Numbers 34:21 - Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon.

Generated Verse: Numbers 34:21

What does "Numbers 34:21" mean?


Numbers 34:21 is part of a larger section (Numbers 34:16-29) that lists the names of the leaders chosen to oversee the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. Let's break down what each part of the verse means:

"Of the tribe of Benjamin": This identifies which tribe Elidad belongs to. Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin.

"Elidad": This is the name of the individual chosen to represent the tribe of Benjamin in the land division process. Elidad means "God has loved" or "God is my friend"

"the son of Chislon": This provides Elidad's patronymic, meaning it tells us who his father was. This was a common way to identify individuals in ancient genealogies and historical records.

In essence, the verse means: "Elidad, whose father was Chislon, was selected from the tribe of Benjamin to help allocate the land of Canaan to the tribes."

Significance:

Representation: This verse shows that each tribe had a designated representative involved in the important task of dividing the Promised Land. This ensures a fair distribution, reflecting the importance of each tribe's inheritance.
Genealogy and Identity: It highlights the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society. Knowing someone's tribe and father was crucial for establishing their identity and place within the community.
Historical Record: It serves as part of a detailed historical record, providing insight into the organization and leadership of the Israelites during their entry into Canaan.

In summary, the verse is a simple statement of fact: Elidad, son of Chislon, was the leader selected to represent the tribe of Benjamin in the division of the land. It is a small but significant piece of a larger narrative about the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan.

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