Numbers 26 36

Numbers 26:36 kjv

And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

Numbers 26:36 nkjv

And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

Numbers 26:36 niv

These were the descendants of Shuthelah: through Eran, the Eranite clan.

Numbers 26:36 esv

And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the clan of the Eranites.

Numbers 26:36 nlt

This was the subclan descended from the Shuthelahites: The Eranites, named after their ancestor Eran.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 36 Meaning

Numbers 26:36 details specific family lineages within the tribe of Ephraim, identifying Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan as the heads of their respective clans: the Shuthelahites, Becherites, and Tahanites. This verse is part of a comprehensive census taken by Moses and Eleazar, enumerating the fighting men of Israel on the plains of Moab before their entry into the Promised Land. The purpose of this meticulous listing was not only for military readiness but primarily to facilitate the equitable division of the land by tribal and familial lines.

Numbers 26 36 Context

Numbers 26:36 is situated within the book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 26, which details the second census taken of the Israelites. This census occurs roughly 38 years after the first one recorded in Numbers chapter 1. The prior generation, having defied the Lord by refusing to enter the Promised Land (Num 14), had perished in the wilderness. This new census, conducted on the plains of Moab just before the entry into Canaan, served two critical purposes: to count the new generation of fighting men for the conquest of the land and to establish the basis for the tribal land inheritance. The meticulous listing of tribes, clans, and families, as seen in this verse concerning Ephraim, underscored the organized nature of Israelite society and the divine order underlying the allocation of their future dwelling places. From a historical and cultural perspective, accurate genealogical records were paramount for identity, land rights, religious service (especially for Levites), and military mobilization in ancient Near Eastern societies. This passage therefore not only prepares Israel for its immediate future but also reaffirms God's covenant promises and His attention to every detail of His people's journey.

Numbers 26 36 Word analysis

• Of the sons of Ephraim:
  • Original Hebrew: מִבְּנֵי אֶפְרַיִם (mibbenê 'Ephrayim).
  • Sons: Signifies descendants, not necessarily direct sons, forming the foundational lineage.
  • Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם - 'Ephrayim): Meaning "doubly fruitful," reflecting Jacob's blessing in Gen 48:19-20. Ephraim was adopted by Jacob and was elevated above his older brother Manasseh. This tribe grew significantly and later became very prominent, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
• of Shuthelah,
  • Original Hebrew: לְשׁוּתֶלַח (leShuṯelah).
  • Shuthelah: This name likely means "noise/planting" or "setting in of moisture." He is recorded as one of Ephraim's four sons in 1 Chr 7:20. His prominence here indicates his lineage continued and produced a significant clan within Ephraim.
• the family of the Shuthelahites;
  • Original Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשֻּׁתַּלְחִי (mishpaḥaṭ haShuṯelāḥi).
  • Family (מִשְׁפַּחַת - mishpachah): This term refers to a clan or subdivision within a tribe, often consisting of several households descended from a common ancestor. It was the crucial unit for land distribution, military service, and judicial matters. The "–ites" suffix indicates descent or association with the progenitor.
• of Becher,
  • Original Hebrew: מִבֶּכֶר (miBekher).
  • Becher: The name means "firstborn" or "young camel." He is also listed in 1 Chr 7:20 among Ephraim's sons, distinct from Becher, a son of Benjamin. His inclusion signifies another established branch of Ephraim.
• the family of the Becherites;
  • Original Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת הַבְּכָרִי (mishpaḥaṭ haBekhārî).
  • The specific identification of "the Becherites" emphasizes the continuation and recognition of his distinct lineage for tribal organization and land apportionment.
• of Tahan,
  • Original Hebrew: מִטָּחָן (miṬaḥan).
  • Tahan: His name likely relates to "encampment." He is further mentioned in 1 Chr 7:25 as a descendant of Ephraim, though not a direct son in the Numbers passage. This highlights the fluidity and generational depth within these "sons" lists, often including notable descendants.
• the family of the Tahanites.
  • Original Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת הַטָּחָנִי (mishpaḥaṭ haṬaḥanî).
  • This confirms the third significant clan stemming from Ephraim for the purpose of the census.

• Word Group Analysis: "of [Name], the family of the [Name]-ites"
  • This recurring structure ("לְ... מִשְׁפַּחַת הַ...") across Numbers 26 for each listed ancestor underscores the systematic, formal, and authoritative nature of the census. It ensures clarity in identifying the precise familial unit (the mishpachah) descended from each named patriarch, which was essential for maintaining order in society and justly dividing the land. The repetition emphasizes that every recorded individual belonged to a recognized and accounted-for lineage, vital for Israel's ordered transition from nomadic life to settled possession of Canaan. This also highlights God's meticulous care and divine order for His people.

Numbers 26 36 Bonus section

The emphasis on specific family lineages like those of Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan in a military census foreshadows the integral link between tribal identity and participation in the conquest of Canaan. It underlines that this generation, unlike their fathers who died in unbelief, was counted not merely as a population but as inheritors and warriors of the divine promise. Furthermore, these lists are a powerful theological statement about God's long-term plan and His faithfulness to the covenant with the patriarchs. The 'fruitfulness' associated with Ephraim, established in Genesis, is demonstrably fulfilled through the multitude of clans accounted for in this chapter, signifying that God’s blessings are active and materializing, even through difficult wilderness years. The precise naming of these clans emphasizes the continuity of God's people despite the passing of the original wilderness generation, assuring them of their distinct identity and their future in the land.

Numbers 26 36 Commentary

Numbers 26:36, though appearing as a simple genealogical record, is rich in significance. It reinforces the divine order within the Israelite community, demonstrating that God cares about the meticulous details of His people's organization, not just their broad numbers. The enumeration of these families within Ephraim underscores their readiness to inherit the land, fulfilling the covenant promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The mention of distinct family units like the Shuthelahites, Becherites, and Tahanites highlights the importance of clan identity as the basis for the future territorial inheritance and the stability of the nation. It reflects a precise, administrative purpose: identifying viable units for military service and ensuring equitable land distribution for the generation about to enter Canaan, a generation characterized by renewed faith and obedience unlike their rebellious predecessors. The very existence of these lists is a testimony to God's faithfulness in bringing His people through the wilderness and preparing them for the fulfillment of His promises.