And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
These are the names ... Each is designated by adding the name of the ancestors of his tribe, the people of which were called (Numbers 1:20; Numbers 1:22, etc.) "Beni-Reuben, Beni-Simeon," sons of Reuben, sons of Simeon, according to the custom of the Arabs still, as well as other nations which are divided into clans, as the Macs of Scotland, the Aps of Wales, and the O's and Fitz's of Ireland (Chalmers). The tribe of Joseph, consisting of two divisions, furnished two numerators. The tribe of Levi, being exempted from military service, was not represented on this occasion, though afterward when numbered for a different purpose, the princes of Levi are mentioned (Numbers 3:24; Numbers 3:30; Numbers 3:35).