Numbers 34:24
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan.
Original Language Analysis
וּלְמַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
H4294
וּלְמַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
1 of 7
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 #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 7
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נָשִׂ֑יא
And the prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֑יא
And the prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
קְמוּאֵ֖ל
Kemuel
H7055
קְמוּאֵ֖ל
Kemuel
Strong's:
H7055
Word #:
5 of 7
kemuel, the name of a relative of abraham, and of two israelites
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
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Analysis & Commentary
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan—Ephraim's appointed representative (Kemuel the son of Shiphtan) 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.
Joseph's favored son Ephraim receives representation ensuring prominent central Canaan allocation. 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).