Numbers 2:18
On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Original Language Analysis
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
of the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
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
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 11
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם
according to their armies
H6635
לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם
according to their armies
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יָ֑מָּה
On the west side
H3220
יָ֑מָּה
On the west side
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
5 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
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 sons
H1121
בֶּן
of the sons
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
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
8 of 11
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע
shall be Elishama
H476
אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע
shall be Elishama
Strong's:
H476
Word #:
9 of 11
elishama, the name of seven israelites
Historical Context
The west side was opposite the tabernacle's entrance (which faced east), making Ephraim's position somewhat less prominent than Judah's. Yet the western tribes' strength ensured balanced military power around the entire camp.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the balanced distribution of tribal strength across the camp teach us about wise organizational principles that prevent concentration of power?
- What does this teach us about maintaining healthy balance in church leadership structures?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ephraim's division camping on the west side positioned them opposite Judah (east), creating a balance of tribal power across the camp. God's organization ensured no single side was overwhelmingly strong or weak, preventing both dominance and vulnerability. This balanced arrangement teaches principles of wise organization where power is distributed appropriately to maintain order without tyranny.