Numbers 2:31 kjv
All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.
Numbers 2:31 nkjv
"All who were numbered of the forces with Dan, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred? they shall break camp last, with their standards."
Numbers 2:31 niv
All the men assigned to the camp of Dan number 157,600. They will set out last, under their standards.
Numbers 2:31 esv
All those listed of the camp of Dan were 157,600. They shall set out last, standard by standard."
Numbers 2:31 nlt
So the total of all the troops on Dan's side of the camp is 157,600. These three tribes will be last, marching under their banners whenever the Israelites travel."
Numbers 2 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 30:7-8 | Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, "With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled... therefore she called his name Naphtali." | Naphtali's birth and name origin |
| Gen 46:24 | The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. | Naphtali's direct descendants |
| Gen 49:21 | Naphtali is a doe let loose that yields beautiful fawns. | Jacob's prophetic blessing on Naphtali |
| Ex 13:18 | But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. | God's leading and ordering of His people |
| Num 1:15 | For Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan. | Ahira's appointment as leader confirmed earlier |
| Num 2:1-2 | The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard..." | General divine instruction for encampment |
| Num 2:25 | "On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their companies..." | Dan's leadership of the northern encampment |
| Num 10:25 | Then the standard of the camp of the people of Dan, acting as the rearguard... set out. | Naphtali's position in march order |
| Deut 33:23 | And of Naphtali he said: "O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord..." | Moses' prophetic blessing on Naphtali |
| Josh 19:32-39 | The sixth lot came out for the people of Naphtali, for the people of Naphtali according to their clans... | Naphtali's inheritance in Canaan |
| Jdg 4:6 | ...the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, 'Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun...' | Naphtali's role in Deborah's victory |
| Jdg 5:18 | Zebulun is a people who jeopardized their lives to the point of death; Naphtali too, on the heights of the field. | Naphtali's bravery in battle |
| 1 Chr 7:13 | The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah. | Genealogy of Naphtali |
| 1 Chr 12:34 | Of Naphtali, 1,000 commanders, with whom were men bearing shield and spear, 37,000. | Naphtali's contribution to David's army |
| Psa 24:1 | The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. | God's sovereignty over all creation |
| Isa 9:1-2 | But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish... Galilee of the Gentiles, the way of the sea... The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light... | Messianic prophecy, light in Naphtali's region |
| Matt 4:13-16 | And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali... that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. | Fulfillment of Isa 9:1-2 in Jesus' ministry |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. | Divine order in the New Covenant community |
| Eph 4:11-13 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers... | Appointed leadership in God's church |
| Rev 7:6 | From the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000... | Naphtali represented in God's redeemed people |
Numbers 2 verses
Numbers 2 31 Meaning
Numbers 2:31 specifies the tribal identity, the particular leader, and the lineage of that leader for the group of Israelites positioned to the north in the desert encampment and march. It states that the tribe of Naphtali, led by Ahira son of Enan, was part of the northern division, camping alongside Dan and Asher, operating under the standard of Dan. This verse highlights divine order, tribal structure, and appointed leadership as fundamental aspects of the wilderness journey and the community of Israel.
Numbers 2 31 Context
Numbers chapter 2 meticulously details the arrangement of the twelve tribes of Israel around the tabernacle, specifying their encampment positions and march order in the wilderness. This organization emphasizes God's presence at the center of their lives and His desire for order and holiness among His people. The chapter lists the three tribal divisions on the east (Judah's standard), south (Reuben's standard), west (Ephraim's standard), and north (Dan's standard). Verse 31 specifically refers to the third and final tribe under the standard of Dan, located on the north side. This detailed instruction for camping and marching was crucial for the vast number of Israelites, providing discipline, unity, and a sense of collective purpose in their arduous journey through the wilderness to the promised land. Historically, this highly structured military-like camp demonstrated God's careful organization of His people, contrasting sharply with any notions of a chaotic, disorganized rabble, and serving as a testament to His omniscient care and precise divine governance.
Numbers 2 31 Word analysis
- Then (וְלִמַּטֵּה - v'limatteh): The connective "and" or "then" links this tribe to the preceding description of the northern division (Dan and Asher), emphasizing its place in the established order.
- the tribe (מַטֵּה - matteh): Literally means "staff," "rod," or "branch," signifying a distinct subdivision or lineage, often carrying a banner or standard. It refers to a familial and political unit descended from one of Jacob's sons, foundational to Israel's identity.
- of Naphtali (נַפְתָּלִי - Naphtali): From the Hebrew root naphtal, meaning "to wrestle." Rachel named him Naphtali, saying, "With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed" (Gen 30:8). This tribe's blessing in Gen 49:21 ("a doe let loose that yields beautiful fawns") speaks of swiftness and eloquence, later seen in their military prowess in Judges. In Deut 33:23, they are blessed with satisfaction and God's favor.
- and the leader (וְנָשִׂיא - v'nasi): The Hebrew word nasi denotes a "prince," "chief," or "leader." These individuals were divinely chosen and acknowledged representatives of their respective tribes, responsible for its internal affairs and its integration into the larger national body. Their role was significant in both civil and military matters, representing God's delegated authority.
- of the people of Naphtali (לִבְנֵי נַפְתָּלִי - livnei Naphtali): "Children of Naphtali" or "sons of Naphtali." This emphasizes the collective identity and lineage, acknowledging that Ahira was the designated head over this specific, organized group of people within the broader Israelite community.
- shall be (יהיה - yihyeh): Future tense or declarative, indicating an established fact or an ordained arrangement. It conveys permanence and divine appointment, not a suggestion.
- Ahira (אֲחִירַע - Ahira): From the root meaning "my brother is wicked/evil" or possibly "my brother is pasture." Despite the potentially challenging etymology of the name's root, his prominence as a nasi indicates divine sanction and a trusted position of leadership among God's people. This name is mentioned in Num 1:15 as well, confirming his status.
- the son of Enan (בֶּן עֵינָן - ben Enan): Ben means "son of," establishing the patrilineal lineage and familial connection. Enan's name is rare, appearing only in association with Ahira in the Numbers census and organizational accounts. The father's name signifies the family line and its continuity, emphasizing the tribal nature of the leadership.
Words-group analysis:
- "Then the tribe of Naphtali, and the leader... shall be Ahira the son of Enan": This entire phrase encapsulates God's specific and intentional assignment. It reflects the meticulous detail with which God organized His people for their journey, ensuring no chaos, but rather precise order and clear lines of authority for each family unit. This highlights the importance of individual identity (Ahira) within a corporate structure (tribe), both being part of a divine plan.
Numbers 2 31 Bonus section
The repeated pattern of naming the tribe, its appointed leader, and that leader's father across Numbers chapters 1, 2, 7, and 10 highlights several crucial points. It signifies the consistency and immutability of God's choices and plans. The mention of each leader's lineage emphasizes the patrilineal structure of ancient Israelite society and the importance of inherited identity and responsibility. Furthermore, the detailed account of tribal arrangement (including Naphtali's) serves as a polemic against any notion of arbitrary existence or leadership within Israel. Every role and placement was by divine decree, ensuring unity, identity, and proper worship centered around the Tabernacle, ultimately pointing to a God who provides for and governs His people with unparalleled foresight and order. This strict organizational principle prefigures the structured nature of the church in the New Testament, where order, diverse gifts, and appointed leadership are also essential for communal life and mission (1 Cor 12:12-27, Eph 4:11-16).
Numbers 2 31 Commentary
Numbers 2:31, though seemingly a dry recitation of names and places, holds profound significance. It reveals God's meticulous attention to detail and His love for order within His covenant people. Every tribe, every family, every appointed leader had a designated place and function in God's master plan for the encampment and march. This was not mere military efficiency; it was a visible manifestation of a holy God dwelling in the midst of a consecrated people. The precision of the arrangements, including Naphtali's position under the standard of Dan and led by Ahira, underscored that God’s presence brings not chaos, but perfect peace and structure. This verse reminds us that in God’s kingdom, even what seems like a minor detail serves a greater purpose in establishing and maintaining community, accountability, and direction towards His ultimate goals. It is a testament to the divine orchestrator who orders every step of His people's journey.