Deuel דְּעוּאֵל
Father of Eliasaph, leader of the tribe of Gad
Who is Deuel in the Bible?
Deuel, also known as Reuel, was the father of Eliasaph, who served as the leader of the tribe of Gad during Israel's wilderness journey. He appears in the book of Numbers, first mentioned in the census of Israelites when Moses and Aaron recorded Eliasaph as his son (Numbers 1:14). The variation between the names Deuel and Reuel in different passages suggests these refer to the same person, with both names used interchangeably in Scripture. Though Deuel himself is not extensively described in the biblical text, his significance lies primarily in being the father of an important tribal leader whose role is documented throughout the Israelites' travels from Egypt to Canaan, including presenting offerings at the tabernacle dedication (Numbers 7:42, 47).
Biography
Deuel, also known as Reuel, is mentioned in the book of Numbers as the father of Eliasaph, who was the leader of the tribe of Gad during Israel's wilderness journey. In Num.1.14, Eliasaph is identified as the son of Deuel when Moses and Aaron take a census of the Israelites.
Later, in Num.2.14, Eliasaph is again mentioned as the leader of the tribe of Gad, and his father's name is given as Reuel. This variation in names has led some scholars to conclude that Deuel and Reuel refer to the same person, with the names being used interchangeably.
Eliasaph's leadership role is further highlighted in Num.7.42,47, where he presents the offering for the tribe of Gad during the dedication of the tabernacle. In Num.10.20, Eliasaph is once again mentioned as the leader of the Gadites when the Israelites set out from Mount Sinai.
The mention of Deuel/Reuel in these passages serves to identify Eliasaph and emphasize his role as a tribal leader during a significant period in Israel's history. As the father of Eliasaph, Deuel/Reuel would have been a respected figure within the tribe of Gad.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 5 verses
- Numbers 1:14
"from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel;"
- Numbers 7:42
"On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the Gadites, drew near."
- Numbers 7:47
"and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel."
- Numbers 10:20
"and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad."
- Numbers 2:14
"Next will be the tribe of Gad. The leader of the Gadites is Eliasaph son of Deuel,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | דְּעוּאֵל | — |
| Named | Hebrew | רְעוּאֵל | Reuel , the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite |
Deuel
tribe at the dedication of the altar (Nu 7:42,47), and as leader of the host of the tribe of the children of Gad in the wilderness (Nu 10:20). Called Reuel in Nu 2:14, daleth (d) being confused with resh (r).
du-ter-o-ka-non'-i-kal: A term sometimes used to designate certain books, which by the Council of Trent were included in the Old Testament, but which the Protestant churches designated as apocryphal (