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.

NUMBERS 10:22KJV
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Numbers 10:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:22 mean?

Numbers 10:22 describes how the group of Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim began their journey, moving out in an organized way with their own military divisions, led by Elishama the son of Ammihud. This verse highlights the orderly movement of the tribes as they traveled through the wilderness.

In the context of Numbers 10, Moses is recording how each tribe set out from their camp in a specific order as God had instructed. The verse focuses on the tribe of Ephraim, naming their leader and emphasizing the structured, disciplined way the Israelites traveled, which was important for their safety and unity during their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:22

  • The word "standard" (דֶּגֶל, degel) refers to a banner or flag that marked each tribe’s group, helping everyone know where to gather and move together.
  • "Camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh) means the encampment or group of people belonging to a tribe, not just a physical location.
  • "Armies" and "host" (צָבָא, tsava) both refer to organized groups, often with a military sense, showing that the tribes moved in a disciplined, almost army-like formation.
  • "Set forward" (נָסַע, nasa) means to pull up or set out, describing the act of breaking camp and beginning the journey.

Why Numbers 10:22 matters

  • This verse shows that the Israelites did not travel as a disorganized crowd but followed a clear, God-given order, which helped maintain unity and safety.
  • Naming Elishama as the leader of Ephraim’s group highlights the importance of leadership and accountability within each tribe.
  • The detailed record of each tribe’s movement connects to the larger theme of obedience and structure in Israel’s journey from Sinai toward the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Ammihud” Hebrew H5989 · used in 10 verses

  • Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
  • Numbers 7:53 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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • 2 Samuel 13:37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

“standard” Hebrew H1714 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 1:52 And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
  • Numbers 2:17 Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.
  • Numbers 2:34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

“Elishama” Hebrew H476 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
  • 2 Kings 25:25 But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

“forward” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • 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.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.