Lexical Summary Tsephon: Zephon Original Word: צְפוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zephon Probably for Tsiphyown; Tsephon, an Israelite -- Zephon. see HEBREW Tsiphyown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaphah Definition perhaps "gaze," a son of Gad, the same as NH6837 NASB Translation Zephon (1). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Tsphon (צְפוֹן) is rendered “Zephon” in English translations. The root carries the idea of hiding, storing, or the north, suggesting notions of watchfulness or treasure kept in reserve. Though the Scriptures do not develop the meaning directly, the name itself hints at protection and preservation—fitting themes for a clan that survived the wilderness years and entered the Promised Land. Biblical Occurrence Zephon appears once, in the Moabite-plains census recorded in Numbers 26:15, where he is listed among the sons of Gad. The verse reads, “The descendants of Gad by their clans were: Zephon, the Zephonite clan; Haggi, the Haggite clan; Shuni, the Shunite clan; Ozni, the Oznite clan; Eri, the Erite clan”. Genealogical Setting 1. Patriarchal Origin 2. Clan Identity Historical Context The second census (Numbers 26) prepared Israel for two immediate tasks: allocating territory west of the Jordan and organizing the army for conquest. Zephon’s clan contributed to Gad’s tally of 40,500 fighting men (Numbers 26:18). The tribe later asked for land on the eastern side of the Jordan (Numbers 32). Thus Zephonite households would have settled in the Trans-Jordanian plateau—rich pastureland ideal for Gad’s flocks and herds. Relation to Gad’s Later History In Deuteronomy 33:20-21 Moses blesses Gad as one who “lies down like a lion” and “provides the first share for himself.” The Zephonites, as part of this tribe, shared in the call to courage and the privilege of an early inheritance. Centuries later warriors from Gad joined David “mighty men of valor, trained for battle” (1 Chronicles 12:8). The endurance and martial strength associated with Gad can reasonably be traced back through each clan, Zephonites included. Etymological and Symbolic Reflections Because צָפוֹן also denotes “north” and “hidden” things (cf. Psalm 83:2), some rabbinic writers linked Zephon with the idea of God’s hidden counsel. While speculative, the notion harmonizes with the biblical pattern of God safeguarding His remnant. The Zephonites stand as a quiet testimony that no family line is overlooked in the covenant economy; the Lord numbers and remembers all His people (Malachi 3:16-17). Redemptive-Historical Significance Although Zephon’s name surfaces only in a list, that list forms part of the inspired record that links the promises to the patriarchs with their fulfillment in possession of Canaan. Every clan counted in Numbers 26 shows that not one word of God’s oath failed (Joshua 21:45). The Zephonites therefore represent the broader theme that salvation history advances through both prominent leaders and seemingly obscure families. Practical Ministry Applications • God values every believer and every local congregation, however hidden or “northern” their setting may appear. Summary Zephon, forefather of the Zephonite clan within Gad, appears only once in the biblical text, yet his single mention plays a part in demonstrating God’s meticulous preservation of Israel. Through his descendants the promises to Gad were realized east of the Jordan, and their continuing presence in Israel’s military and civic life underscores the enduring significance of even the most modest name recorded in Scripture. Forms and Transliterations לִצְפ֗וֹן לצפון liṣ·p̄ō·wn liṣp̄ōwn litzFonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:15 HEB: גָד֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לִצְפ֗וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַצְּפוֹנִ֔י NAS: according to their families: of Zephon, the family KJV: after their families: of Zephon, the family INT: of Gad to their families of Zephon the family of the Zephonites 1 Occurrence |
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