Numbers 34 22

Numbers 34:22 kjv

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli.

Numbers 34:22 nkjv

a leader from the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli;

Numbers 34:22 niv

Bukki son of Jogli, the leader from the tribe of Dan;

Numbers 34:22 esv

Of the tribe of the people of Dan a chief, Bukki the son of Jogli.

Numbers 34:22 nlt

Dan ? Bukki son of Jogli

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 22 Meaning

This verse specifies Bukki, the son of Jogli, as the appointed leader from the tribe of Dan, designated to participate in the divinely commanded distribution and allocation of the promised land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. It is part of a detailed list of tribal representatives chosen to ensure an orderly and equitable inheritance for each family within their respective tribal boundaries.

Numbers 34 22 Context

Numbers chapter 34 details the precise boundaries of the land of Canaan that Israel was to inherit and outlines the divinely ordained process for its distribution. After defining the northern, western, southern, and eastern borders (vv. 1-12), the Lord explicitly states that this land is to be inherited by lot among the tribes (vv. 13-15). Crucially, the chapter then lists the specific men chosen by God—Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and one leader from each of the remaining nine and a half tribes—to oversee this crucial task (vv. 16-29). Verse 22 specifically names Bukki, son of Jogli, as Dan's representative in this significant group. This appointment ensures a fair, accountable, and divinely sanctioned division of the land, fulfilling God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their offspring and their possession of the land.

Numbers 34 22 Word analysis

• For the tribe of: The Hebrew lĕmaṭṭēh (לְמַטֵּה) denotes "for the staff/tribe of." Maṭṭēh signifies not merely a tribal unit but carries the connotation of a "staff" or "rod," representing authority and solidarity. The prefix lĕ- ("for," "belonging to") indicates direct representation, emphasizing that Bukki acts on behalf of and for the benefit of the entire tribal lineage.
• Dan: Hebrew Dān (דָּן). Meaning "judge" or "he has judged." Dan was the fifth son of Jacob by Bilhah, Rachel's servant (Gen 30:6). The tribe of Dan had a prominent, often restless, history, known for their significant population, position at the rear of the Israelite camp during the wilderness march, and later their migratory tendencies (Judg 18).
• Bukki: Hebrew Būqqî (בֻּקִּי). The name's etymology is debated; possibilities include "proving," "pining," or "mouth of Yahweh." Later, a "Bukki" appears as a high priest in the line of Aaron's son Eleazar (1 Chron 6:5), indicating it was a known priestly name, although it's not explicitly stated that this Bukki from Dan was a priest. His mention here highlights an individual chosen for a specific role of national importance.
• the son of: The Hebrew ben (בֶן) signifies lineage and identity through paternity, linking the individual to their family and clan within the tribal structure. This emphasis on paternal descent was crucial in ancient Israelite society for establishing rights, inheritance, and tribal affiliation.
• Jogli: Hebrew Yoglî (יָגְלִי). The meaning of this name is also uncertain, possibly derived from a root meaning "to exile" or "to make joyful." As with many names in these lists, its primary significance is to provide a clear and precise identifier for Bukki, reinforcing his specific identity within his tribal and familial context, thereby ensuring accuracy in the official record of the land distribution.

Numbers 34 22 Bonus section

The precise naming of each tribal leader in Numbers 34 (vv. 19-29), including Bukki the son of Jogli, reinforces the reality of God's plan being executed through specific, identified individuals. This is not an abstract process carried out by an impersonal force, but a tangible action guided by God, utilizing His chosen servants. It demonstrates the divine commitment to the individual families and clans within each tribe, ensuring that everyone would receive their promised inheritance through known and trusted leadership. This level of detail also speaks to the importance of accurate record-keeping in biblical times, particularly concerning matters of land, inheritance, and lineage, which were foundational to Israelite identity and societal structure.

Numbers 34 22 Commentary

Numbers 34:22, nestled within a detailed register of tribal leaders, serves a specific and crucial function: to identify Bukki, son of Jogli, as Dan's designated representative for the monumental task of distributing the promised land. This verse, though seemingly a mere entry in a list, underscores profound theological and practical principles. It highlights God's meticulous nature, His faithfulness in providing for His people, and His commitment to order and justice.

The selection of named individuals for such a critical responsibility, under the direct command of Eleazar and Joshua, illustrates the principle of delegated authority in God's kingdom. God often uses human instruments, empowering specific individuals with specific tasks, ensuring accountability and precision in His plans. This delegation was essential to equitably and accurately implement the complex land inheritance system detailed elsewhere (e.g., Num 26:52-56). Each tribal representative, like Bukki, acted as a vital link in this divine process, safeguarding the interests of their respective tribes and ensuring that God's covenant promise of a dwelling place was perfectly fulfilled for every Israelite family. The act of writing down these names emphasizes the legal and binding nature of this appointment, providing a historical record of divine guidance and human participation in the foundational acts of Israel's national existence in the land. This practice established a precedent for ordered administration and communal responsibility in the life of God's people.