Numbers 34 26

Numbers 34:26 kjv

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.

Numbers 34:26 nkjv

a leader from the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan;

Numbers 34:26 niv

Paltiel son of Azzan, the leader from the tribe of Issachar;

Numbers 34:26 esv

Of the tribe of the people of Issachar a chief, Paltiel the son of Azzan.

Numbers 34:26 nlt

Issachar ? Paltiel son of Azzan

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 26 Meaning

Numbers 34:26 states that among the chosen leaders responsible for dividing the land of Canaan, Paltiel, the son of Azzan, was selected to represent the tribe of Issachar. This verse highlights the meticulous and divinely ordained process of land distribution among the Israelite tribes upon their entry into the Promised Land.

Numbers 34 26 Context

Numbers chapter 34 meticulously details the boundaries of the land of Canaan that the Israelites were to inherit. Following the specification of these borders, the chapter lists the specific individuals appointed by God to oversee and execute the equitable division of this land among the nine and a half tribes. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. Therefore, this passage focuses on the tribes remaining to receive their land on the west side. This meticulous detailing, including the names of the leaders, underscores the importance God placed on the organized and just distribution of the Promised Land, serving as a foundational step for Israel's settlement and national identity after forty years of wilderness wandering. Historically, precise land allocation prevented disputes and established a framework for tribal identity and livelihood, moving from nomadic life to a settled agricultural society as God's chosen nation.

Numbers 34 26 Word analysis

• Of the tribe of (מַטֵּה / maṭṭeh):
  • Signifies a division, branch, or clan, usually related by lineage.
  • The term maṭṭeh can also mean "staff" or "rod," highlighting authority, support, and tribal identification. Just as a staff represents a leader, so does a tribe represent a cohesive group with common ancestry and often a designated territory.
  • Its use here emphasizes that Paltiel represents the collective identity and interests of his ancestral group within Israel.
• Issachar (יִשָּׂשׂכָר / Yiśśāḵār):
  • Name means "there is reward" or "man of reward." Leah named him this, believing God had rewarded her with a fifth son (Gen 30:18).
  • One of Jacob's twelve sons, symbolizing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • The tribe of Issachar was known for its diligence, agriculture (symbolized as a strong donkey bowing its shoulder to the burden in Gen 49:14-15), and understanding of the times (1 Chr 12:32, though a later context, speaks to their intellectual acumen).
• Paltiel (פַּלְטִיאֵל / Palṭiʾēl):
  • Means "God is my deliverance" or "My escape is God."
  • A theophoric name, common in ancient Israel, directly invoking the name of God (’el). This suggests a recognition of God as the source of salvation and refuge.
  • The choice of such an individual for a critical task like land division might subtly emphasize that ultimate trust in such matters rests with divine oversight and guidance.
• the son of (בֶּן־ / ben-):
  • A common Hebrew construction to denote lineage or ancestry. It emphasizes identity, family connection, and often the established standing of one's father within the community.
• Azzan (עַזָּן / ʿAzzān):
  • Means "strong" or "fortress."
  • The name of Paltiel's father, giving his specific identity within the tribe. It signifies the lineage and household from which Paltiel came.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Of the tribe of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan": This phrase clearly identifies the specific individual by his lineage and father, ensuring no ambiguity. In ancient societies, identity was strongly tied to one's family and tribal affiliation. This level of detail in the text reinforces the systematic and ordered approach to governance and inheritance, reflecting divine design. The naming of leaders by tribe demonstrates their representative function and the comprehensive involvement of all tribes in this critical national endeavor.

Numbers 34 26 Bonus section

• The naming of each leader, tribe by tribe, for this seemingly mundane task of land division demonstrates God's profound care for order and fairness, even in logistical details. It serves as a reminder that every aspect of national life, especially in a covenant nation, is to be governed by divine principles.
• The selection of leaders like Paltiel underscores the importance of choosing individuals of character and representative authority for communal responsibilities, a principle that echoes throughout scriptural instructions for leadership in both Old and New Testaments. Their integrity was vital, as they held the immense responsibility of equitable distribution.
• While this specific Paltiel is not mentioned elsewhere doing anything noteworthy, his inclusion in this critical list highlights the anonymous yet vital service of many individuals who contribute to the grand plan of God's kingdom. Every part, even a seemingly minor name in a list, has its place and significance within God's narrative.

Numbers 34 26 Commentary

Numbers 34:26, while a seemingly simple genealogical statement, carries profound significance within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. It encapsulates God's meticulousness and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to provide land for Israel (Gen 12:7, 15:18). The verse is part of a longer list (Num 34:16-29) naming the twelve leaders, chosen directly or indirectly by God through Moses, to administer the land division. This systematic appointment of specific individuals for a critical task underscores principles of divine order, delegation of authority, and accountability in leadership.

The presence of "Paltiel the son of Azzan" from the tribe of Issachar, with his name meaning "God is my deliverance," subtly points to the spiritual foundation underpinning even practical administrative duties. The fair and accurate distribution of the land was not merely a logistical challenge but an act of stewardship over a divine inheritance. These leaders, acting as God's instruments, ensured justice and unity among the tribes. This meticulous process aimed to prevent future disputes over land, solidifying the societal and economic structure of the fledgling Israelite nation, establishing clear boundaries, and fostering tribal identity as each settled in their God-ordained portion. The very naming of each leader shows that God's plan involves specific, accountable individuals in its outworking.