Numbers 1:16

“These [were] the renowned of the congregation, etc.] The most famous and eminent among the people, for their birth and pedigree, or for their excellent qualities of wisdom, courage, and the like; or “the called of the congregation” f4, whom God had called by name and selected from the rest of the congregation to the above service, whereby great honour was done them: Aben Ezra says, the sense is, that the congregation did nothing until they had called them; with which agrees the note of Jarchi, “who were called to every business of importance in the congregation:” princes of the tribes of their fathers; as Elizur was prince of the children of Reuben, (<040730>Numbers 7:30); the same is there…”

“These were the renowned--literally, "the called" of the congregation, summoned by name; and they entered upon the survey the very day the order was given.”

“The princes of the tribes, selected Numbers 1:4 under divine direction, were for the most part the same persons as those chosen a few months previously at the counsel of Jethro Exodus 18:21-26. Nahshon, prince of Judah, is mentioned in Exodus 6:23, and Elishama, in 1 Chronicles 7:26-27. The peers of men like these were no doubt entitled, among their fellows, to the epithet “renowned,” Numbers 1:16. return to 'Top of Page'”

“1:16 These tribal leaders had apparently shown themselves responsible and trustworthy by fulfilling other important duties.”

“the renowned: Keruey haâidah, literally "the called of the congregation," those who were summoned by name to attend. Num. 2:3-31, Num 7:2, 10-83, Num 10:14-27, Num 11:17, Num 16:2, Num 26:9; Jdg 6:15; Ch1 27:16-22 heads: Num 1:4; Exo 18:21, Exo 18:25; Deu 1:15; Sa1 22:7, Sa1 23:23; Mic 5:2 Numbers 1:17”