In the context of the Bible, the term "chieftains" refers to leaders or heads of tribes, clans, or families, particularly within the nation of Israel. These individuals held significant authority and responsibility, often serving as military leaders, judges, and representatives of their people. The role of a chieftain was crucial in maintaining order, executing justice, and leading the community in both spiritual and temporal matters.

Old Testament Context

The concept of chieftains is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch and historical books. In the wilderness period, as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, chieftains played a vital role in the organization and governance of the twelve tribes. Numbers 1:16 refers to these leaders as "the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel."

In the book of Numbers, the chieftains are often mentioned in the context of census-taking and the allocation of land. Numbers 7 details the offerings brought by the chieftains of Israel for the dedication of the altar, highlighting their role in religious and ceremonial activities. Numbers 7:2 states, "Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their families, who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings."

The chieftains also played a significant role during the conquest of Canaan. They were involved in the division of the land among the tribes, as seen in Joshua 14:1 : "Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel allotted to them."

Judges and Kings

During the period of the Judges, chieftains were often the leaders who rose to deliver Israel from oppression. While not always referred to explicitly as chieftains, figures like Gideon and Jephthah functioned in a similar capacity, providing military leadership and guidance.

With the establishment of the monarchy, the role of chieftains evolved. While the king became the central figure of authority, chieftains continued to serve as local leaders and advisors. They were instrumental in supporting the king's rule and maintaining tribal allegiances.

New Testament Context

The New Testament does not frequently use the term "chieftains," as the sociopolitical structure of Israel had changed significantly by this time. However, the concept of leadership within the community persisted, with elders and synagogue leaders taking on roles similar to those of the chieftains in guiding and overseeing the people.

Spiritual Significance

From a spiritual perspective, chieftains in the Bible exemplify the importance of leadership that is accountable to God and responsible for the welfare of the community. Their role underscores the biblical principle of stewardship, where leaders are called to serve with integrity, wisdom, and justice. The chieftains' involvement in religious ceremonies and offerings also highlights the integration of faith and leadership, demonstrating that true leadership in the biblical sense is deeply rooted in a relationship with God.

In summary, chieftains in the Bible were pivotal figures in the governance and spiritual life of the Israelite community. Their leadership was characterized by a commitment to God's commandments and a dedication to the well-being of their people, serving as a model for godly leadership throughout the ages.6520. perazon -- perhaps rural population
... village. From the same as paraz; magistracy, ie Leadership (also concretely, chieftains) --
village. see HEBREW paraz. 6519, 6520. perazon. 6521 . ...
/hebrew/6520.htm - 6k

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... These kings were, however, in fact, only military chieftains, commanders
of the armies rather than sovereign rulers of the state. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

The Story of Histiaeus.
... Among the Paeonian chieftains there were two who wished to obtain the government
of the country, but they were not quite strong enough to effect their object. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter x the story of.htm

The Well-Beloved.
... In Him she sees all lovely colours,""My Beloved is white and ruddy." In comparison
with Him all others fail, for He is "chief among ten thousand" chieftains. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the well-beloved.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... men of his tribe, for he was getting old; and he had given up going with his warriors
on their fighting across the Jordan, leaving it to his younger chieftains ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

The Message.
... The archangels"the chieftains among principalities and powers, can claim no higher
privilege, no loftier badge of glory! Love is the atmosphere they breathe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/v the message.htm

So, How is it that in Ireland, Where they Never had any Knowledge ...
... things, they are lately become a people of the Lord, and are called children of
God; the sons of the Irish [Scotti] and the daughters of the chieftains are to ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 41 so how is.htm

How Caedwalla, King of the West Saxons, Went to Rome to be ...
... The epitaph was this :" "High estate, wealth, offspring, a mighty kingdom, triumphs,
spoils, chieftains, strongholds, the camp, a home; whatsoever the valour ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap vii how caedwalla king.htm

Of the Life and Actions of ??sculapius, Apollo, Neptune, Mars ...
... For when he represented Helen as sitting by the side of Priam on the walls of Troy,
and recognising all the chieftains of Greece, but as looking in vain for ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x of the life and.htm

How the Goths Became Tainted by the Arian Error.
... said Eudoxius, "community of opinion will make the peace all the firmer." Valens
approved of this counsel and proposed to the Gothic chieftains an agreement in ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxxiii how the goths became.htm

Of the Removal of the Remains of John and of the Faith of ...
... When one of the barbarian chieftains ventured on his wonted blasphemy, and with
words like those of Rabshakeh and Sennacherib, madly threatened to burn the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxxvi of the removal of.htm

Chieftains (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chieftains (2 Occurrences). Zechariah 12:5 The
chieftains of Judah will say in their heart,'The inhabitants ...
/c/chieftains.htm - 7k

Government (20 Occurrences)
... As among the tribal chieftains, important matters were referred to the leader, who,
in cases of doubt or in default of recognized custom, resorted to the lot ...
/g/government.htm - 50k

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)
... orebh, "raven," especially "crow"), and (ze'ebh, "wolf") (Judges 7:25; Judges
8:3 Psalm 83:11, Isaiah 10:26 (Oreb only)): Two Midianite chieftains captured and ...
/z/zeeb.htm - 10k

Nahash (9 Occurrences)
... His son Shobi, with other trans-Jordanic chieftains, welcomed David at Mahanaim
with sympathy and substantial gifts when the old king was fleeing before his ...
/n/nahash.htm - 14k

Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... These exquisite feathers were first used to decorate the headdress and shields of
desert chieftains, then as decorations for royalty, and later for hat and ...
/o/ostrich.htm - 18k

Oreb (4 Occurrences)
... orebh, "raven," especially "crow"), and (ze'ebh, "wolf") (Judges 7:25; Judges
8:3 Psalm 83:11, Isaiah 10:26 (Oreb only)): Two Midianite chieftains captured and ...
/o/oreb.htm - 10k

Intact (3 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 12:6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire
among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all ...
/i/intact.htm - 7k

Torch (6 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 12:6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire
among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all ...
/t/torch.htm - 9k

Rome (12 Occurrences)
... The chieftains of the associated clans composed the primitive senate or
council of elders, which exercised sovereign authority. ...
/r/rome.htm - 43k

Reba (2 Occurrences)
... re-bek'-a (rebha`, "fourth part"; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Rhobe; Codex Alexandrinus
Rhebek): One of the five chieftains of Midian who were slain by the ...
/r/reba.htm - 7k

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