Read Numbers 10, What’s in a Name?

A chapter like Numbers 10 (as well as Numbers 1-9) might seem a little empty in terms of devotional value.  Such is not the case.  Although you do have to accurately define “devotional value.”  Usually we mean, “does it have some practical advice for me today that I can really use?”  If it doesn’t say something specific, we consider it impractical.  That’s our world where we must always have poignant sound bites and our food must be ready by the time we place the order to the time we hit window #2.

·        10:1-10: I always am amazed reading the early chapters of Numbers with the orderly arrangement of the wandering nation (1 Cor. 14:33,40; we are supposed to do things in an orderly manner).  In Num. 10 start with the two silver trumpets.  The priests could blow them to indicate different messages.  Nothing unusual.  Think smoke signals, emergency sirens, etc.  Israel was a community and it was not just everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.  For us, our daily leadership comes from the Holy Spirit, especially as we meet God in His word day by day.  We need to respond to the Spirit as if He was giving a blast on a silver trumpet.

·        10:11-28: Furthermore, God provided human leadership.  This is a blessing (He has also blessed the Church in this way, e.g. 1 Tim. 3, etc.).  Each tribe had a leader.  I took the time today to record the meanings of the names of these men.  It was just interesting.  Since you might not take the time to do that (I am retired, and am spending a lot of time at home because of the coronavirus issue) I thought I would share them with you.  I know almost nothing of the stories of these men.  But their names, and the names of their fathers, gave me pause to reflect.

1.     Nahshon: Enchanter.  Aminadab: my kinsman is noble.

2.     Nethanel: given of God. Zuar: littleness.  Interesting, a father whose name suggests insignificance gives his son a name of significance.

3.     Eliab: my God is father. Chelon: strength. Amen!

4.     Elizur: my God is a rock.  Shedeur: spreader of light.

5.     Shelumiel: friend of God.  Zurishaddai: my Rock is Almighty. Amen!

6.     Eliasaph: God has added.  Deuel: they know God.

7.     Elishama: my God hyas heard.  Amihud: my kinsman is majesty.  This in interesting.  This is the tribe of Ephraim; a similar name on line #1 is for Judah.  These were the two tribes who had leadership in Israel.  Judah was designated by Jacob as the home of a future king (Gen. 49:8-12). Ephraim was the leading son of Joseph to whom Jacob gave the double portion (Gen. 48:12-22).  Throughout Israel’s history there was a bit of competition, especially from the tribe of Ephraim.  The Samaritan religion (wrongly) believes to this day that Ephraim is supposed to be the royal tribe and Mt. Gerazim the place of worship (rather than Mt. Moriah) and Shechem the capital (instead of Jerusalem).

8.     Gamaliel: reward of God.  Pedahzur: the Rock has ransomed.  Amen!

9.     Abidan: my father is judge.  Gideoni: my hewer (warlike term).

10.                        Ahiezer: my brother is help. Ammishaddai: my Kinsman is Almighty. Amen!  Jesus is our Kinsman, the Almighty.

11.                        Pagiel: event of God.  Ocran: troubled.  They were troubled in Egypt.  But by an event of God were delivered.  (Both those names were given before the event occurred.)

12.                        Ahira: my brother is evil. Enan: having eyes.

·        10:29-32: Here is another interesting note.  The Druze in modern Israel honor Reuel/Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) as their leading prophet.  It is a false religion.  But they are like the family of Reuel, being people who have sided with Israel over the years (since 1948 esp.).  Israel blesses them today where they live in safety and prosperity.

·        10:33-36: And so the journey begins after more than a year at Mt. Sinai.  May we intentionally trust God today along the journey of His leading.  Rise up, O LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered.  And let those who hate You flee before You.  In the forty years of wandering the surrounding nations were not a problem; every time there was a flare-up God made Israel sufficient to win the battles.  Israel’s primary problem was herself, her constant complaining against God.  Return, O LORD, to the many thousands of Israel.