Ahira אֲחִירַע
Leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Exodus
Who is Ahira in the Bible?
Ahira, son of Enan, was the leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their wilderness journey (Numbers 1:15). As one of the twelve tribal leaders appointed by God, Ahira held a significant role in organizing and leading the Israelite community. His tribe was positioned on the north side of the tabernacle in the camp arrangement, alongside the tribes of Dan and Asher (Numbers 2:29). During the dedication of the altar, Ahira presented the offerings of Naphtali on the twelfth day, bringing silver and gold utensils along with animals for sacrifice (Numbers 7:78, 7:83). Ahira's prominence among the tribal leaders demonstrates the structured leadership God established to guide the Israelites through their wilderness wanderings.
Biography
Ahira, the son of Enan, was a prominent leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey through the wilderness. He was appointed by God as the head of his tribe and played a significant role in the organization and leadership of the Israelite community. (Num.1.15)
In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, Ahira and the tribe of Naphtali were positioned on the north side of the tabernacle, along with the tribes of Dan and Asher. (Num.2.29).
As a tribal leader, Ahira was responsible for presenting the offerings of the tribe of Naphtali during the dedication of the altar. He brought his offering on the twelfth day, which included various silver and gold utensils, as well as animals for sacrifices. (Num.7.78,83)
When the Israelites set out from Mount Sinai, Ahira and the tribe of Naphtali were part of the rearguard, marching last among the tribal divisions. (Num.10.27)
Throughout the wilderness journey, Ahira would have played a crucial role in leading his tribe, ensuring their obedience to God's commands, and representing their interests before Moses and the other tribal leaders. However, no further specific details about his life or leadership are recorded in the biblical text.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 5 verses
- Numbers 1:15
"and from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.”"
- Numbers 2:29
"Next will be the tribe of Naphtali. The leader of the Naphtalites is Ahira son of Enan,"
- Numbers 7:78
"On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the Naphtalites, drew near."
- Numbers 7:83
"and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan."
- Numbers 10:27
"and Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the tribe of Naphtali."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִירַע |
Ahira
he census (Nu 1:15). He was the hereditary "prince" of the tribe; he made the tribal offering (Nu 2:29; 7:78; compare Nu 7:83), and was commander of the tribal host when on the march (Nu 10:27).
a-hi'-ram ('achiram, "exalted brother," or "my brother is exalted"):
A son of Benjamin. Mentioned third of the five in Nu 26:38,39. In <re