Numbers 34:23
The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 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
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
for the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
for the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 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
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
5 of 9
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נָשִׂ֑יא
The prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֑יא
The prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
Historical Context
These tribal representatives worked alongside Joshua and Eleazar (34:17) during Canaan's 7-year conquest and division period. Each leader bore responsibility for ensuring his tribe received appropriate allocation according to Numbers 26's census—larger tribes received more territory, smaller tribes less (26:52-56), but all received sufficient inheritance for sustainable tribal existence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's appointment of representatives for every tribe demonstrate His commitment to comprehensive, inclusive covenant faithfulness?
- What does the careful naming of each leader teach about Scripture's historical reliability and God's concern for individual persons, not just generic groups?
- How can you ensure that administrative processes in church or ministry honor both efficiency and inclusivity, making sure no group is overlooked or underserved?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod—Manasseh's appointed representative (Hanniel the son of Ephod) ensures fair land distribution for his tribe. The specific naming of all tribal leaders demonstrates Scripture's historical precision—these weren't generic placeholders but actual historical figures overseeing the monumental task of allocating Promised Land according to divine direction.
Manasseh's western half-tribe receives separate representation, distinguishing their Canaan inheritance from Transjordan relatives. This comprehensive listing shows that God's covenant faithfulness extends to every tribe—none were overlooked or shortchanged in the inheritance process. The New Testament similarly teaches that Christ's church includes every tribe and tongue: 'You have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation' (Revelation 5:9).