Numbers 26 22

Numbers 26:22 kjv

These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

Numbers 26:22 nkjv

These are the families of Judah according to those who were numbered of them: seventy-six thousand five hundred.

Numbers 26:22 niv

These were the clans of Judah; those numbered were 76,500.

Numbers 26:22 esv

These are the clans of Judah as they were listed, 76,500.

Numbers 26:22 nlt

These were the clans of Judah. Their registered troops numbered 76,500.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 22 Meaning

Numbers 26:22 records five distinct family lines—Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim—that sprang from the sons of Benjamin. This verse is an integral part of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab, designed to meticulously account for the population of each tribe and family. Its primary purpose was to establish the structured framework for military organization and, critically, for the equitable allocation of land within Canaan. The passage underscores the enduring continuity of God's chosen people and His precise divine order in preparing them for their promised inheritance.

Numbers 26 22 Context

Numbers 26:22 is embedded within the second extensive census of the Israelites, conducted in the plains of Moab, preparing them for entry into Canaan. This enumeration counts all males twenty years and older fit for military service, signaling a pivotal transition from a wandering people to a settled nation. Unlike the first census in Numbers 1, which established military organization for the wilderness journey, this second census serves as a foundational register for land distribution in the Promised Land. Occurring after decades of wandering and significant divine judgments against the preceding disobedient generation (like the plague following the Baal-Peor apostasy), this census symbolizes a renewed divine purpose and God's faithfulness in preserving His people. The inclusion of Benjamin’s specific family lines, like those mentioned, details the internal structure of each tribe, which was crucial for its role in the future conquest and inheritance of the land according to divine instruction.

Numbers 26 22 Word analysis

• These are the families of: (Hebrew: ’ēlleh mišpəḥōt). The term mišpāḥāh refers to a larger, extended kinship group or clan rather than just a nuclear family. This unit typically shared common ancestry, possessed a designated area of land, and held collective military and social responsibilities. This emphasis highlights the fundamental organizational units through which Israel was structured for both military preparedness and land inheritance, illustrating the precise social order that God desired for His people.
• Naaman (נַעֲמָן, Naʿaman): Mentioned as a son of Benjamin in Gen 46:21, meaning "pleasant." His name here denotes the patriarchal founder of a significant family line within the tribe. His inclusion confirms the ongoing lineage and identity of this particular clan for the census and future land allotment, showcasing a distinct branch of Benjamin's descendants.
• of Ehi (אֵחִי, ’Eḥi): Also listed among Benjamin's sons in Gen 46:21. The identification of "Ehi" in relation to other Benjaminite genealogies (e.g., Ahiram in Num 26:38, a descendant of Bela) prompts scholarly discussion, suggesting potential variant spellings or a prominent descendant treated as a progenitor of a main family line. His presence indicates another principal family group within the tribe.
• and of Rosh (רֹאשׁ, Ro’š): Appears as a son of Benjamin in Gen 46:21. The name means "head" or "chief." Although it can be a descriptive noun, in this enumeration alongside other proper names, it functions as an individual's name. This signifies a distinct family unit headed by this patriarchal figure, further indicating the organizational structure of Benjamin's descendants.
• of Muppim (מוּפִּים, Muppim): Identified as a son of Benjamin in Gen 46:21. His family line is also known as "Shuphamite" (Num 26:39), "Shuppim" (1 Chron 7:12), or "Shephupham" (Num 26:39). Such variations in ancient genealogies were not uncommon and may reflect different naming conventions or historical periods, yet his inclusion firmly establishes another major branch within Benjamin.
• and of Huppim (חֻפִּים, Ḥuppim): Another son of Benjamin listed in Gen 46:21 and 1 Chron 7:12. The meaning of his name is debated. However, his presence ensures that another prominent lineage descending from Benjamin is accounted for in this critical census, confirming the comprehensive nature of the tribal record.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• These are the families of Naaman, of Ehi, and of Rosh, of Muppim, and of Huppim: This detailed listing highlights the key clan units that made up the tribe of Benjamin. This granular enumeration was essential for practical purposes—specifically for land allocation, where a clan’s size directly determined its share of the inheritance. It underscores the divine concern for order and equity in the distribution of the land, demonstrating God’s precise arrangement for the future settlement of His people.
• These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: This concluding statement clarifies the relationship between the individuals listed and their tribal origin. It explicitly connects the aforementioned families back to Benjamin, reinforcing that these distinct clans trace their descent from his immediate or principal offspring. This phrase serves to confirm the continuity of Benjamin’s lineage and to provide the genealogical basis for his tribe's organized presence within the nation of Israel, both for the upcoming military campaigns and the subsequent, long-term settlement in the promised land.

Numbers 26 22 Bonus section

• Benjamin's Resilience: In the second census, the tribe of Benjamin demonstrated remarkable growth, with its number of registered males increasing significantly from 35,400 to 45,600 (compare Num 1:37 to Num 26:41). This growth, amidst a period of decline for several other tribes due to plague and rebellion, highlights the resilience and potential divine blessing on specific family lines within the tribe, ensuring its substantial presence for its future inheritance within central Canaan, adjacent to the prominent tribe of Judah. The detailed familial listings in this verse show how this growth was carefully recorded.
• Function of Ancient Genealogies: The variations in Benjamin's genealogy across different biblical texts (e.g., Gen 46:21; Num 26:22; 1 Chron 7:6-12) illustrate that ancient genealogies were not always perfectly linear, comprehensive lists as understood today. Instead, they often served varied purposes: establishing legal claims to land, providing historical context, defining political relationships, or highlighting prominent clan leaders, even if they were grandsons rather than immediate sons. They presented an authoritative and functional account of tribal identity.
• Literary Tie to Conquest: The detailed familial organization established by this census directly foreshadows and enables the land distribution narrative in the Book of Joshua. The results of this census provided the administrative basis for the allotment of Canaan, with specific territories given to each tribe and family, including Benjamin’s prominent inheritance. This meticulous planning ties the bureaucratic details of Numbers intrinsically to the narrative of covenant fulfillment and the establishment of Israel as a settled nation.

Numbers 26 22 Commentary

Numbers 26:22 encapsulates the divine order and meticulous forethought governing Israel's preparation for their entry into Canaan. By specifically itemizing the five principal families of Benjamin—Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim—the verse underscores the vital importance of lineage and tribal organization within the ancient Israelite society. These precise records were more than historical anecdotes; they were foundational blueprints for military mobilization and, critically, for the just allocation of land within the Promised Land. Despite the preceding generation's failures and the hardships of the wilderness, this verse, part of the renewed census, stands as a testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. It showcases His determination to preserve a new generation and meticulously establish the structural framework necessary for them to fulfill His grand purposes in Canaan, demonstrating that every clan had its pre-ordained place in His intricate plan.