Pagiel פַּגְעִיאֵל
Leader of the tribe of Asher
Who is Pagiel in the Bible?
Pagiel, son of Ochran, was the leader of the tribe of Asher during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt (Numbers 1:13). He appears multiple times throughout the book of Numbers as one of the tribal leaders who assisted Moses in organizing the camp and conducting the census of military-age men (Numbers 1:13, 2:27, 10:26). During the dedication of the tabernacle, Pagiel brought an offering on behalf of his tribe on the eleventh day of the dedication ceremony (Numbers 7:72, 77). As prince of Asher, he held responsibility for the affairs of his tribe, including settling disputes and representing their interests before Moses and the other leaders. Pagiel's repeated mention in these organizational and ceremonial contexts underscores the structured leadership system God established for the Israelite community during their journey toward the promised land.
Biography
Pagiel, son of Ochran, was the leader of the tribe of Asher during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings (Num.1.13). He is mentioned several times in the book of Numbers as one of the leaders who assisted Moses in the census and organization of the Israelite camp (Num.1.13; 2.27; 7.72, 77; 10.26). In the census, Pagiel was responsible for counting the men of military age in his tribe (Num.1.41). He also brought an offering on behalf of his tribe during the dedication of the tabernacle (Num.7.72, 77). As the leader of Asher, Pagiel would have been responsible for overseeing the affairs of his tribe, settling disputes, and representing their interests before Moses and the other tribal leaders. His presence in the various lists and events in Numbers highlights the importance of the tribal structure and leadership in the organization and governance of the Israelite community during their journey through the wilderness.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 5 verses
- Numbers 1:13
"from Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran;"
- Numbers 2:27
"The tribe of Asher will camp next to it. The leader of the Asherites is Pagiel son of Ocran,"
- Numbers 7:72
"On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Ocran, the leader of the Asherites, drew near."
- Numbers 7:77
"and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel son of Ocran."
- Numbers 10:26
"Pagiel son of Ocran was over the division of the tribe of Asher,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּגְעִיאֵל |
Pagiel
f="Bible:Num.2.27">2:27). When the tabernacle was set up, the heads of the families of Israel "brought their offerings" in rotation, and Pagiel, as prince of his tribe, came on the 11th day (Nu 7:72). Nu 7:72-77 describes his offering. In the journeyings of Israel he was "over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher" (Nu 10:26), and possibly standard-bearer (compare Nu 10:14,22,25).
Henry Wallace
pa'-hath-mo'-ab (pachath mo'abh, "sheik of Moab"; in I Esdras 5:11; 8:31, "Phaath Moab"): A Jewish clan probably named after an ancestor of the above title. Part of the clan returned with Zerubbabel (<ref osisRef=