Numbers 10:22
And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Elishama had served as Ephraim's representative for the census (Numbers 1:10) and brought offerings at the dedication (Numbers 7:48-53). His descendant Joshua (from Ephraim) would become Moses' successor and lead the conquest. Ephraim's later prominence led to their name representing the entire northern kingdom after Solomon's death (Isaiah 7:2, 9). However, Ephraim's pride and independence—visible even in the judges period (Judges 8:1, 12:1)—eventually produced the idolatry that destroyed the northern kingdom. Their march under divine order here contrasts sharply with their later rejection of David's dynasty and Yahweh's authorized worship at Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ephraim's blessed position (chosen over his older brother) illustrate God's sovereign grace in election, not based on human primogeniture?
- What warning does Ephraim's future rebellion offer about how present blessing and prominent position don't guarantee future faithfulness?
- In what areas of your life might you be abandoning God's ordered way (like Ephraim's march) for self-directed religion that seems right but leads to destruction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud. Ephraim's division marched third, after the tabernacle structure but before the rear guard. Despite being Joseph's younger son, Ephraim received Jacob's preferential blessing (Genesis 48:17-20), and his tribe became dominant in the northern kingdom. Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע, "God has heard") led Ephraim's 40,500 warriors (Numbers 1:33)—a name reminding Israel that God hears His people's cries and responds.
The phrase le-tsiv'otam (לְצִבְאֹתָם, "according to their armies") again emphasizes military discipline. Ephraim's central western position in camp (Numbers 2:18) and mid-march placement gave them strategic importance. The tribe that would later dominate Israel's northern kingdom here follows divine order, marching not where they chose but where God commanded. Their future rebellion (establishing rival worship at Bethel and Dan) would abandon this submitted order for self-directed religion.