Numbers 2 7

Numbers 2:7 kjv

Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.

Numbers 2:7 nkjv

"Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and Eliab the son of Helon shall be the leader of the children of Zebulun."

Numbers 2:7 niv

The tribe of Zebulun will be next. The leader of the people of Zebulun is Eliab son of Helon.

Numbers 2:7 esv

Then the tribe of Zebulun, the chief of the people of Zebulun being Eliab the son of Helon,

Numbers 2:7 nlt

[7-8] Zebulun ? Eliab son of Helon ? 57,400

Numbers 2 verses

Numbers 2 7 Meaning

Numbers 2:7 identifies Zebulun as one of the Israelite tribes camped on the east side of the Tabernacle, alongside Judah and Issachar. It specifies that Eliab, the son of Helon, was the designated chief or leader of the tribe of Zebulun for this organized encampment and journey through the wilderness. This verse highlights the precise and divine order established for God's people, ensuring clear leadership and defined positions for every segment of the community around the holy sanctuary.

Numbers 2 7 Context

Numbers chapter 2 meticulously outlines the precise arrangement of the twelve tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle during their encampment in the wilderness, and the order in which they were to march. This follows the census in chapter 1, where the men able to bear arms were counted. Each tribe was assigned a specific position, facing one of the four cardinal directions, and grouped under a shared standard with other tribes on that side. The Tabernacle, representing God's presence, was at the very center. Zebulun, mentioned in verse 7, belonged to the eastern encampment, under the standard of Judah, reflecting a hierarchical and orderly structure designed to manage a massive transient population of possibly over two million people. This organization ensured spiritual focus on God, military efficiency, and communal harmony during their pilgrimage to the Promised Land.

Numbers 2 7 Word analysis

• Then: This temporal conjunction establishes a sequence, indicating that this specification of Zebulun's tribe and leader is part of a methodical, verse-by-verse enumeration of all the tribes and their arrangements, following the pattern set for the other tribal groupings.
• the tribe: The Hebrew word is matteh (מַטֵּה, Strong's H4294), meaning "staff," "rod," and by extension, a distinct "tribe" or "branch" of a people. It signifies a fundamental division of Israel based on ancestral lineage from one of Jacob's sons, emphasizing their corporate identity and shared heritage under a divinely ordained system.
• of Zebulun: The Hebrew is Zebulun (זְבוּלֻן, Strong's H2074). This name means "dwelling" or "habitation," given by Leah (Gen 30:20), indicating God had granted her a "good dwelling." In this context, the divine order of the camp provides a structured "dwelling" place for Zebulun and all Israel, physically manifesting God's presence in their midst (Num 5:3). Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:13) and Moses' blessing (Deut 33:18-19) describe Zebulun's future coastal territory and prosperity, prefiguring the fulfillment of God's dwelling promises in the land.
• with: A preposition denoting accompaniment or association, indicating that Eliab served alongside, and as the appointed head of, the tribe. It signifies active, present leadership within the tribal unit.
• Eliab: The Hebrew name Eli'av (אֱלִיאָב, Strong's H446) means "My God is Father" or "God of the father." This is a significant name that reaffirms God's covenant relationship with Israel, rooted in their patriarchal lineage. It reflects the pervasive understanding among the Israelites that their leaders, and indeed their very identity, were tied to the divine Father, highlighting the spiritual dimension of tribal leadership.
• the son: Establishes the paternal lineage, vital for validating leadership authority and identity in ancient Israelite society (as seen in Num 1:5-15 where each chief is listed with their father). Legitimacy of office often flowed through inherited, recognized lines.
• of Helon: The Hebrew Chelon (חֶלֹן, Strong's H2490) could mean "strong," "valor," or "window." While the exact significance of the father's name for Eliab is not directly elaborated in scripture, its presence firmly grounds Eliab's authority within his established tribal clan and lineage.
• as chief: The Hebrew term is nasi (נָשִׂיא, Strong's H5387), which translates as "prince," "leader," "chieftain," or "captain." It refers to the divinely appointed heads of the tribal divisions, holding significant spiritual and administrative authority. These were not merely secular rulers but figures acknowledged by God, entrusted with guiding their tribes according to divine law, and representing them before God and Moses (Num 1:16, Num 7). Their leadership was integral to maintaining the purity and order of the Israelite camp.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then the tribe of Zebulun": This phrase emphasizes the orderly and systematic naming of each tribal unit as part of a larger divine arrangement. The specificity ("the tribe of Zebulun") ensures that every distinct segment of Israel has its identified place and role within God's meticulously planned community structure. This underscores the principle that God delights in order and individuality within unity.
• "with Eliab the son of Helon as chief": This segment highlights the principle of legitimate, divinely recognized leadership within each tribal unit. It's not just a collection of individuals but an organized body under an appointed and lineage-verified head. This provision of human authority ensures governance, accountability, and the efficient implementation of God's commands within the massive congregation, demonstrating that God works through established, delegated authority.

Numbers 2 7 Bonus section

• The naming of each tribe and their chiefs emphasizes the covenant individualization within the corporate body of Israel. Each part contributes to the whole, highlighting God's care for every component of His chosen people.
• The repetitive structure throughout Numbers 2 underscores the firmness and immutability of God's established order. This order was not optional but essential for the wilderness journey, pointing to the need for clear structures in any community called by God.
• The fact that these arrangements were not left to human discretion but divinely mandated through Moses and Aaron elevates the importance of every detail, no matter how seemingly mundane. Even the physical setup of the camp reflected theological truths about God's holiness, His presence, and His desire for an ordered walk with His people.

Numbers 2 7 Commentary

Numbers 2:7 is a testament to God's character as a God of profound order, precision, and purpose. It reveals that His divine plan for Israel extended even to the logistical arrangement of their camp in the wilderness, down to specifying individual tribal leaders. The meticulous detailing of each tribe's position, size, and designated chief, exemplified by Zebulun and Eliab, ensured unity, facilitated their worship around the Tabernacle, and provided military readiness and spiritual discipline for a journey through hostile territory. This organizational structure not only prevented chaos but also visually reinforced the centrality of God's presence among His people, with the Tabernacle at the heart of their lives. It serves as an enduring reminder that God values structure and assigned leadership for the flourishing and mission of His people. The careful documentation implies accountability for both leaders and the led within the covenant community.