Enan עֵינָן

Male Tribe of Naphtali H5881 1 book

Father of Ahira, a leader of the tribe of Naphtali.

Who is Enan in the Bible?

Enan was the father of Ahira, who served as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' wilderness journey following their exodus from Egypt. His name appears in the book of Numbers in connection with his son's prominent role in organizing the Israelite community. Ahira son of Enan is first listed as Naphtali's tribal leader in the census taken at Sinai (Numbers 1:15) and is mentioned again when the tribe positioned itself on the north side of the tabernacle alongside Dan and Asher (Numbers 2:29). During the tabernacle dedication ceremony, Ahira brought the tribal offering on the twelfth day (Numbers 7:78, 83). Though Enan himself is not described as performing any direct actions, his significance lies in being the father of a trusted leader who helped organize and guide one of Israel's twelve tribes during their formative years in the wilderness.

Biography

Enan is mentioned in the Bible as the father of Ahira, who was the leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. Enan's name appears multiple times in the book of Numbers in connection with his son's leadership role. In the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness of Sinai, Ahira son of Enan is listed as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali (Num.1.15). The tribe of Naphtali, under Ahira's leadership, was positioned on the north side of the tabernacle, along with the tribes of Dan and Asher (Num.2.29). During the dedication of the tabernacle, Ahira son of Enan brought the offering for the tribe of Naphtali on the twelfth day (Num.7.78,83). Later, when the Israelites set out from the wilderness of Sinai, the tribe of Naphtali, led by Ahira, was assigned to march last, along with the tribes of Dan and Asher (Num.10.27). Although Enan himself is not mentioned in any other context, his repeated mention as the father of Ahira highlights the significance of family lineage in the leadership structure of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness journey.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
Numbers 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 עֵינָן
Encyclopedia Article

Enan

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

sRef="Bible:Num.2.29">2:29; 7:78,83; 10:27).

e-nas'-i-bus (Enasibos, /APC 1Esdras 9:34):

Corresponding to "Eliashib" in Ezr 10:36.

en-kamp'-ment.

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