Old Testament
Numbers 10:27
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Ahira son of Enan commanded the army of the tribe of Naphtali.
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And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.
What Numbers 10:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 10:27, we learn about Ahira, the son of Enan, who was appointed as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali's army. This verse highlights the organization and structure within the Israelite community as they prepared for their journey through the wilderness. Each tribe had its own leader, which was crucial for maintaining order and unity during their travels. The mention of Ahira signifies the importance of leadership and the roles individuals played in the larger community. It also reflects the military readiness of the Israelites as they faced challenges ahead. The tribe of Naphtali, like others, had a specific role in the overall mission of the Israelites, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve their goals. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and the responsibilities that come with it, as well as the need for cooperation among different groups to fulfill a common purpose.
How to apply Numbers 10:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of leadership in our own communities. Just as Ahira led the tribe of Naphtali, we can take initiative in our roles, whether at work, in our families, or in our communities. Effective leadership fosters unity and helps achieve common goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Leaving Mount Sinai (Numbers 10:11–36)
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Moses

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Ahira in Numbers 10:27?
Ahira, the son of Enan, was appointed as the leader of the army for the tribe of Naphtali. His role was significant as it represented the organization of the Israelite tribes during their journey through the wilderness, highlighting the importance of leadership within the community.
What does Numbers 10:27 teach about leadership?
This verse emphasizes the critical role of leadership in maintaining order and unity among the Israelite tribes. Ahira's position as a military leader illustrates how effective leadership is essential for guiding a community towards achieving common goals, especially in challenging circumstances.
How does Numbers 10:27 relate to community organization?
Numbers 10:27 reflects the structured organization of the Israelite community, where each tribe had designated leaders. This organization was vital for cooperation and coordination during their travels, demonstrating how effective community organization can enhance collective efforts.
What can we learn from Ahira's leadership in this verse?
Ahira's leadership serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with guiding others. It encourages individuals to take initiative in their own communities, fostering unity and collaboration to achieve shared objectives, whether in personal, professional, or communal settings.
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