Lexical Summary Deuel: Deuel Original Word: דְּעוּאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Deuel From yada' and 'el; known of God; Deuel, an Israelite -- Deuel. see HEBREW yada' see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yada and el Definition "known of God," a Gadite NASB Translation Deuel (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs דְּעוּאֵל proper name, masculine a Gadite, Numbers 1:14; Numbers 7:42,47; Numbers 10:20, but ᵐ5 in all Παγουηλ, so ⅏ ᵑ6; = רְעוּאֵל Numbers 2:14, where, however, ᵑ9 and Hebrew Manuscripts ׳ד (all P); see further below רעה. p. 944 ff Topical Lexicon Identity in the PentateuchDeuel is named four times in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 1:14; 7:42; 7:47; 10:20). Each reference identifies him as the father of Eliasaph, the chief representative of the tribe of Gad during Israel’s wilderness sojourn. The text does not record any personal exploits of Deuel, yet his repeated mention alongside national milestones underscores his standing among the elders whose families shaped Israel’s early leadership structure. Occurrences and Narrative Setting • Muster at Sinai – “from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel” (Numbers 1:14). At the census taken in the second month of the second year, Eliasaph is counted among the twelve tribal leaders. By naming Deuel, Scripture situates the Gadite lineage within the covenant community’s military and spiritual organization. • Dedication of the Altar – “On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the Gadites, presented an offering” (Numbers 7:42). The appearance of Deuel’s name during the presentation of offerings links his household to the collective worship of Israel. • Departure from Sinai – “and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad” (Numbers 10:20). As the camp broke up in marching order, Deuel’s son again bears his father’s name, highlighting a stable chain of command rooted in family. Historical Context Deuel belongs to the generation that left Egypt and received the Law at Mount Sinai. Although he himself is not listed among those who perished in the wilderness, his legacy is preserved through Eliasaph’s ongoing leadership. The Gadites encamped on the south side with Simeon and Reuben and were third in the marching order, an arrangement that balanced military strength and covenant symbolism. Deuel’s household would have witnessed pivotal events: the construction of the tabernacle, the first Passover in the wilderness, and the setting out of the cloud. Variant Form “Reuel” Numbers 2:14 records the father of Eliasaph as “Reuel.” Conservative scholarship views the names Deuel and Reuel as orthographic variants referring to the same individual, a not uncommon phenomenon in ancient Hebrew texts. Rather than indicating contradiction, the variation accents the fluidity of pronunciation and transcription in early manuscripts while leaving the historical referent intact. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Accountability The naming of Deuel illustrates that God holds fathers as covenant heads of their families. Even when the biblical narrative centers on the son, the father’s identity anchors his lineage within the promises made to the patriarchs. 2. Divine Knowledge and Friendship The name Deuel likely conveys the idea that God knows or befriends. By retaining this name in Israel’s records, Scripture affirms that the Lord’s intimate knowledge extends beyond national leaders to the families that stand behind them: “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’” (compare 2 Timothy 2:19). 3. Stewardship of Leadership Eliasaph’s prominence traces back to Deuel’s faithful stewardship. In every setting—mustering troops, dedicating the altar, ordering the march—leadership is portrayed as a family trust entrusted by God. Deuel’s silent role reminds ministers and parents alike that unseen fidelity often bears fruit in the public service of children. Practical Ministry Lessons • Honor Hidden Faithfulness Pastoral work frequently involves individuals who never step into the spotlight yet whose quiet faithfulness builds the next generation of leaders. Deuel exemplifies the biblical principle that obscurity in man’s eyes does not diminish significance in God’s record. • Uphold Generational Continuity By connecting fathers and sons in official registers, Numbers models intentional succession. Churches and ministries should cultivate structures that encourage spiritual inheritance rather than isolated individualism. • Record God’s Works Accurately The meticulous preservation of names, even with minor spelling variations, calls believers to value accurate documentation of God’s dealings with His people. Historical detail serves doxology. Summary Deuel, though mentioned only four times and always as “father of Eliasaph,” offers a window into the covenantal fabric of Israel. His presence in the census, the altar dedication, and the camp order highlights the significance of family headship, generational leadership, and God’s personal knowledge of His people. Far from an incidental footnote, Deuel stands as a quiet testimony that every household counted by God has a role in advancing His redemptive purposes. Forms and Transliterations דְּעוּאֵֽל׃ דעואל׃ də‘ū’êl də·‘ū·’êl deuElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:14 HEB: אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־ דְּעוּאֵֽל׃ NAS: Eliasaph the son of Deuel; KJV: Eliasaph the son of Deuel. INT: Eliasaph the son of Deuel Numbers 7:42 Numbers 7:47 Numbers 10:20 4 Occurrences |
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