Numbers 34 28

Numbers 34:28 kjv

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 34:28 nkjv

and a leader from the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 34:28 niv

Pedahel son of Ammihud, the leader from the tribe of Naphtali."

Numbers 34:28 esv

Of the tribe of the people of Naphtali a chief, Pedahel the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 34:28 nlt

Naphtali ? Pedahel son of Ammihud

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 28 Meaning

This verse identifies Paltiel, the son of Azzan, as the appointed representative for the tribe of Zebulun. He was one of the twelve chosen leaders from across the tribes of Israel, selected by God through Moses, Eleazar the priest, and Joshua, to meticulously oversee the division of the promised land of Canaan among the tribes according to God's precise instructions. This detail underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises and His orderly administration in settling His people in their inheritance.

Numbers 34 28 Context

Numbers chapter 34 sets forth the precise geographical boundaries of the land of Canaan that the Israelites were to inherit, following the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Having detailed the future borders, the chapter then lists the specific tribal leaders, one from each of the remaining nine and a half tribes, who were to assist Eleazar the High Priest and Joshua in apportioning this promised land. This comprehensive appointment ensures a systematic, equitable, and divinely sanctioned distribution of the territory, preventing future disputes and establishing each tribe's rightful inheritance as an fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, this occurs on the cusp of the Israelites' entry into the land, signifying the transition from nomadic life to a settled nation, requiring structured administration.

Numbers 34 28 Word analysis

• of the tribe (לְמַטֵּה, lᵉmaṭṭeh): The Hebrew word maṭṭeh can refer to a "staff," "rod," or metaphorically, a "tribe" or "clan," emphasizing the idea of a family group identified by a patriarchal "staff." Here it signifies the official tribal affiliation, indicating Paltiel's identity as a representative chosen directly from the recognized lineage and corporate identity of Zebulun. This highlights the foundational role of tribal structures in ancient Israelite society, especially regarding inheritance and military organization.
• of Zebulun (זְבוּלֻן, Zebulun): The sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The name Zebulun itself is rooted in "dwelling" or "honor," reflecting Leah's joy when he was born, expressing hope for honor from her husband (Gen 30:20). The territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun, described in Josh 19:10-16, was strategic and fertile, although initially without clear access to the sea, aligning somewhat with Jacob's blessing in Gen 49:13, which describes them dwelling by the seacoast.
• Paltiel (פַּלְטִיאֵל, Paltiel): This name means "My Deliverance is God" or "God is my Deliverer" (from the root palat, meaning "to escape, be delivered," and El, God). The meaning of his name powerfully reflects a foundational trust and dependence on God for rescue and safety, qualities apt for someone chosen to lead in settling the Lord's people securely in their inheritance after decades of wandering and imminent battles. His appointment underscores that such vital tasks require men whose very lives acknowledge divine sovereignty.
• the son of (בֶּן, ben): This common Hebrew word signifies "son of," crucial in establishing patrilineal descent and identity within Israelite genealogies. Lineage determined tribal affiliation, land rights, and responsibilities. It confirms Paltiel's place within his father's house and tribe, emphasizing the structured, hereditary nature of Israelite society.
• Azzan (עַזָּן, Azzan): This name likely derives from the Hebrew root azaz, meaning "to be strong" or "mighty," suggesting "strong one" or "fortress." The name perhaps speaks to the character or aspiration associated with Paltiel's father. While Azzan is only mentioned here, the names of the appointees, often carrying significant meanings related to God's attributes or a person's character, served as affirmations of God's involvement and blessing in the leaders He selected.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "of the tribe of Zebulun": This phrase clearly designates the tribal affiliation, which was paramount for the allocation of land. In Israelite society, identity and inheritance were deeply rooted in one's tribal and clan lineage, ensuring order and accountability in the distribution of resources promised by God.
• "Paltiel the son of Azzan": This full identification of the individual, including his given name and patronymic ("son of Azzan"), was essential for clear record-keeping and establishing legitimacy. It confirms his unique identity as the specific leader from Zebulun chosen for this pivotal role, emphasizing both his personal qualification and his hereditary standing within the tribe. Such detailed specification reflects God's meticulousness in organizing His people and His plan.

Numbers 34 28 Bonus section

The systematic naming of these leaders throughout Numbers 34 (verses 19-29) collectively underscores the profound administrative planning that went into the establishment of Israel as a settled nation. These chosen men were not just figureheads; they bore the immense responsibility of implementing God's directive to fairly divide the land, a task fraught with potential for dispute and favoritism. This specific appointment for Zebulun reflects the comprehensive nature of God's care for each of the twelve tribes, ensuring that no tribe was overlooked in their portion of the divine inheritance. It serves as a historical example of God entrusting significant, practical tasks to His chosen people, empowering them through appointed leadership to manage communal resources in an orderly fashion.

Numbers 34 28 Commentary

Numbers 34:28, though a brief biographical note, carries profound theological and administrative weight within the larger narrative of Israel's journey. The meticulous listing of tribal leaders like Paltiel, son of Azzan, reveals God's commitment to orderly fulfillment of His promises. This was not a chaotic free-for-all; rather, the land, God's sacred gift, was to be apportioned with precision, fairness, and divine oversight through designated human agents. The selection of specific individuals, some with names signifying reliance on God or strength, highlights that leadership for vital tasks should come from those of character and trust in the Lord. This act of careful land distribution foreshadows the orderly spiritual inheritance offered to believers in the New Testament—a structured blessing for God's people within His divine plan. It illustrates the principle that God often works through established processes and appointed individuals to bring His will to pass.