Numbers 26 16

Numbers 26:16 kjv

Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:

Numbers 26:16 nkjv

of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;

Numbers 26:16 niv

through Ozni, the Oznite clan; through Eri, the Erite clan;

Numbers 26:16 esv

of Ozni, the clan of the Oznites; of Eri, the clan of the Erites;

Numbers 26:16 nlt

The Oznite clan, named after their ancestor Ozni.
The Erite clan, named after their ancestor Eri.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 16 Meaning

Numbers 26:16 precisely identifies two clans, the Oznites and the Erites, as direct descendants of Ozni and Eri respectively. These families were counted as part of the tribe of Gad during the second census taken on the plains of Moab. This enumeration was crucial for the accurate and divinely ordained distribution of the promised land of Canaan among the tribes and their constituent families.

Numbers 26 16 Context

Numbers 26:16 is situated within the book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 26, which records the second census of Israel taken on the plains of Moab. This census follows a significant period of judgment in the wilderness, during which the entire generation that rebelled against the LORD and did not believe His promise regarding the land of Canaan had perished (except for Caleb and Joshua). The immediate preceding chapter (Num 25) details the severe plague sent by God due to Israel's idolatry and immorality with the Moabites and Midianites at Baal-peor, which led to the death of 24,000.

Therefore, this census marks a critical turning point: it enumerates the new generation, the one destined to enter and inherit the promised land. Unlike the first census in Numbers 1 (which focused on military readiness), this second census primarily served to establish the rightful heirs and determine the allocation of tribal territories within Canaan, ensuring an orderly and just distribution according to the size of each family. For an ancient Israelite audience, precise genealogical records were paramount for identity, land rights, and tribal affiliation. Each family's inclusion in this divine ledger affirmed their place in God's covenant plan and their share in the inheritance He had promised.

Numbers 26 16 Word analysis

• of Ozni (אֹזְנִי - Ozni): Refers to the clan patriarch. Ozni was one of the sons of Gad (Gen 46:16), making him a grandson of Jacob. His inclusion emphasizes the tracing of lineage back to the founding patriarchs. The name Ozni might relate to "my ear," "obedient," or "balance," though its primary significance here is genealogical.
• the family (מִשְׁפַּחַת - mishpakhah): This Hebrew term signifies a family, clan, or extended household. It denotes a fundamental unit of social organization in ancient Israel, encompassing kinship, economic functions, and religious identity. The mention of "the family of" (מִשְׁפַּחַת הָֽ) stresses the continuity and distinct identity of this ancestral grouping derived from its patriarch, which was essential for determining inheritance and tribal land allotments.
• of the Oznites (הָאׇזְנִי - ha-Oznī): This is the gentilic form, meaning "the one belonging to Ozni" or "the descendant of Ozni." It confirms the lineage from Ozni, establishing the collective identity of his descendants as a specific, recognized clan within the tribe of Gad. This meticulous naming reinforces the precision and divine authority behind the census record.
• of Eri (עֵרִי - ʿĒri): Similar to Ozni, Eri was another son of Gad (Gen 46:16), also a grandson of Jacob. His name means "wakeful" or "my watch." His listing immediately after Ozni follows the order of Gad's sons established in Genesis, showcasing consistent biblical genealogies.
• the family (מִשְׁפַּחַת - mishpakhah): Again, emphasizing the clan unit, underscoring the methodical cataloging of every family group for the purpose of land inheritance.
• of the Erites (הָעֵרִי - ha-ʿĒrī): The gentilic form indicating "the one belonging to Eri" or "the descendant of Eri." This explicitly names the clan originating from Eri, validating their identity and their entitlement within the tribal inheritance structure.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;": The repetitive formula, "[Patriarch's Name], the family of the [Patriarchal Clan Name]," serves several critical functions.
  1. Genealogical Precision: It underscores the precise tracking of lineage from individual sons to the collective family units, vital for a society structured by tribes and clans.
  2. Order and Identity: It brings divine order to the vast Israelite population, defining who belongs to whom and what their communal identity is.
  3. Legal Foundation for Inheritance: Each mention explicitly names a unit that will receive a portion of the land, demonstrating that God's promises of land will be fulfilled through specific, identifiable families. It implies that every household, down to these smaller units, has a designated place in the future inheritance.
  4. Divine Knowledge: The very act of meticulously listing these families demonstrates God's omniscience and personal care, as He knows and names each branch of His chosen people.

Numbers 26 16 Bonus section

The repetitive phrasing ("of X, the family of the X-ites") is not merely a literary device but a powerful statement about God's ordering of His people. In a time when other nations traced their lineage through less stable means, Israel's divine census provided an indisputable record, affirming their identity, tribal cohesion, and ultimately, their secure claim to the land of promise. This precision serves as a foundation for understanding the legal and historical framework for property rights, communal responsibilities, and the perpetuation of the twelve tribes as God's chosen nation. The absence of specific deeds or great exploits associated with Ozni or Eri highlights that their importance lies simply in their being part of God's chosen people, underscoring God's grace extended to all members of His covenant community.

Numbers 26 16 Commentary

Numbers 26:16 is a seemingly simple genealogical entry, yet it encapsulates profound theological and historical significance. As part of the second census, this verse contributes to the divine re-establishment of Israel after the catastrophic failure and death of the wilderness generation. The explicit identification of the "family of the Oznites" and "the family of the Erites" from Gad, along with other families, underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

This census, unlike the first, directly ties the families to their future land inheritance. Every clan mentioned here represents a specific segment of God's people poised to receive a portion of the promised land. Even for families originating from minor figures like Ozni and Eri, their specific recognition validates their claim to their designated inheritance, emphasizing that every individual and family within God's covenant community has a known and valued place. The detailed record ensures that land distribution will be equitable and orderly, not based on human power or whim, but on a divinely sanctioned registry. It serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness in preparing a new generation, ready to step into His promised blessing despite the previous generation's disobedience. This re-organization signifies a fresh start, moving from wilderness wandering to settled land, all according to God's providential plan and perfect order.