And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captaine of the children of Manasseh, shalbe Gamaliel the sonne of Pedahzur. Numbers 2:20 (KJV)
And by him
shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh
shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. Numbers 2:20 (KJV)
This verse belongs to a broader passage in Numbers that records the precise organization of the Israelite camp during the wilderness wanderings. God commanded Moses to take a census, assign each tribe a specific position around the tabernacle, and give them marching orders. In this particular verse we learn that the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes and the half‑tribe descended from Joseph, son of Jacob, was to camp on the west side of the sanctuary. They were positioned alongside the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, reflecting the close familial relationship among the Joseph‑derived families.
The passage also identifies the captain of the children of Manasseh as Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur. This naming indicates that Gamaliel held a recognized position of authority and responsibility within his tribe. It is important to note that this Gamaliel is not the same individual who appears in the New Testament as a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law (Acts 5:34‑40; Acts 22:3).
Numbers 2:20 therefore highlights the meticulous care with which God ordered the camp. Every tribe received a designated place, and each tribal leader was assigned a specific role. Such detailed arrangement demonstrates God’s attention to order and His desire for the community to function harmoniously as they journeyed toward the promised land. The verse offers valuable insight into the structure and organization of Israel’s tribes, underscoring both the strategic placement of the tribe of Manasseh on the west side and the leadership of Gamaliel as integral to the overall camp arrangement.
