And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

NUMBERS 2:5KJV
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Numbers 2:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 2:5 mean?

Numbers 2:5 states that the tribe of Issachar was assigned to camp next to the tribe of Judah, and that Nethaneel son of Zuar was appointed as the leader (or captain) of Issachar’s descendants. This verse is part of the instructions for how the tribes of Israel were to arrange their camps around the Tabernacle during their journey in the wilderness.

In this passage, God is giving Moses detailed directions for the organization of the Israelite camp. Each tribe had a specific place and a designated leader. Issachar’s position next to Judah and under the leadership of Nethaneel son of Zuar highlights the order and structure God intended for the community as they traveled together.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 2:5

  • "pitch" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to set up camp or to encamp. Here, it shows that the tribes were not just wandering but had assigned spots, emphasizing order and purpose in their journey.
  • "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word refers to a clan or extended family group. The use of "tribe" here underlines the collective identity of Issachar as a distinct group within Israel.
  • "captain" (נָשִׂיא, nasi’): This term means leader, chief, or prince. Calling Nethaneel the "captain" shows he had recognized authority over his tribe, not just in battle but in all tribal matters.

Why Numbers 2:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the camp arrangement was not random; every tribe had a set place and leader, showing the importance of order in Israel’s community life.
  • Naming Nethaneel son of Zuar as captain gives a personal touch, reminding readers that these were real families with real leaders, not just abstract groups.
  • The placement of Issachar next to Judah connects to the larger theme of unity and cooperation among the tribes as they followed God’s guidance in the wilderness.

Where else these words appear

“Zuar” Hebrew H6686 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 1:8 Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
  • Numbers 7:18 On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:
  • Numbers 7:23 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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

“Nethaneel” Hebrew H5417 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 1:8 Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:14 Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,
  • 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 34:26 And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

“captain” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.