Numbers 10:18

Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The narrative records the Israelite camp's organized departure during the wilderness journey. The text places this movement immediately after the Gershonites and Merarites dismantle and transport the tabernacle.

The words — The Hebrew verb נָסַע (na.Sa') means "set out" or "march," paired with דּגל (De.gel), which denotes a "standard" or military banner. These terms frame the tribal movement as an ordered procession rather than a casual migration.

The thread — The Reubenite standard and its commander Elizur son of Shedeur appear again in the initial camp arrangements (Numbers 2:10) and the tribal census (Numbers 1:5). The tribe also provides specified offerings during the altar dedication (Numbers 7:35).

Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that Israel's movement is governed by divine order rather than human initiative. It establishes leadership accountability by naming Elizur as the appointed commander over his division.

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

וְנָסַ֗עve./na.Sa'and/ it set out דֶּ֛גֶלDe.gel[the] standard of מַחֲנֵ֥הma.cha.Neh[the] camp of רְאוּבֵ֖ןre.'u.VenReuben לְצִבְאֹתָ֑םle./tziv.'o.Ta/mto/ military groups/ their וְעַל־ve./'al-and/ [was] over צְבָא֔וֹtze.va.'/Omilitary group/ its אֱלִיצ֖וּר'e.li.TzurElizur בֶּן־ben-[the] son of שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃she.dei.'UrShedeur

King James Version

And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Cross-references

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 1:5 These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;
Numbers 7:35 and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur.
Numbers 26:5 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu,

People named

ElizurShedeur