And these are the names of the men, &c.— It is observable, that the tribes are placed not in the order of their birth, but of their mothers; first, the children of Leah, then of Rachel, and, after them, those of the two hand-maids. One cannot help remarking from most of the names here, how much God was in the thoughts of those who imposed them upon their children; for Elizur signifies, my God a rock; Shelumiel, God my peace; Zuri-shaddai, my God all-sufficient; Nethaneel, the gift of God; Gamaliel, God is my reward; and so of the rest. Deuel, mentioned in the 14th verse, is called Reuel, ch. Numbers 2:14 the letters daleth and resh being sometimes put one for the other.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising