Numbers 2:25
The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
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
דָ֔ן
of Dan
H1835
דָ֔ן
of Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
3 of 11
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
צָפֹ֖נָה
shall be on the north side
H6828
צָפֹ֖נָה
shall be on the north side
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם
by their armies
H6635
לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם
by 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
דָ֔ן
of Dan
H1835
דָ֔ן
of Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
8 of 11
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
Cross References
Historical Context
Dan's northern division would march last in Israel's procession, forming the rearguard. This position protected against attacks from behind and gathered any stragglers or dropped equipment, serving crucial functions despite being last in march order.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Dan's northern (less prominent) position teach us that every role in God's kingdom is essential, regardless of visibility?
- What does the rearguard function teach us about the importance of seemingly less glamorous but crucial service roles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Dan's division camping on the north side completed the four-sided arrangement around the tabernacle. The northern position, while not carrying the prominence of east or the traditional honor of south, was nonetheless essential for complete protection. Every position in God's kingdom matters; no role is superfluous or unnecessary. Each member's faithful service contributes to the whole body's health and effectiveness.