King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:25 Mean?

Numbers 10:25 in the King James Version says “And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout thei...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 10:25 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Dan marched last as the me'assef (מְאַסֵּף, "rereward" or "rear guard"), gathering stragglers and protecting the assembly's back. The Hebrew term suggests "gathering" or "collecting"—Dan swept up those who fell behind and defended against rear attacks. Though last in march order, this wasn't a position of dishonor but of strategic protection.

Ahiezer (אֲחִיעֶזֶר, "my brother is help") led Dan's 62,700 warriors (Numbers 1:39), the second-largest tribe. Dan's placement as rear guard utilized their strength to protect the vulnerable. Jacob blessed Dan saying "Dan shall judge his people" and "Dan shall be a serpent by the way" (Genesis 49:16-17), prophecies fulfilled in Samson's judgeship and Dan's later guerrilla tactics. Yet Dan also became infamous for establishing Israel's first idolatry (Judges 18) and maintaining Jeroboam's calf worship (1 Kings 12:29-30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ahiezer served as Dan's census representative (Numbers 1:12) and brought offerings at the dedication (Numbers 7:66-71). Dan's northern camp position (Numbers 2:25) and march as rear guard both placed them at the assembly's defensive perimeter. Dan's original coastal territory (Joshua 19:40-48) proved difficult to conquer, so they migrated north and captured Leshem/Laish, renaming it Dan (Judges 18). This northernmost city became proverbial—"from Dan to Beersheba" described Israel's full extent. However, Dan's early embrace of idolatry (Judges 18:30-31) and continued apostasy meant they're omitted from Revelation's 144,000 sealed tribes (Revelation 7:4-8), replaced by Manasseh.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Dan's rear guard position teach about how God uses strength not just for conquest but for protecting the vulnerable who struggle to keep pace?
  2. How does the phrase "my brother is help" (Ahiezer) challenge competitive individualism with a vision of mutual support in Christ's body?
  3. What warning does Dan's later idolatry (despite blessed march position) offer about how external religious structure doesn't guarantee internal heart faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְנָסַ֗ע1 of 14

“set forward”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

דֶּ֚גֶל2 of 14

“And the standard”

H1714

a flag

הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֖ת3 of 14

“of all the camps”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

בֶּן4 of 14

“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

דָ֔ן5 of 14

“of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

מְאַסֵּ֥ף6 of 14

“which was the rereward”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

לְכָל7 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֖ת8 of 14

“of all the camps”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

צְבָא֔וֹ9 of 14

“and over his host”

H6635

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

וְעַל10 of 14
H5921

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

צְבָא֔וֹ11 of 14

“and over his host”

H6635

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

אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר12 of 14

“was Ahiezer”

H295

achiezer, the name of two israelites

בֶּן13 of 14

“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

עַמִּֽישַׁדָּֽי׃14 of 14

“of Ammishaddai”

H5996

ammishaddai, 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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 6:9Numbers 1:12Genesis 49:16-17Numbers 2:25-31Isaiah 52:12Deuteronomy 25:17-18

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