Numbers 34:18
And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
נָשִׂ֥יא
prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֥יא
prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
נָשִׂ֥יא
prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֥יא
prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
מִמַּטֶּ֑ה
of every tribe
H4294
מִמַּטֶּ֑ה
of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
תִּקְח֖וּ
And ye shall take
H3947
תִּקְח֖וּ
And ye shall take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
6 of 9
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לִנְחֹ֥ל
by inheritance
H5157
לִנְחֹ֥ל
by inheritance
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
7 of 9
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
Historical Context
Canaan's division (Joshua 13-21) occurred under these appointed leaders' oversight, supplemented by Joshua and Eleazar the priest. The process combined divine guidance (lots cast before the LORD) with practical administration (tribal representatives ensuring fair treatment). This balanced supernatural direction with orderly human governance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the appointment of one representative per tribe demonstrate God's concern for structured, representative governance?
- What does the combination of divine guidance (lots) and human administration (tribal leaders) teach about balancing supernatural direction with practical wisdom?
- How can churches maintain both Spirit-led discernment and orderly, accountable decision-making processes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance—God commands appointing one prince (נָשִׂיא אֶחָד nasi echad, one leader/chief) per tribe to oversee land distribution (לִנְחֹל אֶת־הָאָרֶץ linchol et-ha'aretz, 'to cause the land to be inherited'). The singular emphasis—one per tribe—ensures clear tribal representation and prevents leadership disputes during the critical inheritance allocation.
This appointment demonstrates God's concern for orderly, representative governance. The land distribution wasn't arbitrary but involved tribal leaders ensuring fair allocation according to census and tribal size (Numbers 26:52-56). The New Testament similarly emphasizes ordered appointment of qualified leaders: 'Appoint elders in every city as I commanded you' (Titus 1:5)—spiritual community requires structured, authorized leadership.