“And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it primarily focuses on the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains various accounts of their wanderings in the wilderness, their organisation, and the laws and regulations given to them by God through Moses.
In Numbers 2, God gives instructions to Moses regarding the arrangement and organisation of the twelve tribes of Israel around the tabernac. Each tribe was assigned a specific location and order within the camp.
Now let’s focus on Numbers 2:27 and explore its significance:
- Tribe of Asher:Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and the tribe that encamped next to Asher was the tribe of Naphtali (Numbers 2:29). Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son born to him by Zilpah, Leah’s maid (Genesis 30:12-13). The tribe of Asher settled in the northern part of Canaan, an area known for its fertile soil and abundant produce.
- The Captain of the Children of Asher:Each tribe had a designated leader or captain who represented the tribe in matters of organisation, administration, and military affairs. In this verse, the captain of the tribe of Asher was Pagiel, the son of Ocran. However, apart from this mention, we do not have any further details about Pagiel or Ocran in the Bible.
- Significance of the Arrangement:The organisation and positioning of the tribes in the camp were not arbitrary but held symbolic significance. The placement of the tribes formed a precise arrangement, with each tribe assigned a specific location relative to the tabernacle. This arrangement reflected the divine order and the unity of the people of Israel under God’s guidance.
Lessons for us today:
While this verse may seem specific to the historical context of ancient Israel, there are still some lessons we can draw from it today. Firstly, the orderly arrangement of the tribes teaches us the importance of order, structure, and organisation within any community or group. It shows the value of each member having their designated place and responsibility. Secondly, the fact that God assigned a leader to each tribe reminds us of the significance of leadership and its role in guiding and representing a community. It highlights the need for capable leaders who can lead with wisdom, integrity, and a heart for serving others.
Finally, the tribe of Asher’s location near the tribe of Naphtali suggests the importance of unity and cooperation among God’s people. They were close neighbours, and their proximity likely encouraged mutual support, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose.
In conclusion, Numbers 2:27 provides a glimpse into the organisation and arrangement of the tribes of Israel during their journey in the wilderness. It highlights the role of the tribe of Asher, their assigned leader Pagiel, and the significance of the overall arrangement. While we may not have extensive details about these individuals, we can still draw lessons about order, leadership, and unity from this verse.
