King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:25 Mean?

Numbers 2:25 in the King James Version says “The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.”

Numbers 2:25 · KJV

Context

23

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

24

All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

25

The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

26

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

27

And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dan's division camping on the north side completed the four-sided arrangement around the tabernacle. The northern position, while not carrying the prominence of east or the traditional honor of south, was nonetheless essential for complete protection. Every position in God's kingdom matters; no role is superfluous or unnecessary. Each member's faithful service contributes to the whole body's health and effectiveness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dan's northern division would march last in Israel's procession, forming the rearguard. This position protected against attacks from behind and gathered any stragglers or dropped equipment, serving crucial functions despite being last in march order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Dan's northern (less prominent) position teach us that every role in God's kingdom is essential, regardless of visibility?
  2. What does the rearguard function teach us about the importance of seemingly less glamorous but crucial service roles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
דֶּ֣גֶל1 of 11

“The standard”

H1714

a flag

מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה2 of 11

“of the camp”

H4264

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

דָ֔ן3 of 11

“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

צָפֹ֖נָה4 of 11

“shall be on the north side”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם5 of 11

“by their armies”

H6635

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

וְנָשִׂיא֙6 of 11

“and the captain”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן7 of 11

“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

דָ֔ן8 of 11

“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

אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר9 of 11

“shall be Ahiezer”

H295

achiezer, the name of two israelites

בֶּן10 of 11

“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׃11 of 11

“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 2:25 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 2:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:12Numbers 10:25Numbers 7:66Numbers 7:71

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