Numbers 26 30

Numbers 26:30 kjv

These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:

Numbers 26:30 nkjv

These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites;

Numbers 26:30 niv

These were the descendants of Gilead: through Iezer, the Iezerite clan; through Helek, the Helekite clan;

Numbers 26:30 esv

These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the clan of the Iezerites; of Helek, the clan of the Helekites;

Numbers 26:30 nlt

These were the subclans descended from the Gileadites: The Iezerites, named after their ancestor Iezer.
The Helekites, named after their ancestor Helek.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 30 Meaning

Numbers 26:30 lists two of the families, the Iezerites and the Helekites, who descended from Gilead. Gilead himself was a significant descendant of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Joseph. This verse is part of the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab, meticulously recording the male descendants of each tribe over twenty years old who were fit for war and for receiving a portion of the Promised Land. It highlights the divine order, the careful structuring of the nation, and the preparation for the precise distribution of tribal and clan inheritances within Canaan.

Numbers 26 30 Context

Numbers 26 stands as a pivotal chapter, recording the second census of the Israelites taken nearly 40 years after their departure from Egypt and following the judgment upon the rebellious generation in the wilderness. The first census (Numbers 1) organized Israel for military conquest and immediate movement; this second census prepares the new generation for settling in the Promised Land. The meticulous numbering of clans and families, as seen in verse 30 concerning the descendants of Gilead, directly relates to the upcoming land distribution, ensuring each family (mishpaḥah) receives its proper inheritance (Num 26:52-56). Historically, accurate genealogies and land records were paramount for legal ownership and societal structure in the ancient Near East, solidifying identity, rights, and responsibilities.

Numbers 26 30 Word analysis

• These: (אֵלֶּה, elleh) - A demonstrative pronoun. It signifies a direct, specific enumeration. Its use emphasizes that the following list is definitive and precise, not a general overview, underscoring the divine meticulousness in numbering.
• are the sons of Gilead: (בְּנֵי גִלְעָד, bnei Gil'ad) -
  • sons of (בְּנֵי, bnei): While literally "sons," in genealogical lists, it broadly means descendants or family lines that originate from the named individual. This indicates foundational family units for tribal organization.
  • Gilead (גִלְעָד, Gil'ad): The progenitor of these two families. He was a son of Machir, the only son of Manasseh (Num 26:29; Gen 50:23; 1 Chr 7:14-17). The name also refers to a prominent Transjordanian region where some of Manasseh's descendants settled, perhaps implying the geographical focus of these clans.
• of Iezer: (לְאִיעֶזֶר, l'Iezer) -
  • Iezer (אִיעֶזֶר, Iezer or Abiezer): One of the direct sons of Gilead. His name means "my father is help" or "father of help." This family is notably mentioned in Judges as the clan from which Gideon emerged, illustrating their future historical significance. The prefix lāmed here indicates connection or belonging.
• the family of the Iezerites: (מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאִיעֶזְרִי, mishpaḥat ha-Iezeri) -
  • family (מִשְׁפַּחַת, mishpaḥat): A key social unit in Israelite society, representing a clan or sub-tribe. These families were the primary recipients of land inheritance within their larger tribe.
  • the Iezerites (הָאִיעֶזְרִי, ha-Iezeri): The denominative form, adding the suffix 'i' (-ī) to the ancestral name, indicating a group of people descending from and identified by Iezer. This solidified their distinct identity and lineage.
• and of Helek: (וְלֶחֶלֶק, v'leḥeleq) -
  • and (וְ, v'e): The conjunction "and" links Helek as another distinct son of Gilead, equal in status to Iezer in forming a foundational clan.
  • Helek (חֶלֶק, Ḥeleq): Another direct son of Gilead. His name is significant, meaning "portion" or "inheritance." This meaning resonates powerfully with the purpose of the census – the allocation of "portions" of the land by "inheritance."
• the family of the Helekites: (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֶלְקִי, mishpaḥat ha-Ḥelqi) -
  • family (מִשְׁפַּחַת, mishpaḥat): Same as above, highlighting the basic social unit.
  • the Helekites (הַחֶלְקִי, ha-Ḥelqi): The clan specifically descended from Helek, marked by the denominative form, indicating their ancestral origin and group identity.

Numbers 26 30 Bonus section

• Divine Accountability: The detailed census wasn't just for human records but implied a divine accounting. Every family counted by Moses under divine command was known to God, reinforcing the truth that God cares for individuals and families within the collective.
• Preparation for Joshua: This specific census provided the critical framework for Joshua's leadership, enabling him to allocate the land to tribes and clans as commanded, fulfilling God's promise. The smooth execution of land distribution relied entirely on the accuracy of this census.
• Beyond Genealogy: While seemingly mere names, these genealogical lists serve as anchors for Israel's identity and memory. They connect the present generation to their ancestral past, confirming their rightful claim to the land and their place in the ongoing divine narrative of redemption. The persistence of these names through millennia attests to God's enduring covenant.

Numbers 26 30 Commentary

Numbers 26:30, while appearing as a dry genealogical detail, is foundational to understanding God's faithful work in Israel. It underscores the precision and order required for the divine task of establishing His people in the Promised Land. Every enumerated family, no matter how small, possessed a unique identity and purpose within God's larger design for His covenant people. This census confirms God's covenant loyalty despite the wilderness generation's failures; He meticulously preserves the "seed" for whom the land was promised. The meticulous recording also sets the legal and social framework for the subsequent land allocation, demonstrating that the future of Israel was not chaotic but carefully planned under divine sovereignty. It emphasizes the importance of lineage, identity, and the precise fulfillment of the promise of an "inheritance" (Helek) for each family within God's redeemed community.