Numbers 7:78
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:
Original Language Analysis
י֔וֹם
day
H3117
י֔וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עָשָׂ֣ר
On the twelfth
H6240
עָשָׂ֣ר
On the twelfth
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 10
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
י֔וֹם
day
H3117
י֔וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נָשִׂ֖יא
prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֖יא
prince
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
נַפְתָּלִ֑י
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֑י
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
7 of 10
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Naphtali occupied the northernmost territory in Israel's later settlement (Joshua 19:32-39). Despite being listed last in the camp order, their contribution to the tabernacle dedication was equal to all others, demonstrating covenantal equality. Ahira led 53,400 men according to the wilderness census (Numbers 1:43).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ahira's flawed name ('brother of harm') yet faithful service illustrate the doctrine of redemption from sinful heritage?
- What does Naphtali's equal offering despite their rear-guard position teach about spiritual equality versus worldly hierarchy?
- Why might God have ordered the tribal offerings sequentially over twelve days rather than simultaneously on one day?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered (בְּיוֹם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר יוֹם, beyom sheneym asar yom)—Naphtali, positioned last in the camp order (Numbers 2:29-31), brings the final tribal offering. The twelfth day completes the cycle, as twelve represents governmental perfection and divine order (twelve tribes, twelve apostles, Revelation's twelve gates). Ahira's name means "my brother is evil" or "brother of harm," yet he serves as a consecrated leader—demonstrating that God's calling transcends flawed lineage.
Naphtali, meaning "my wrestling," was born to Rachel through her handmaid Bilhah after desperate struggle (Genesis 30:8). The tribe's position in the rear guard (Numbers 10:27) made them vulnerable, yet their offering is identical in value to Judah's, the leading tribe. No hierarchy in worth exists among God's people when approaching His altar.