Ahira
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Topical Encyclopedia
Ahira, a biblical figure from the Old Testament, is recognized as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' wilderness journey. His name, Ahira, means "brother of evil" or "my brother is evil," though the context of his life and actions does not suggest any malevolence. Ahira is mentioned primarily in the Book of Numbers, where he is identified as the son of Enan.

Tribal Leadership

Ahira's role as a leader is first noted in Numbers 1:15, where he is appointed as the head of the tribe of Naphtali during the census conducted by Moses and Aaron. This census was ordered by God to account for all the men of Israel who were able to go to war. The Berean Standard Bible states: "from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan." This appointment underscores his position of authority and responsibility within the tribe.

Encampment and Marching Order

In the organization of the Israelite camp, Ahira's tribe was positioned on the north side, as detailed in Numbers 2:29. The tribe of Naphtali was part of the camp of Dan, which included the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. This arrangement was significant for maintaining order and structure during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Numbers 10:27 further describes the marching order, stating: "And the leader of the tribe of the Naphtalites was Ahira son of Enan." This highlights Ahira's continued leadership and the trust placed in him to guide his people during their travels.

Offerings and Contributions

Ahira is also noted for his participation in the dedication of the altar, as recorded in Numbers 7. Each tribal leader brought offerings for the dedication, and Ahira's offerings are detailed in Numbers 7:78-83. On the twelfth day, Ahira presented his offerings, which included silver and gold vessels, grain offerings, and animal sacrifices. These contributions were part of a collective effort by the leaders of the tribes to honor God and consecrate the altar.

Legacy

While Ahira's appearances in the biblical narrative are limited, his role as a leader of Naphtali during a pivotal time in Israel's history is significant. His leadership during the census, encampment, and dedication of the altar reflects his commitment to his tribe and to the larger community of Israel. Ahira's inclusion in the biblical record serves as a testament to the importance of tribal leadership and organization in the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ahira

brother of iniquity; brother of the shepherd

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ahira

(brother of evil , i.e. unlucky), Chief of the tribe of Naphtali. (Numbers 1:15; 2:29; 7:78,83; 10:27)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Brother of evil = unlucky, or my brother is friend, chief of the tribe of Naphtali at the Exodus (Numbers 1:15; 2:29).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AHIRA

a-hi'-ra ('achira`, "brother of evil," or, "my brother is evil"): A man of Naphtali, contemporary with Moses. He is five times mentioned as the son of Enan. He was the representative of his tribe who assisted Moses in the census (Numbers 1:15). He was the hereditary "prince" of the tribe; he made the tribal offering (Numbers 2:29; Numbers 7:78; compare Numbers 7:83), and was commander of the tribal host when on the march (Numbers 10:27).

Strong's Hebrew
299. Achira -- "my brother is evil," a leader of Naphtali
... 298, 299. Achira. 300 . "my brother is evil," a leader of Naphtali.
Transliteration: Achira Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-rah') Short Definition: Ahira. ... ...
/hebrew/299.htm - 6k
Library

Letter M
... McReynolds, Robert W. "Received 1828 * McReynolds, William "Received 1820, Located
1833 * McVean, John "Received 1803 * Meacham, Ahira G. "Received 1836 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter m.htm

Thesaurus
Ahira (5 Occurrences)
...AHIRA. a-hi'-ra ('achira`, "brother of evil," or, "my brother is evil"): A man
of Naphtali, contemporary with Moses. ...Ahira (5 Occurrences). ...
/a/ahira.htm - 8k

Enan (9 Occurrences)
... e'-nan (`enan, "having fountains," or "eyes," ie "keen-eyed"; in Septuagint Ainan):
The father of Ahira, and prince of Naphtali at the first census of Israel ...
/e/enan.htm - 9k

Ahi'ra (5 Occurrences)
Ahi'ra. Ahira, Ahi'ra. Ahiram . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'ra (5 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:15 Of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.' (See RSV). ...
/a/ahi'ra.htm - 7k

Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... Numbers 1:15 Of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.' (See RSV). ... Numbers 10:27 And over
the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. ...
/n/naph'tali.htm - 18k

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... The prince of the tribe at Sinai was Ahira ben Enan (Numbers 2:29). ... Numbers 1:15
Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/naphtali.htm - 35k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 2:29 "The tribe of Naphtali: and the prince of the children
of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Twelfth (20 Occurrences)
... Numbers 7:78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children
of Naphtali (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/twelfth.htm - 14k

Tribal (25 Occurrences)
... Ochran. (See NAS). Numbers 10:27 And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. (See NAS). ...
/t/tribal.htm - 13k

Ahi'o (6 Occurrences)
Ahi'o. Ahio, Ahi'o. Ahira . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'o (6 Occurrences).
2 ... cart. (See RSV). Ahio, Ahi'o. Ahira . Reference Bible.
/a/ahi'o.htm - 7k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 2:29 "The tribe of Naphtali:
and the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

Resources
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Concordance
Ahira (5 Occurrences)

Numbers 1:15
Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 2:29
"The tribe of Naphtali: and the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 7:78
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 7:83
and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 10:27
Ahira the son of Enan was over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Ahira

Ahira: Captain of the Tribe of Naphtali

Related Terms

Ahira (5 Occurrences)

Ahiram (1 Occurrence)

Ahio: Son of Jehiel
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