(Mic 5:2), another name for "families" or "clans" (see Nu 1:16; 10:4; Jos 22:14,21). Several "thousands" or "families" made up a "tribe."
These the called of the assembly, chiefs from the tribe of their fathers, they the heads of the thousands of Israel
And if they shall sound with one, and to thee assembled the chiefs of the heads of the thousands of Israel.
And ten chiefs with him, one chief, one chief, to the house of a father for all the tribes of Israel; and each the head of the house of their fathers, these for the thousands of Israel.
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh will answer and will speak to the heads of the thousands of Israel,
And thou, house of bread, of Ephratah, for being small among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth to me he being ruler in Israel; and his goings forth from of old from the days of eternity.