Numbers 2:14
Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
Original Language Analysis
וְמַטֵּ֖ה
Then the tribe
H4294
וְמַטֵּ֖ה
Then the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
1 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
2 of 8
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
5 of 8
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
Cross References
Numbers 1:14Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.Numbers 7:42On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:Numbers 10:20And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.Numbers 7:47And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Historical Context
Gad's later choice to settle east of the Jordan alongside Reuben and half of Manasseh created ongoing questions about their full commitment to Israel's territorial unity. The eastern tribes' separation from the main body would create ongoing challenges throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the early association of tribes that later made questionable choices warn us about the formative power of our relationships?
- What does this teach us about the importance of choosing companions who will encourage faithfulness rather than compromise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gad's camp placement with Reuben and Simeon created a division of tribes that would later choose to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). This early association may have facilitated their later joint decision, illustrating how geographical and social proximity influences shared choices. The principle applies to believers: our associations shape our decisions, making the choice of companions and communities crucial.