Lexical Summary Gamliel: Gamliel Original Word: גַּמְלִיאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gamaliel From gamal and 'el; reward of God; Gamliel, an Israelite -- Gamaliel. see HEBREW gamal see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gamal and el Definition a Manassite NASB Translation Gamaliel (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs [תַּגְמוּל] noun masculine benefit — plural with Aramaic suffix כָּלתַּֿגְמוּלוֺהִי עָלָי all his benefits unto me Psalm 116:12. Topical Lexicon Biblical Profile Gamliel son of Pedahzur appears exclusively in the wilderness narratives of the Book of Numbers (Numbers 1:10; 2:20; 7:54; 7:59; 10:23). As chief of the tribe of Manasseh during Israel’s journey from Sinai to the borders of Canaan, he embodies the divinely appointed leadership structure that organized the nation for worship, warfare, and travel. Historical Setting Gamliel rises to prominence in the second year after the Exodus, when the LORD commands Moses to number the people (Numbers 1:1-3). Each tribe is represented by “one man from each tribe, the head of his family” (Numbers 1:4). For Manasseh that man is “Gamliel son of Pedahzur” (Numbers 1:10). He serves through the census, the arrangement of the camp, the dedication of the altar, and the orderly march away from Sinai—critical stages in forming Israel’s national identity. Leadership of Manasseh Gamliel’s placement among the tribal chiefs situates him within Joseph’s heritage, yet distinct from Ephraim’s prince, Elishama son of Ammihud. Manasseh’s later territorial allotment in Canaan will spread on both sides of the Jordan, but in the wilderness the tribe follows a single leader. Gamliel therefore represents the unity of Manasseh before the eventual division into eastern and western halves. Participation in the First Census Numbers 1:10 records his role in enrolling every male twenty years old and upward for military service: “from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamliel son of Pedahzur.” By presiding over the count of 32,200 warriors (Numbers 1:35), Gamliel demonstrates that Manasseh stands ready to fight for the inheritance the LORD has promised. Position in the Camp Arrangement The second chapter assigns camping positions around the Tabernacle. “The division of the camp of Manasseh is to be under Gamliel son of Pedahzur” (Numbers 2:20). Situated on the western side with Ephraim and Benjamin (Numbers 2:18-24), Manasseh’s location reinforces fellowship among Joseph’s offspring and guards a flank of the sanctuary. Gamliel’s authority helps maintain order, illustrating that holiness and discipline are intertwined in Israel’s life. Offering at the Tabernacle Dedication When the altar is dedicated, each tribal chief presents identical gifts on successive days. On the eighth day “Gamliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of Manasseh, presented an offering” (Numbers 7:54). His contribution (Numbers 7:55-59) mirrors the others, affirming equality among the tribes and personal submission to corporate worship. Notably, he gives: “for the sacrifice of the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamliel son of Pedahzur.” (Numbers 7:59) Peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God; Gamliel thus models reconciliation and gratitude on behalf of Manasseh. Role in the Orderly March When the cloud lifts and Israel sets out, the tribal divisions break camp in prescribed sequence. “Gamliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of the people of Manasseh” (Numbers 10:23). His leadership ensures that Manasseh keeps formation within the larger body, maintaining both mobility and reverence for the Presence dwelling among them. Spiritual Significance 1. Servant Leadership: Gamliel’s repeated identification as “son of Pedahzur” roots his authority in lineage yet submits it to divine appointment. He exemplifies responsible stewardship, pointing forward to the servant-leader ideal fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28). Contrast with the New Testament Gamaliel Though sharing a consonant name, the revered Pharisee of Acts 5:34 and Acts 22:3 (Greek Γαμαλιήλ) lives over a millennium later. The distinction highlights continuity of covenant history while reminding readers that leadership—whether in wilderness, Sanhedrin, or church—must ultimately align with God’s revealed will. Practical Lessons for Today • God calls leaders not for personal acclaim but for the welfare of His people. Summary Gamliel son of Pedahzur stands as the divinely appointed head of the tribe of Manasseh during Israel’s formative wilderness period. Through census, camp, offerings, and marches he models faithful leadership that advances God’s covenant purposes, providing enduring lessons on service, unity, and preparedness for all who follow the LORD. Forms and Transliterations גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל גמליאל gam·lî·’êl gamlî’êl gamliElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:10 HEB: עַמִּיה֑וּד לִמְנַשֶּׁ֕ה גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ פְּדָהצֽוּר׃ NAS: of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son KJV: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son INT: of Ammihud of Manasseh Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur Numbers 2:20 Numbers 7:54 Numbers 7:59 Numbers 10:23 5 Occurrences |
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