Numbers 26 21

Numbers 26:21 kjv

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Numbers 26:21 nkjv

And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Numbers 26:21 niv

The descendants of Perez were: through Hezron, the Hezronite clan; through Hamul, the Hamulite clan.

Numbers 26:21 esv

And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the clan of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the clan of the Hamulites.

Numbers 26:21 nlt

These were the subclans descended from the Perezites: The Hezronites, named after their ancestor Hezron.
The Hamulites, named after their ancestor Hamul.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 21 Meaning

Numbers 26:21 details the specific family divisions descended from Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, within the larger framework of Israel's second census. This verse identifies three primary clans originating from Benjamin: the Belaites, the Ashbelites, and the Ahiramites, each stemming from their respective ancestral heads: Bela, Ashbel, and Ahiram. It underscores the structured organization of God's people into distinct familial units, crucial for identity, worship, and future land distribution.

Numbers 26 21 Context

Numbers 26:21 is situated within the book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 26, which records the second census of the Israelites. This census takes place in the plains of Moab, across from Jericho, towards the end of their forty-year wilderness wandering. It occurs after the plagues and rebellions described earlier in Numbers, and just before the death of Moses and the entry into the Promised Land under Joshua.

The historical context is crucial: the generation that left Egypt, rebelling against God at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 14), had largely perished in the wilderness. This census, nearly four decades after the first one recorded in Numbers 1, therefore counts the new generation destined to inherit the land. The meticulous detailing of tribes and families, as seen in Benjamin's list here, served several critical purposes: it affirmed the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a numerous nation despite their disobedience, provided the framework for military conscription for the upcoming conquest, and most importantly, established the precise basis for the allocation of land inheritance (Num 26:52-56) among the various clans according to their size. For the tribe of Benjamin, this verse provides their familial identity as they stood poised to claim their portion of Canaan.

Numbers 26 21 Word analysis

• These were the sons of Benjamin:

  • These (וְאֵלֶּה, ve'elleh): "And these." Connects back to the general heading for the census of Israel.
  • sons (בְּנֵי, benei): Refers to male descendants or lineage. In this context, it indicates the direct progeny and the families established from them, not merely immediate children.
  • Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin): Hebrew meaning "son of the right hand" (Jacob's name for him), or possibly "son of sorrow" (Rachel's name, Ben-oni). The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, representing one of the twelve tribes.
  • Words-group: "sons of Benjamin" signifies the patriarchal head from whom these clans derive their tribal identity and lineage. This identity is vital for tribal organization and future inheritance.

• according to their families:

  • according to (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, l'mishpechotam): "According to their families." The prefix 'le' indicates 'to' or 'for.'
  • families (מִשְׁפְּחֹת, mishpechot): Clans, kin groups, subdivisions of a tribe, usually descended from a common ancestor (a grandson or great-grandson of the tribal patriarch). This term highlights the socio-political and organizational structure of Israel. It emphasizes that the census counts not just individuals but distinct communal units.
  • Words-group: "according to their families" clarifies the enumeration's basis. It's a structured count by ancestral groups, underpinning land division and ensuring orderly inheritance. It also reflects divine order within Israel.

• through Bela, the family of the Belaites:

  • Bela (בֶּלַע, Bela): "Swallowing" or "devouring." Firstborn son of Benjamin (Gen 46:21). The progenitor of a major Benjaminite clan.
  • the family of the Belaites (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַבַּלְעִי, mishpachat habal'i): Identifies the specific clan directly descending from Bela. The "-ite" suffix signifies descent or association with the progenitor. This highlights the established and recognized lineage.

• through Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites:

  • Ashbel (אַשְׁבֵּל, Ashbel): Possible meanings include "man of Baal" (unlikely for a Hebrew patriarch), "fire of God," or "stream of God." Listed as a son of Benjamin in Gen 46:21. Another significant clan ancestor.
  • the family of the Ashbelites (מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאַשְׁבְּלִי, mishpachat ha'ashbeli): The clan associated with Ashbel, showing the continuity of their familial line.

• through Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:

  • Ahiram (אֲחִירָם, Achiram): Meaning "my brother is exalted" or "brother of the high one." Listed as one of Benjamin's sons (or an influential descendant depending on genealogical interpretation) and a progenitor of another primary family within the tribe. Note: Ahiram may be related to Ehi or Aher in other lists (Gen 46:21; 1 Chr 7:12).
  • the family of the Ahiramites (מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאֲחִירָמִי, mishpachat ha'achirami): The family or clan directly stemming from Ahiram.

Numbers 26 21 Bonus section

The seemingly minor differences in the names of Benjamin's sons when compared with earlier genealogies (e.g., Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 7:6-12) reflect variations in biblical genealogical lists, which can represent direct sons, influential grandsons, or major family lines over different periods. Numbers 26:21 focuses on the leading families or clans existing at the time of the census, those actively establishing the mishpachah for land allocation. These lists often served different purposes: tracing direct descent, identifying significant tribal sub-divisions, or highlighting the most prominent groups for the current generation's organizational needs. Thus, "Ahiram" here may refer to the leading descendant or a particularly dominant branch known as the Ahiramites at the time, even if his direct birth name differed slightly in an earlier list focused solely on first-generation sons. This reflects the dynamic nature of ancient genealogies in recording socio-historical reality.

Numbers 26 21 Commentary

Numbers 26:21 is more than a simple listing of names; it serves as a foundational declaration of the continuing life and organization of God's covenant people. By meticulously documenting the families of Benjamin, alongside the other tribes, the passage reaffirms YHWH's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham, despite Israel's generational rebellion in the wilderness. The detailed family structure ("by their families") signifies an ordered society, a divine pattern for inheritance, and military strength, critical for the impending conquest of Canaan. This specific verse emphasizes the recognized patriarchal lines within Benjamin's tribe, showcasing how descendants from the original patriarchs established distinct, identifiable clans ready to receive their portion of the Promised Land. It underlines the concept of inherited blessings and responsibilities within God's covenant framework, preparing a disciplined people for a disciplined future.