Definition: And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 34:26. It’s a fascinating and somewhat mysterious detail about a significant event in ancient Israelite history. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a specific person – Paltiel – who was involved in a very important agreement made with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Numbers 34” : This refers to a particular passage in the Book of Numbers. “And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar…” : This tells us this is about a leader from the tribe of Issachar, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The “prince” is a specific role – a leader who holds significant authority and responsibility. “…Paltiel the son of Azzan.” : This is the crucial part! The name "Paltiel" means “son of Azzan.” “Azzan” was a royal family in ancient Israel, and this connection adds a layer of intrigue. So, what does it really mean? The most widely accepted interpretation is that Paltiel was a royal advisor to King David. Here's the gist: David’s Covenant: David was facing a major crisis – he needed to secure a powerful alliance with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who were being pressured by other neighboring kingdoms. The Agreement: David made a covenant with God (specifically in Numbers 34:26) that involved a specific arrangement. This agreement stipulated that Paltiel would be responsible for ensuring that the tribe of Issachar received a portion of the land and resources as long as David continued to rule . Why is this significant? It's a historical detail: It’s not just a random name; it points to a very important and strategic agreement. It shows David’s power and influence: By assigning responsibility to Paltiel, David was essentially giving him considerable authority within the kingdom. It hints at a complex political situation: The verse reveals a level of control David held over his people, demonstrating a significant degree of power. In short, "Numbers 34:26 And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan" is a detail about a key figure in ancient Israelite history – a royal advisor who played a vital role in securing David’s kingdom. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the tribe of Issachar? Discuss what "Azzan" represents historically?