What does Numbers 2:20 mean?
"And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur." - Numbers 2:20

Numbers 2:20 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And by him shall the tribe of Manasseh, and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur." This verse is part of the larger context of the organization of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. In this chapter, the Lord instructs Moses and Aaron to number the tribes of Israel and assign each tribe a specific position around the tabernacle.
In this specific verse, the focus is on the tribe of Manasseh. Manasseh was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph, and was given a prominent position in the camp. The captain of the tribe of Manasseh is named as Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the organization of the Israelite camp and the laws and regulations given to the people by God. In this verse, the specific organization of the tribes and their leaders is highlighted. This reflects the themes of order, structure, and obedience to God's commands.
The tribe of Manasseh was an important tribe within the nation of Israel. The name "Manasseh" means "forgetting" or "causing to forget," and it is said to reflect the fact that Joseph felt that God had made him forget all his toil and his father's house (Genesis 41:51). This theme of forgetting and being freed from past troubles can be seen as symbolic of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their freedom from slavery in Egypt.
The placement of the tribes around the tabernacle also holds symbolic significance. The tabernacle was the place where God's presence dwelt among His people, and the organization of the tribes around it reflects their relationship with God. The tribe of Manasseh being positioned in a specific place around the tabernacle indicates its importance and its role in the worship and service of God.
The captain of the tribe, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, is also significant. The name "Gamaliel" means "reward of God," and "Pedahzur" means "interpretation of the rock" or "rock's redemption." These names suggest a connection to God and His promises, and the idea of redemption through the rock could be seen as foreshadowing the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who is often symbolized as the rock.
The Book of Numbers as a whole is also relevant to the broader context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It addresses themes of faithfulness, obedience, and the provision and guidance of God. The specific details of the organization of the tribes and the appointment of leaders emphasize the importance of order and structure within the community.
Overall, Numbers 2:20 in the King James Version presents a specific detail in the organization of the Israelite camp, highlighting the tribe of Manasseh and its captain. The verse reflects themes of order, structure, and the importance of leadership within the community. It also holds symbolic significance in relation to the broader themes of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their relationship with God.
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Numbers 2:20 - "And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur."
"And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur." - Numbers 2:20
Numbers 20:2 - "And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron."
"And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron." - Numbers 20:2
Numbers 20:20 - "And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand."
Numbers 20:7 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 34:20 - "And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud."
Numbers 33:20 - "And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah."
Numbers 16:20 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"
Numbers 7:20 - "One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:"
Numbers 14:20 - "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:"
Numbers 10:20 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel."
Numbers 4:20 - "But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die."
Putting Aaron’s priestly garment on Eleazar in Numbers 20
Numbers 20:9 - "And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him."
Numbers 35:20 - "But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;"
Numbers 20:13 - "This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them."
Numbers 3:20 - "And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers."
Numbers 20:27 - "And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation."
Numbers 21:20 - "And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon."
Numbers 20:25 - "Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:"
Numbers 20:23 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,"
Numbers 23:20 - "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it."
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 20:7
Draw me a travel map for Numbers 21:10-20
Numbers 20:22 - "¶ And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor."
Numbers 29:20 - "¶ And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;"
Numbers 32:20 - "¶ And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,"
"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." - 2 Corinthians 1:20
Numbers 20:4 - "And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?"