These were the renowned - Literally, the called, of the congregation - those who were summoned by name to attend. The order of the tribes In the above enumeration may be viewed thus: -
Sons of Rachel
1st son of Bilhah, Rachel's maid
2d son of Zilpah, Leah's maid
1st son of Zilpah.
2d son of Bilhah.
12. Naphtali
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.