Numbers 34 27

Numbers 34:27 kjv

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi.

Numbers 34:27 nkjv

a leader from the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi;

Numbers 34:27 niv

Ahihud son of Shelomi, the leader from the tribe of Asher;

Numbers 34:27 esv

And of the tribe of the people of Asher a chief, Ahihud the son of Shelomi.

Numbers 34:27 nlt

Asher ? Ahihud son of Shelomi

Numbers 34 27 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Num 34:16-29The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "These are the names of the men who shall divide the land among you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun..."Immediate context; list of land dividers
Gen 12:7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land."God's initial promise of the land
Deut 1:9-18"At that time I said to you, ‘I am not able to bear you alone... choose wise, understanding, and experienced men from among your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’"Moses delegates authority for governance
Josh 14:1-2These are the territories that the people of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes... divided among them.Fulfillment of the division mandate
Josh 19:24-31The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the people of Asher according to their clans... This was the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Asher according to their clans, with their cities and villages.Asher's allotted inheritance
Num 1:13For Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran.Asher's leader for the first census
Num 7:72-77On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering.Asher's prince during Tabernacle dedication (a different individual, highlighting varying roles/times)
Num 13:13from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.Asher's spy (another leader for a different task)
Exod 18:21-26Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe... so it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.Principles of delegated leadership
1 Cor 14:33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.Divine order and purpose
Col 2:5For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.Order and stability in community
Prov 11:14Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.Importance of leadership and counsel
Ps 16:6The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.Poetic expression of received inheritance
Acts 1:23-26And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed... and the lot fell on Matthias...God-guided selection for a crucial role
Titus 1:5This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.New Testament emphasis on appointed leadership
Heb 11:8-10By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance... looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.Faith in receiving promised inheritance
Num 26:44-47The sons of Asher by their clans: Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; Beriah, the clan of the Berites. Of the sons of Beriah: Heber, the clan of the Heberites; Malchiel, the clan of the Malchielites... These are the clans of the sons of Asher.Census identifying tribal structure of Asher
Num 27:18-23So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him... you shall commission him in their sight."Appointment of Joshua, the land-divider's chief
Num 36:7-9So no inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another, for each of the people of Israel shall hold to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.Strict laws regarding land inheritance
Lev 25:10You shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his possession and each of you shall return to his family.Ensuring land remains within tribal lines
Exod 17:9Moses said to Joshua, "Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek."Early example of Joshua appointing leaders

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 27 Meaning

Numbers 34:27 states that Ahihud, the son of Shelomi, was appointed as the tribal prince for the tribe of Asher. This appointment was part of a divine directive to assist Joshua and Eleazar in the precise and equitable distribution of the land of Canaan among the various tribes of Israel. This detail underscores God's meticulous plan for the orderly establishment of His people in their inherited land.

Numbers 34 27 Context

The book of Numbers chronicles the wilderness journey of the Israelites, marked by God's faithfulness despite the people's disobedience. Chapter 34 outlines the exact geographical boundaries of the Promised Land, Canaan, which the Israelites were about to inherit as part of God's covenantal promise. Following this description, verses 16-29 present a specific list of tribal leaders appointed by divine command, through Moses and Eleazar the priest. These chosen "princes" (nasi) from each of the nine and a half tribes (excluding Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh who received their inheritance east of the Jordan) were to assist Joshua and Eleazar in the complex and crucial task of dividing the land fairly by lot. Numbers 34:27 precisely places Ahihud, son of Shelomi, into this divinely commissioned team, indicating God's detailed planning for establishing an orderly and structured nation within its allocated inheritance, avoiding chaos and ensuring the long-term tribal identity and land rights.

Numbers 34 27 Word analysis

  • and for the tribe: The conjunction "and" (וְ - vav) seamlessly connects this verse to the preceding nominations, signifying a continuous, organized list. The phrase "for the tribe" (לְמַטֵּה - lĕmatteh) distinctly attributes the chosen leader to his specific tribal group, emphasizing the principle of tribal representation within the national structure.
  • of Asher: אָשֵׁר (Asher). The eighth son of Jacob, whose name means "happy" or "blessed" (from the root ‘āshar). His descendants constitute one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The naming of a leader for this specific tribe reinforces its ongoing unique identity and role in the structured nation.
  • a prince: נָשִׂיא (nasi). This Hebrew term denotes a leader, chief, or head of a tribal division, a prominent figure, or someone holding an elevated position. The nasi was typically recognized for their authority and often played administrative or judicial roles. In this context, the title highlights a divinely chosen, legitimate authority, not merely a self-proclaimed leader, crucial for a sensitive task like land distribution. The designation underscores order and divine appointment over individual ambition.
  • Ahihud: אֲחִיְהוּד (Achiyhud). A personal name meaning "my brother is Judah" or "brother of Judah." While Ahihud is from the tribe of Asher, the name’s connection to "Judah" could symbolically reflect inter-tribal solidarity, perhaps signifying that despite tribal distinctiveness, a broader kinship in faith (referencing the leading tribe of Judah) existed. It is a unique name not frequently found in biblical texts, making its specific inclusion notable for documenting precise leadership.
  • the son of: בֶן (ben). This common Hebrew term indicates patrilineal descent, specifying Ahihud's identity and lineage through his father, Shelomi. Patronymics were fundamental in ancient Israel for establishing familial identity, societal roles, and particularly inheritance rights within the tribal system.
  • Shelomi: שְׁלֹמִי (Shĕlomi). The name means "my peace" or "my reward." Derived from the root shalem, signifying "wholeness," "completeness," or "peace." The name might reflect a desire for tranquility and order, perhaps influencing the character or aspirations of the family. Its meaning is subtly fitting for a father of one involved in the orderly division of land, a task aimed at establishing peace and stability.

Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "for the tribe of Asher a prince": This phrase clearly articulates the delegation of authority to a specific tribal entity. It reveals God's structured approach to governing His people by assigning distinct roles and responsibilities to recognized tribal representatives. This not only ensured effective administration but also preserved the unique identity and integrity of each tribe.
  • "Ahihud the son of Shelomi": The inclusion of the full name and patronymic provides a precise and historical record of the individual chosen. It demonstrates the tangible, person-specific nature of divine commands and the practical implementation of God's will through human agents. This detailed identification emphasizes that this was not a general command, but a specific assignment to a real person, highlighting divine oversight in even the seemingly administrative details.

Numbers 34 27 Bonus section

The system of appointing a nasi (prince) from each tribe for specific, critical tasks showcases the dynamic nature of Israelite leadership beyond just the Levitical priesthood and prophetic roles. These appointed princes, distinct from clan elders in some instances, functioned as administrative facilitators chosen for their capability and tribal representation. While many of these individuals like Ahihud are not highlighted elsewhere for specific deeds, their very mention in lists like this validates the concrete, administrative aspect of the Exodus generation's transition from wanderers to inheritors. The divine method of land distribution by lot, combined with human oversight by these appointed princes, reflects the synthesis of God's sovereign direction with humanity's responsible action in the promised land.

Numbers 34 27 Commentary

Numbers 34:27, seemingly a mere listing of a name, encapsulates profound theological and practical implications within Israel's historical narrative. It demonstrates God's commitment to meticulously fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham by establishing Israel securely in the land. The appointment of "princes" like Ahihud for each tribe to oversee the land division highlights that God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). This meticulous organization was vital to prevent disputes, maintain tribal inheritances, and ensure the long-term stability and identity of the nation. It reflects God's wisdom in delegating crucial tasks to authorized leaders, recognizing the necessity of human agency in fulfilling His divine purposes. Ahihud's inclusion among these designated individuals underscores that even seemingly small administrative details are part of God's overarching plan for the blessing and flourishing of His people in their promised inheritance.