“Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the historical account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is conducting a census of the people of Israel, counting the eligible men for military service from each tribe.
The Tribe of Joseph: The verse specifically mentions the children of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who became heads of their own tribes. Since the Levites were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, the tribes of Joseph were counted as two separate tribes to maintain the total number of twelve tribes of Israel.
Ephraim: Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph but was blessed by Jacob to receive the greater portion of the inheritance. The name Ephraim means “fruitfulness,” signifying the fulfillment of God’s promise to multiply Joseph’s descendants. Elishama, the son of Ammihud, is mentioned as the representative leader or chief of the tribe of Ephraim in the census.
Manasseh: Manasseh was the older son of Joseph. The name Manasseh means “making forgetfulness” or “causing to forget,” as Joseph declared that God made him forget all his toil and his father’s house (Genesis 41:51). Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, is mentioned as the representative leader or chief of the tribe of Manasseh in the census.
Significance: The census in the book of Numbers served multiple purposes, including determining the military strength of each tribe and establishing the order and organization within the community of Israel. This verse highlights the leaders or chiefs chosen to represent the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh during this important counting.
Application: The book of Numbers teaches us the importance of organization, order, and leadership within the community of believers. Just as each tribe had its designated leader, churches and communities today require leaders who can guide and shepherd God’s people. It also reminds us that God keeps His promises, as seen in the multiplication of Joseph’s descendants and the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Remember, Bible study is not limited to a single verse but involves examining the surrounding verses and the overall context of the passage. This helps to gain a deeper understanding of the message and how it fits into the broader narrative of God’s plan for His people.
