Numbers 1:9
New International Version
from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;

New Living Translation
Zebulun Eliab son of Helon

English Standard Version
from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

Berean Standard Bible
from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;

King James Bible
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

New King James Version
from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

New American Standard Bible
of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

NASB 1995
of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

NASB 1977
of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

Legacy Standard Bible
of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

Amplified Bible
from [the tribe of] Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

Christian Standard Bible
Eliab son of Helon from Zebulun;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Eliab son of Helon from Zebulun;

American Standard Version
Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.

English Revised Version
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Eliab, son of Helon, from the tribe of Zebulun;

International Standard Version
From Zebulun: Helon's son Eliab.

NET Bible
from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;

New Heart English Bible
Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;

World English Bible
Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon;

Young's Literal Translation
'For Zebulun -- Eliab son of Helon.

Smith's Literal Translation
For Zebulon: Eliab, son of Helon.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of Zabulon, Eliab the son of Helon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
of Zebulon, Eliab the son of Helon.

New American Bible
from Zebulun: Eliab, son of Helon;

New Revised Standard Version
From Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Of Zebulun: Elyab, son of Khelon.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Of Zabulon, Eliab the son of Chaelon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Leaders of the Tribes
8from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; 9from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; 10from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur;…

Cross References
Genesis 49:14-15
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. / He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

Judges 5:14-15
Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. / The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.

1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

1 Chronicles 7:1-5
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all. / The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor. / The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All five of them were chiefs. ...

1 Chronicles 27:18
over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael;

2 Chronicles 30:18
A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone

Ezekiel 48:25
Issachar will have one portion bordering the territory of Simeon from east to west.

Revelation 7:7
from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,

Matthew 10:2-4
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; / Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Luke 6:13-16
When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: / Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; / Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; ...

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Acts 2:14
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.

Acts 4:36-37
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), / sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.


Treasury of Scripture

Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

Eliab

Numbers 2:7
Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.

Numbers 7:24
On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

Numbers 10:16
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.

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Numbers 1
1. God commands Moses to number the people
5. The princes of the tribes
17. The number of every tribe
47. The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord














from Zebulun
Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's tenth son, Zebulun. The tribe's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan, near the Sea of Galilee. This region was known for its fertile land and strategic location for trade. Zebulun's inheritance is detailed in Joshua 19:10-16. The tribe played a significant role in Israel's history, including providing warriors for battles, as seen in Judges 4:6 and 1 Chronicles 12:33. Zebulun is also mentioned in the blessings of Jacob in Genesis 49:13, where it is prophesied that Zebulun will dwell by the seashore and be a haven for ships, indicating its future prosperity and involvement in trade.

Eliab son of Helon
Eliab, the son of Helon, is identified as the leader of the tribe of Zebulun during the census in the wilderness. His name means "God is Father," reflecting the theocentric naming conventions of the time. Eliab's role as a leader is significant, as he represents his tribe in the assembly of Israel's leaders. The mention of his father, Helon, follows the common biblical practice of identifying individuals by their lineage, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. Eliab's leadership is further noted in Numbers 2:7, where he is listed as the head of the tribe's military division, indicating his importance in both civil and military affairs.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zebulun
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's tenth son, Zebulun. The tribe of Zebulun was known for its maritime activities and settled in the northern part of Canaan.

2. Eliab
The son of Helon, Eliab was chosen as the leader of the tribe of Zebulun during the census in the wilderness. His name means "God is Father" in Hebrew, reflecting a strong spiritual heritage.

3. Helon
The father of Eliab, mentioned here to establish Eliab's lineage and authority within the tribe of Zebulun.

4. Census in the Wilderness
This event, commanded by God, was a military and organizational census of the Israelite men able to go to war, conducted in the wilderness of Sinai.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Lineage
Eliab's role as a leader emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. In our lives, we should seek to lead with integrity and faithfulness, recognizing the influence of our spiritual heritage.

Obedience to God's Commands
The census was conducted as per God's command, illustrating the importance of obedience. We are called to follow God's instructions in our lives, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

Community and Identity
The mention of tribes and leaders underscores the significance of community and identity within God's people. We should value our place within the body of Christ, contributing to the community with our unique gifts and callings.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 1:9?

2. What role did Zebulun's leader, Eliab, play in Numbers 1:9's census?

3. How does Numbers 1:9 demonstrate God's order in organizing Israel's tribes?

4. Compare Eliab's leadership in Numbers 1:9 with other biblical leaders' roles.

5. How can we apply the principle of organized leadership from Numbers 1:9 today?

6. What does Numbers 1:9 teach about accountability within a community of faith?

7. What is the significance of Zebulun's tribe leader in Numbers 1:9?

8. How does Numbers 1:9 reflect the organization of Israelite tribes?

9. Why is the tribe of Zebulun specifically mentioned in Numbers 1:9?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?

11. How many died in the plague after the Israelites' adultery with Moab's daughters: 24,000 (Numbers 25:1, 9) or 23,000 (I Corinthians 10:8)?

12. Numbers 25:9 vs. 1 Corinthians 10:8: How do we account for the numerical discrepancy of 24,000 versus 23,000 fatalities in the plague?

13. Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?

14. Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?
What Does Numbers 1:9 Mean
from Zebulun

Numbers 1 opens with the Lord instructing Moses to take a census “by their clans and families, every man twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army” (Numbers 1:2). Verse 9 highlights one tribe in that listing: Zebulun.

• Zebulun is the sixth son of Jacob and the tenth tribe in the marching order (Genesis 30:20; Numbers 2:7).

• Jacob’s blessing foretold a seafaring, commerce-oriented future—“Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a haven for ships” (Genesis 49:13). Moses later echoed that promise of prosperity and joy (Deuteronomy 33:18-19).

• In Numbers 1 the tribe’s mention confirms God’s faithfulness to sustain Zebulun centuries after the patriarchal promises.

• When Israel later camped around the tabernacle, Zebulun took its place on the east side with Judah and Issachar (Numbers 2:3-10), showing how each tribe fit into the nation’s larger purpose.


Eliab

The text identifies the tribal leader chosen to stand with Moses and Aaron: “Eliab” (Numbers 1:9).

• His name appears again when offerings are brought for the dedication of the altar (Numbers 7:24) and when Israel sets out on its first march (Numbers 10:16).

• Leaders like Eliab were appointed, not elected. Their role underscores God’s orderly structure—He calls specific individuals to represent His people (compare Exodus 18:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:18).

• Eliab’s recurring presence in key moments suggests reliability and valor, qualities every generation needs in its spiritual and civic leaders.


son of Helon

Scripture traces Eliab’s lineage to Helon to anchor him within a real family and history.

• Genealogies guard against myth; they root faith in verifiable people (1 Chronicles 1:1-4; Matthew 1:1-17).

• Mentioning Helon affirms continuity—God’s covenant threads through generations, linking ancestors to descendants who carry out His purposes (Psalm 78:5-7).

• The phrase also reminds readers that leadership is often nurtured in the home; Helon’s legacy lives on as his son serves the nation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:5).


summary

Numbers 1:9 does more than list a name; it weaves together God’s faithfulness to a tribe (Zebulun), His appointment of a trustworthy leader (Eliab), and the continuity of covenant lineage (son of Helon). In one short verse the Lord showcases His precision in organizing His people and His commitment to fulfill promises spoken generations earlier.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
from Zebulun,
לִזְבוּלֻ֕ן (liz·ḇū·lun)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2074: Zebulun -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and their territory

Eliab
אֱלִיאָ֖ב (’ĕ·lî·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 446: Eliab -- 'God is father', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Helon;
חֵלֹֽן׃ (ḥê·lōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2497: Helon -- a man of Zebulon


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OT Law: Numbers 1:9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon (Nu Num.)
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