Original Word: עַמִּישַׁדַּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Ammiyshadday
Pronunciation: am-mee-shad-dah'ee
Phonetic Spelling: (am-mee-shad-dah'ee)
KJV: Ammishaddai
NASB: Ammishaddai
Word Origin: [from H5971 (עַם - People) and H7706 (שַׁדַּי - Almighty)]

1. people of (the) Almighty
2. Ammishaddai, an Israelite

Ammishaddai

From am and Shadday; people of (the) Almighty; Ammishaddai, an Israelite -- Ammishaddai.

see HEBREW am

see HEBREW Shadday

Word Origin
from am and Shadday
Definition
"my kinsman is Shaddai," a Danite
NASB Translation
Ammishaddai (5).

עַמִּישַׁדָּ֑י proper name, masculine (my kinsman is Shadai): — a Danite Numbers 1:12; Numbers 2:25; Numbers 7:66,71; Numbers 10:25, ᵐ5 Αμος(ε)ισαδαι, ᵐ5^L Αμισαδε.

Genealogical Setting and Tribal Context

Ammishaddai is recorded exclusively in the wilderness narratives of the Book of Numbers as the father of Ahiezer, the divinely appointed leader of the tribe of Dan (Numbers 1:12). His inclusion in the tribal records underscores the importance Scripture places on covenant lineage. Though Ammishaddai himself is not depicted as functioning in an official capacity, his name anchors the genealogy of Dan’s chief spokesman during Israel’s formative days as a nation.

Place in the First Wilderness Census

Numbers 1:12 lists “Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai” among the twelve tribal heads who assisted Moses and Aaron in the initial census. By naming the father, the text validates the legitimacy of Ahiezer’s authority and, by extension, the authenticity of Dan’s representation in the national assembly. The census was not a mere headcount; it was a declaration of readiness for covenantal warfare and inheritance. Thus, Ammishaddai’s mention links him to Israel’s preparedness for conquest.

Role in the Camp Arrangement

Numbers 2:25 places the Danite camp on the north side, the rear guard of Israel’s marching order. Although Ammishaddai does not directly appear in the organizational directives, his paternity clarifies the hereditary leadership structure among the Danites. The stable transmission of authority from father to son illustrates the ordered nature of Israel’s pilgrimage, contrasted with the chaos of surrounding pagan nations.

Participation in the Dedication of the Altar

Numbers 7 reports the tribal offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle. On the tenth day, “Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the Danites, brought his offering” (Numbers 7:66-71). Through these verses, Ammishaddai’s household is linked to the sacrificial worship inaugurating the nation’s priestly center. The offerings—identical across tribes—highlight unity, yet the sequential naming of each father reinforces individual tribal accountability before the LORD.

Presence in the Order of March

In Numbers 10:25 the northward standard of Dan sets out last in the procession, “with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai over its division”. The repetition of the father’s name in strategic military contexts suggests that Ammishaddai’s household bore continuing influence on Danite morale and discipline during Israel’s marches.

Theological Observations

1. Covenant Identity: The fivefold repetition of Ammishaddai’s name serves as a canonical witness to the enduring linkage between family identity and covenant responsibility.
2. Divine Sufficiency: His theophoric name integrates one of the compound titles of God, reminding readers that the sufficiency and might of the LORD stand behind Israel’s tribal structures.
3. Intergenerational Faithfulness: The text silently commends the spiritual heritage passed from Ammishaddai to Ahiezer, reflecting the Law’s mandate to “teach them to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Lessons for Ministry Today

• God values the often-unseen influence of parents who cultivate faithfulness in future leaders.
• Accurate record-keeping and public acknowledgment of godly heritage have a place in fostering accountability and unity in the covenant community.
• Whether prominent or obscure, every family line participates in God’s redemptive narrative when it aligns itself under His revealed order.

In sum, Ammishaddai’s brief but deliberate appearances remind believers that faithfulness in the background can echo across a nation’s spiritual journey.

עַמִּֽישַׁדָּֽי׃ עַמִּישַׁדָּֽי׃ עמישדי׃ ‘am·mî·šad·dāy ‘ammîšaddāy amMishadDaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts