Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

NUMBERS 1:12KJV
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Numbers 1:12 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:12 mean?

Numbers 1:12 simply records that the leader chosen from the tribe of Dan was Ahiezer, who was the son of Ammishaddai. This verse is part of a list naming the heads of each tribe as Israel prepared for a census in the wilderness.

Moses is being instructed by God to count the people of Israel, and for each tribe, a leader is named to help with this task. Numbers 1:12 identifies Ahiezer as the representative for Dan, showing the organized and communal nature of Israel’s preparations at this time.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:12

  • דָּן (Dan, transliterated "Dan") means "judge" or "he judged." Here, it refers to the tribe descended from Dan, one of Jacob’s sons, highlighting the tribal structure of Israel.
  • אֲחִיעֶזֶר (Ahiezer, transliterated "Ahiezer") means "my brother is help." The name itself suggests a sense of support or assistance, fitting for someone chosen to lead and represent his tribe.
  • בֵּן (ben, transliterated "son") is the standard Hebrew word for "son," used here to show Ahiezer’s lineage.
  • עַמִּישַׁדָּי (Ammishaddai, transliterated "Ammishaddai") means "my kinsman is the Almighty." This name reflects a connection to God, which was common in Israelite naming.

Why Numbers 1:12 matters

  • Numbers 1:12 helps clarify the leadership structure among the tribes of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness, showing that each tribe had an appointed head.
  • The verse connects to the larger census narrative, emphasizing the importance of order and accountability in the community.
  • By naming both Ahiezer and his father Ammishaddai, the verse underlines the significance of family lineage and heritage in Israelite society.

Where else these words appear

“Ammishaddai” Hebrew H5996 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 2:25 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.
  • Numbers 7:66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:
  • Numbers 7:71 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

“Ahiezer” Hebrew H295 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 2:25 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.
  • Numbers 7:66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:
  • Numbers 10:25 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.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.