Numbers 10:14
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסַּ֞ע
place went
H5265
וַיִּסַּ֞ע
place went
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
מַֽחֲנֵ֧ה
of the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֧ה
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
3 of 12
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
5 of 12
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
In the first
H7223
בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
In the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
6 of 12
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
7 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
9 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
Cross References
Historical Context
Nahshon son of Amminadab served as chieftain of Judah throughout the wilderness period. His sister Elisheba married Aaron, making him brother-in-law to the high priest (Exodus 6:23). Rabbinic tradition credits Nahshon with being first to enter the Red Sea, demonstrating the bold faith that characterized Judah's leadership. He died in the wilderness; his successor Caleb would lead Judah into Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judah's position at the front of Israel's march reinforce God's sovereignty in choosing the Messianic tribe?
- What does Nahshon's inclusion in Matthew's genealogy teach about the significance of seemingly minor Old Testament figures?
- How should the military language ("armies," "hosts," "standard") shape our understanding of spiritual warfare and the church's mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah (דֶּגֶל degel, standard/banner)—Judah led the march by divine appointment, previewing their royal preeminence. Jacob's blessing prophesied "the scepter shall not depart from Judah" (Genesis 49:10); their vanguard position enacted this destiny. According to their armies (צְבָאֹתָם tseva'otam, armies/hosts)—Israel marched as a military force organized for conquest, not mere nomadic wandering.
Over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab—This same Nahshon appears in Christ's genealogy (Matthew 1:4). His leadership of Judah during the wilderness journey connects Old Testament national formation to New Testament Messianic fulfillment. The leader of the first tribe to march toward Canaan stands in the ancestral line of the King who leads us to the true promised land.