Of Dan. — Dan and Zebulun, omitted in the tribal registers of 1 Chronicles 4-7, are both mentioned in the present list. On the other hand, Gad and Asher are unnoticed here; why, we cannot say. The total — “twelve” — is made by counting Manasseh as two and Joseph as three tribes. The order of the first six names is that of Genesis 35:23. Why Dan is mentioned last is not clear: some have thought it indicates the chronicler’s reprobation of the idolatry of the tribe (1 Kings 12:29-30; comp. Judges 18:30; Amos 8:14); but he has probably kept the order of his source.
These were the princes. — The same word as “captains” in the former list (sârîm).