King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:24 Mean?

Numbers 10:24 in the King James Version says “And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.”

Numbers 10:24 · KJV

Context

22

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

23

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

24

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

25

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

26

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. Benjamin completed Ephraim's western division under Abidan (אֲבִידָן, "my father is judge"). Benjamin, Rachel's youngest son and Jacob's beloved, received a fierce blessing: "Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil" (Genesis 49:27). This prophecy of military prowess was fulfilled in warriors like Ehud (Judges 3:15) and King Saul, and in Benjamin's reputation for skilled left-handed slingers (Judges 20:16).

Benjamin marched with their brother-tribe Ephraim—both sons of Rachel, both receiving special paternal affection. Yet Benjamin's march position (completing the division) reflected their smaller size (35,400 warriors, Numbers 1:37). The name Benjamin means "son of my right hand," reflecting Jacob's renaming of Rachel's dying words "Ben-oni" ("son of my sorrow," Genesis 35:18). From sorrow to strength, from death to dignity—Benjamin's very name testified to redemptive transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Abidan served as Benjamin's census representative (Numbers 1:11) and brought offerings at the dedication (Numbers 7:60-65). Benjamin's territory, though small, held strategic importance—Jerusalem sat on the Benjamin-Judah border (Joshua 18:28), making Benjamin the tribe hosting Israel's future capital. Benjamin's later civil war (Judges 19-21) nearly destroyed the tribe, reducing them to 600 survivors. Yet they recovered and remained loyal to Judah when the kingdom divided (1 Kings 12:21). The Apostle Paul identified as a Benjamite (Philippians 3:5), connecting Christ's gospel to the tribe whose name meant transformation from sorrow to strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Benjamin's name transformation (from "son of sorrow" to "son of my right hand") illustrate the gospel's power to redeem our painful experiences?
  2. What does Benjamin's fierce blessing combined with Rachel-tribe loyalty teach about how God's people should combine strength with love?
  3. In what ways might your smaller "size" or influence (like Benjamin's) actually position you strategically for kingdom impact?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעַ֨ל1 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צְבָ֔א2 of 8

“And over the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מַטֵּ֖ה3 of 8

“of the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בֶּן4 of 8

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֑ן5 of 8

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲבִידָ֖ן6 of 8

“was Abidan”

H27

abidan, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 8

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גִּדְעוֹנִֽי׃8 of 8

“of Gideoni”

H1441

gidoni, an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 10:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 10:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:11Numbers 7:60

Test Your Knowledge

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