Numbers 2:27
And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַֽחֹנִ֥ים
And those that encamp
H2583
וְהַֽחֹנִ֥ים
And those that encamp
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַטֵּ֣ה
by him shall be the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
by him shall be the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 10
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אָשֵׁ֔ר
of Asher
H836
אָשֵׁ֔ר
of Asher
Strong's:
H836
Word #:
4 of 10
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
5 of 10
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 #:
6 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָשֵׁ֔ר
of Asher
H836
אָשֵׁ֔ר
of Asher
Strong's:
H836
Word #:
7 of 10
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
Cross References
Historical Context
The three northern tribes (Dan, Asher, Naphtali) would later occupy the northernmost territories of Israel, from the Mediterranean coast (Asher) through the inland valleys (Dan's later northern territory) to the eastern mountains (Naphtali).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the early association of tribes that later neighbor geographically demonstrate God's comprehensive planning across time?
- What does this teach us about trusting God's arrangements even when we can't yet see His ultimate purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Asher's camp placement with Dan and Naphtali created a northern division of tribes that would later occupy territory in northern Israel/Galilee. This early association foreshadowed geographical proximity in the Promised Land, demonstrating God's long-term planning visible even in wilderness camp organization. Every detail of God's arrangements serves ultimate redemptive purposes, even when those purposes aren't immediately apparent.