Numbers 2:10
On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Original Language Analysis
מַֽחֲנֵ֧ה
of the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֧ה
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
2 of 11
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
תֵּימָ֖נָה
On the south side
H8486
תֵּימָ֖נָה
On the south side
Strong's:
H8486
Word #:
4 of 11
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם
according to their armies
H6635
לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם
according to their armies
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The south side assignment placed Reuben's division (Reuben, Simeon, Gad) on the right flank when Israel marched. This strategic position maintained military importance while reflecting Reuben's loss of preeminence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuben's maintained dignity despite lost preeminence illustrate God's grace toward His people even when they experience consequences for sin?
- What does this teach us about the balance between God's discipline for sin and His covenant faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Reuben's camp positioning on the south side, while not the place of highest honor (east), still maintained dignity and importance. Despite losing the birthright through sin, Reuben retained significant status, demonstrating that God's grace preserves His people even when they forfeit special blessings through disobedience. This pattern warns against presumption while encouraging faith in God's covenant faithfulness.