Bible Strands
Numbers 1:5
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God instructs Moses to appoint one designated leader from each tribe to assist with the census. This directive occurs at the outset of the Israelite encampment at Sinai, immediately preceding the listing of all tribal representatives.
The words — The verb יַֽעַמְד֖וּ (ya'amdu) literally means "they will stand," denoting formal appointment or official representation. The phrase אִתְּ/כֶ֑ם ('itekhem) translates directly as "with you," specifying administrative proximity to Moses.
The thread — Elizur son of Shedeur reappears in Numbers 7:30 as the Reubenite leader presenting offerings. The tribal name Reuben originates in Genesis 29:32, where Leah states its meaning regarding God's seeing her affliction.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that tribal leadership is established by explicit divine designation rather than popular choice. It establishes a structural framework for organized representation in Israel's census and communal administration.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Cross-references
- Numbers 7:30 On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, drew near.
- Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”
- Genesis 30:5 and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.
- Genesis 35:17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”
- Genesis 46:8 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.
- Genesis 49:1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:
- Exodus 1:2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah;
- Numbers 2:10 On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur,
- Numbers 10:18 Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command.
- Deuteronomy 33:1 This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.