The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Numbers 2:34,
"So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family."
The Lord ordered the arrangement of the twelve tribes (well, thirteen- Joseph was now represented by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh). Twelve of the tribes were arranged into four groups of three each that were to encamp on the four sides of the tabernacle at a distance, with the tribe of Levi encircling the tabernacle.
As the Lord lays out the arrangement for Moses, he identifies the leader of each of the twelve tribes comprising the four groups:
Judah: Nahshon
Issachar: Nethanel
Zebulun: Eliab
Reuben: Elizur
Simeon: Shelumiel
Gad: Eliasaph
Ephraim: Elishama
Manasseh: Gamaliel
Benjamin: Abidan
Dan: Ahiezer
Asher: Pagiel
Naphtali: Ahira
I assume the leader of the tribe of Levi was considered to be either Moses or Aaron. On the other hand, they both held standing as leaders of the nation as a whole, so maybe not. The Lord does not specify a leader at this level for the tribe of Levi in this chapter.
I point out these twelve leaders because they were either recognized by the Lord as existing leaders (those who percolated to the top among the people), or he established them here as leaders- his own handpicked men. If Moses is any example, it would be the latter.
Throughout Scripture we find many handpicked (by the Lord) people he chose for leadership who accomplished those things he wanted done. None bigger than Moses himself. Joshua, the man who led Israel's conquest of the promised land is another that comes to mind. We read of many of these leaders in the pages of Scripture, men as well as women. Deborah in the book of Judges is a towering figure in the nation at that time.
We know today there are many who aspire to leadership, particularly during an election season. However, I am convinced that the most influential, game-changing leaders are those whom the Lord grooms and prepares for his own purposes. In the church I am reminded that leadership is one of the spiritual abilities the Holy Spirit provides certain individuals, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is... to lead, do it diligently..." Romans 12:6-8.
"So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family."
The Lord ordered the arrangement of the twelve tribes (well, thirteen- Joseph was now represented by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh). Twelve of the tribes were arranged into four groups of three each that were to encamp on the four sides of the tabernacle at a distance, with the tribe of Levi encircling the tabernacle.
As the Lord lays out the arrangement for Moses, he identifies the leader of each of the twelve tribes comprising the four groups:
Judah: Nahshon
Issachar: Nethanel
Zebulun: Eliab
Reuben: Elizur
Simeon: Shelumiel
Gad: Eliasaph
Ephraim: Elishama
Manasseh: Gamaliel
Benjamin: Abidan
Dan: Ahiezer
Asher: Pagiel
Naphtali: Ahira
I assume the leader of the tribe of Levi was considered to be either Moses or Aaron. On the other hand, they both held standing as leaders of the nation as a whole, so maybe not. The Lord does not specify a leader at this level for the tribe of Levi in this chapter.
I point out these twelve leaders because they were either recognized by the Lord as existing leaders (those who percolated to the top among the people), or he established them here as leaders- his own handpicked men. If Moses is any example, it would be the latter.
Throughout Scripture we find many handpicked (by the Lord) people he chose for leadership who accomplished those things he wanted done. None bigger than Moses himself. Joshua, the man who led Israel's conquest of the promised land is another that comes to mind. We read of many of these leaders in the pages of Scripture, men as well as women. Deborah in the book of Judges is a towering figure in the nation at that time.
We know today there are many who aspire to leadership, particularly during an election season. However, I am convinced that the most influential, game-changing leaders are those whom the Lord grooms and prepares for his own purposes. In the church I am reminded that leadership is one of the spiritual abilities the Holy Spirit provides certain individuals, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is... to lead, do it diligently..." Romans 12:6-8.
Studying the lives of the leaders we find in the pages of Scripture has got to one of the best ways to prepare for such a role.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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