Nahshon

Life and work

Nahshon son of Amminadab is named as the chief of the tribe of Judah in the census Moses took in the wilderness of Sinai, responsible for the men of his tribe available for war (Numbers 1:7; Numbers 2:3). Judah's contingent, under Nahshon, marched first whenever the Israelite camp set out (Numbers 10:14).

At the dedication of the newly completed tabernacle, the twelve tribal leaders each brought identical offerings of silver dishes, bowls, and gold, along with animals for sacrifice, on twelve successive days. Nahshon, representing Judah, brought his offering first, on the first day (Numbers 7:12-17) — a position of honor consistent with Judah's preeminence among the tribes.

Genealogically, Nahshon is identified as the brother-in-law of Aaron, since his sister Elisheba married Aaron (Exodus 6:23), and as an ancestor of Boaz and, through him, of David (Ruth 4:20-22; 1 Chronicles 2:10-11). Matthew's genealogy carries this line forward to Jesus (Matthew 1:4).

Extra-biblical evidence

No extra-biblical source attests to Nahshon; he is known only from the Pentateuch and the genealogies built on it. Later Jewish tradition (e.g., rabbinic midrash) credits him with being the first to step into the Red Sea before it parted, but this legend has no basis in the biblical text itself and is not treated here as historical.

Scripture references

• Numbers 1:7 — Named as leader of the tribe of Judah
• Numbers 7:12-17 — First tribal leader to present his dedication offering
• Ruth 4:20 — Listed in the genealogy from Perez to David
• Matthew 1:4 — Named in Jesus's genealogy