Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set outThenThe word "then" serves as a temporal marker, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of Numbers 10, it follows the departure of the camp of Judah. This sequential order reflects the organized and divinely ordained structure of the Israelite camp, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the importance of order in His plans. the divisions
The term "divisions" refers to the organized groups within the Israelite camp. Each division was composed of a specific tribe or group of tribes, highlighting the communal and structured nature of the Israelite society. This organization underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as each division had a role to play in the journey to the Promised Land. of the camp
The "camp" refers to the entire assembly of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. The camp was not just a physical arrangement but a spiritual community under God's guidance. It symbolizes the Church today, where believers are called to live in harmony and follow God's leading. of Reuben
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, and his tribe held a significant position among the Israelites. Historically, the tribe of Reuben was known for its strength and numbers. However, Reuben's account is also a reminder of the consequences of sin, as he lost his birthright due to his transgressions. This serves as a lesson on the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. set out
The phrase "set out" indicates the action of moving forward on their journey. It reflects obedience to God's command and a willingness to follow His direction. This movement is symbolic of the Christian walk, where believers are called to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises and guidance as they journey through life. under their banner
The "banner" was a standard or flag representing each tribe, serving as a rallying point and symbol of identity. In a spiritual sense, it represents the identity and unity of God's people under His leadership. For Christians, it is a reminder that our identity is in Christ, and we are called to stand firm under His banner of love and truth. and Elizur son of Shedeur was in command
Elizur, meaning "God is my rock," was the leader of the tribe of Reuben. His name reflects the strength and stability found in God. As a leader, Elizur's role was to guide and direct his people, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership. In the Christian context, it reminds us of the need for leaders who rely on God's strength and wisdom to guide their communities. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenThe firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, Reuben is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Reuben is significant as it represents the first division to set out after the Ark of the Covenant, indicating a structured and orderly movement of the Israelites. 2. Elizur son of ShedeurElizur is the leader of the tribe of Reuben during the wilderness journey. His role is crucial as he is responsible for guiding his tribe according to the instructions given by God through Moses. 3. The Camp of ReubenThis refers to the collective group of the tribe of Reuben, including their families, livestock, and possessions. They are part of the larger Israelite community journeying through the wilderness. 4. The StandardEach tribe had its own standard or banner, which served as a rallying point and symbol of identity. The standard helped maintain order and unity among the tribes as they traveled. 5. The Wilderness JourneyThis event is part of the larger account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. It highlights themes of obedience, faith, and divine guidance. Teaching Points Order and Structure in God's PlanGod values order and structure, as seen in the organized movement of the Israelite tribes. This teaches us the importance of having order in our spiritual and daily lives. Leadership and ResponsibilityElizur's role as a leader highlights the responsibility leaders have in guiding their people according to God's instructions. We are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness in our respective roles. Identity and UnityThe use of standards or banners signifies identity and unity among the tribes. As Christians, we find our identity in Christ and are called to unity within the body of believers. Obedience to Divine GuidanceThe Israelites' journey under God's guidance serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's direction in our lives. Trusting in His plan leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the orderly movement of the Israelite tribes reflect God's character and His expectations for our lives today? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate leadership and responsibility in our communities, similar to Elizur's role in the tribe of Reuben? 3. How can we maintain our identity in Christ while fostering unity within the church, akin to the tribes rallying under their standards? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are following God's guidance in our personal and spiritual journeys? 5. How does the concept of order and structure in Numbers 10:18 relate to the teachings of the New Testament, particularly in maintaining order within the church? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13:21-22This passage describes the Lord leading the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, emphasizing God's guidance during their journey. Numbers 2:10-16This section outlines the arrangement of the camp and the order of march, providing context for the structured movement of the tribes, including Reuben. 1 Corinthians 14:40This New Testament verse emphasizes the importance of doing things in an orderly manner, reflecting the orderly procession of the Israelite tribes. People Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Hobab, Issachar, Kohathites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Raguel, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, ZurishaddaiPlaces Paran, SinaiTopics Armies, Army, Camp, Command, Companies, Elizur, Eli'zur, Flag, Forward, Host, Hosts, Journeyed, Moved, Reuben, Shedeur, Shed'eur, StandardDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 10:14 5223 banner Numbers 10:11-14 7266 tribes of Israel Library November 17. "The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Went Before Them" (Num. x. 33).
"The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them" (Num. x. 33). God does give us impressions but not that we should act on them as impressions. If the impression be from God, He will Himself give sufficient evidence to establish it beyond the possibility of a doubt. How beautifully we read, in the story of Jeremiah, of the impression that came to him respecting the purchase of the field of Anathoth, but Jeremiah did not act upon this impression until after the following day, when his uncle's …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Hobab
'And Moses said unto Hobab ... Come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.'--NUM. x. 29. There is some doubt with regard to the identity of this Hobab. Probably he was a man of about the same age as Moses, his brother- in-law, and a son of Jethro, a wily Kenite, a Bedouin Arab. Moses begs him to join himself to his motley company, and to be to him in the wilderness 'instead of eyes.' What did Moses want a man for, when he had the cloud? What do we …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Hallowing of Work and of Rest
'And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee. 36. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel.'--Num. x. 35, 36. The picture suggested by this text is a very striking and vivid one. We see the bustle of the morning's breaking up of the encampment of Israel. The pillar of cloud, which had lain diffused and motionless over the Tabernacle, gathers itself …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius.
Or Book II. of Replies to Questions of Januarius. (a.d. 400.) Chap. I. 1. Having read the letter in which you have put me in mind of my obligation to give answers to the remainder of those questions which you submitted to me a long time ago, I cannot bear to defer any longer the gratification of that desire for instruction which it gives me so much pleasure and comfort to see in you; and although encompassed by an accumulation of engagements, I have given the first place to the work of supplying …
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 10:18 NIVNumbers 10:18 NLTNumbers 10:18 ESVNumbers 10:18 NASBNumbers 10:18 KJV
Numbers 10:18 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
