiness required to approach Him. Culturally and historically, this ordered camp distinguished Israel from typical nomadic groups, emphasizing their identity as a unique nation under a singular divine King. This detailed divine organization also indirectly polemicizes against the chaotic and often capricious pantheons of pagan nations, asserting Yahweh's supreme order and authority.

Numbers 2 27 Word Analysis

• Then those that encamp next unto them

  • "encamp": chânâh (חנה) - This Hebrew verb signifies to pitch a tent, to encamp, or to abide. It emphasizes the temporary, mobile nature of their dwelling, yet within a strict divine order. This highlights that their entire journey was under God's prescribed plan, not random.
  • "next unto them": al yad (על יד) - Literally "by the hand of" or "at the side of." This phrase indicates direct adjacency. Specifically, it means Asher will be immediately beside Gad (Num 2:26) on the north side of the Tabernacle. This underscores the precision and clear spatial relationship God commanded for each tribe within the greater "Camp of Dan."

• shall be the tribe of Asher

  • "tribe of Asher": matteh Asher (מטה אשר) - "Asher" (אשר) means "happy" or "blessed," from Leah's declaration upon his birth (Gen 30:13). While his tribal history in later books of the Bible shows inconsistencies (Judg 1:31-32, Judg 5:17), his place in God's ordered camp speaks to divine grace and calling being distinct from human performance, and to God's purpose for His covenant people.

• and the captain of the children of Asher

  • "captain": nāsî’ (נשיא) - This term translates as "prince," "chief," or "leader." It denotes significant authority, specifically of one who is "lifted up" or elevated. These nesi’im were appointed by God and were critical for the administration, justice, and spiritual oversight of their respective tribes, emphasizing that human leadership in Israel was to reflect divine order and authority. They were representatives, not autocrats.
  • "children of Asher": b’nê Asher (בני אשר) - Literally "sons of Asher." This refers to all the descendants and the entire tribal collective, signifying that Pagiel's leadership encompassed the entire group under Asher's name.

• shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

  • "Pagiel": Pag‘i‘ēl (פגעאל) - The name means "event of God" or "God has met/overtaken." It implies divine encounter or intervention in his life, underscoring the spiritual significance embedded even in individual names within this divinely structured nation. His identity is intertwined with God's action.
  • "Ocran": ‘Okhrān (עכרו) - This name means "troubler" or "disturber." The mention of the father's name provided clear identification within ancient genealogies, confirming Pagiel's lineage and familial ties, which were central to Israelite identity and tribal structures. The inclusion of the full name signifies the specificity and individual accountability within the greater communal divine plan.

Numbers 2 27 Bonus Section

• The directional assignments (East, South, West, North) were not arbitrary. While specific meanings are sometimes debated, they contributed to the visual representation of God's encampment within the cosmos and served practical organizational and military advantages. For instance, the East (Judah's camp) was traditionally the position of honor and the first to move, leading the way towards the rising sun and the promised land.
• The placement of each tribe emphasized communal identity over individualistic dispersion. Every Israelite had a distinct place and purpose within the larger body, directly pointing to God's overarching plan for their corporate journey.
• The role of the nāsî’ (captain) was crucial; these leaders were responsible for managing the logistics, discipline, and well-being of their massive tribal divisions, ensuring that God's detailed commands regarding camp setup and movement were precisely executed. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of servant leadership and order within the Body of Christ.

Numbers 2 27 Commentary

Numbers 2:27 is not just a statistical entry; it's a verse imbued with profound theological and practical significance regarding divine order and leadership within the Israelite community. The meticulous detail, extending even to the individual tribal captain, showcases God's omnipresence and meticulous planning. Asher's specific placement, next to Gad on the North side within the larger "Camp of Dan," is a tangible representation of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and His desire for an ordered people dwelling around His holy presence (the Tabernacle). This divine order transcended mere military strategy, serving as a constant visual reminder to Israel that their identity, movement, and very existence were centered on their covenant God. The appointed captain, Pagiel, held God-given authority, responsible for leading his people within this divinely ordained structure, highlighting the importance of wise and appointed leadership in maintaining harmony and executing God's will. This order prepared them both for holy worship and for military effectiveness, as they would eventually conquer and inhabit the Promised Land.