“And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 34, God instructs Moses to appoint leaders from each tribe to assist in dividing the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel.
The tribe of Dan: The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of his concubine Bilhah (Genesis 30:1-6). The tribe of Dan was allotted a portion of the Promised Land, located in the northern region of Canaan.
Bukki, the son of Jogli: Bukki was chosen as the prince or leader of the tribe of Dan for the purpose of dividing the land. He was the son of Jogli, from the family of the Danites. The appointment of Bukki shows the significance of tribal leadership and the responsibility given to the leaders in the distribution of the land.
Leadership and responsibility: This verse highlights the importance of leadership and the role of leaders in God’s plan for His people. The division of the land was a significant task that required wisdom, fairness, and adherence to God’s instructions. Bukki, as the leader of the tribe of Dan, was entrusted with this responsibility.
Unity and cooperation: The appointment of leaders from each tribe also emphasizes the unity and cooperation among the Israelites. The tribes worked together under the guidance of Moses and the leadership of the appointed princes to fulfill God’s plan.
Application: As we reflect on this verse, we can draw lessons for our own lives. It reminds us of the importance of godly leadership, responsibility, and cooperation within the community of believers. Leaders are called to guide and serve with integrity and faithfulness, following God’s instructions. Additionally, this verse encourages us to work together in unity, recognizing that we all have a part to play in fulfilling God’s purposes.
In summary, Numbers 34:23 highlights the appointment of Bukki as the leader of the tribe of Dan for the purpose of dividing the land of Canaan. This verse emphasizes the importance of leadership, responsibility, unity, and cooperation within the community of God’s people.