devotional post # 2227

Numbers 1:12-16

Num 1:12  from Dan, Achiezer the son of Ammishaddai;
Num 1:13  from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ochran;
Num 1:14  from Gad, Elyasaph the son of Deuel;
Num 1:15  from Naphtali, Achira the son of Enan.”
Num 1:16  These were the ones called out from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel.

reflecting his faithfulness

Four more names are added to finish the list of generals designated in the Israelite army in the desert. Jacob’s generals through Zilpah have names that reflect the importance of the exodus. Their names are Pagiel (event from God) and Elyasaph (God has added – from the same root as Joseph). Bilhah’s generals’ names reflect the diversity of the brotherhood. Achiezer means “my brother is a help,” but Achira means “my brother is evil.” These names together reflect the fact that God is doing something in their midst, but also an awareness that only he can be trusted to remain faithful to his purpose.

LORD, show us your plan, and build in us a faithfulness that reflects yours.