Numbers 2:20
And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָלָ֖יו
H5921
וְעָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַטֵּ֣ה
And by him shall be the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
And by him shall be the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
3 of 9
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
4 of 9
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 #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
6 of 9
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
The western division's composition (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin—all descended from Rachel through Joseph and Benjamin) created kinship bonds that would influence later alliances and conflicts in Israel's history, particularly after the kingdom's division.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the organization of camps according to family ties validate the importance of natural relationships while pointing to the greater spiritual family?
- What does this teach us about balancing loyalty to physical family with primary allegiance to God's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Manasseh's camp placement with Ephraim and Benjamin joined Joseph's descendants with Rachel's younger son, creating a division united by family ties. This organization according to family relationships demonstrates that God values and works through natural bonds while also transcending them for redemptive purposes. The principle applies to believers: family relationships matter while ultimate loyalty belongs to God's kingdom family.