Numbers 26 45

Numbers 26:45 kjv

Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.

Numbers 26:45 nkjv

Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.

Numbers 26:45 niv

and through the descendants of Beriah: through Heber, the Heberite clan; through Malkiel, the Malkielite clan.

Numbers 26:45 esv

Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of the Malchielites.

Numbers 26:45 nlt

These were the subclans descended from the Beriites: The Heberites, named after their ancestor Heber.
The Malkielites, named after their ancestor Malkiel.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 45 Meaning

Numbers 26:45 meticulously lists three of the principal clans, the Imnites, Ishvites, and Beriites, within the tribe of Asher. This verse forms part of the second wilderness census of Israelite men aged twenty and above, specifically those able for military service, and crucial for the upcoming distribution of the Promised Land. It underscores God's commitment to His covenant people, showcasing the continuation of His blessings and the divinely ordained structure of the Israelite nation as it prepared for its destiny.

Numbers 26 45 Context

Numbers chapter 26 chronicles the second national census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. This enumeration takes place decades after the first census (Numbers 1) and critically, after the entire adult generation, initially surveyed, had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and rebellion against the LORD, as prophesied (Numbers 14). Specifically, it occurs immediately following the judgment for Israel's sin at Baal-Peor in Numbers 25. The purpose of this meticulous counting by tribe, clan, and head of household was dual: to assess the nation's military readiness for the impending conquest of the Promised Land, and to prepare for the systematic and equitable division of the land among the families based on their size and numbers. Verse 45, therefore, is part of this precise record, detailing the lineage and structural organization within the tribe of Asher as they stood on the threshold of inheriting their covenant blessing.

Numbers 26 45 Word analysis

• Of Aser / Of Asher:
  • Hebrew: אָשֵׁר (Asher), meaning "happy" or "blessed."
  • The tribal progenitor, a son of Jacob and Leah's servant Zilpah (Gen 30:13), symbolizing Leah's declaration of happiness over his birth.
  • His name underscores the blessed nature and continued existence of this significant tribe within God's covenant nation, fulfilling ancestral promises of multiplication.
• the family of the / the clan of the:
  • Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת (mishpachat), meaning "family," "clan," or "sub-tribe."
  • Denotes a major internal subdivision within a larger tribe, genealogically descended from a common ancestor. These were critical units for military organization and, particularly, for the equitable distribution of land.
  • Emphasizes the structured, divinely ordained societal order within ancient Israel.
• Jimnites / Imnites:
  • Refers to the descendants of Imnah (יִמְנָה, Yimnah), the firstborn son of Asher mentioned in the ancestral records (Gen 46:17, 1 Chr 7:30).
  • The name Yimnah potentially suggests "right hand" or "prosperity," implying a robust or favored lineage.
  • Signifies a distinct and established family branch contributing to the tribal count.
• of Jishui / of the Ishvites:
  • Refers to the descendants of Ishvi (יִשְׁוִי, Yishwi), another son of Asher (Gen 46:17, 1 Chr 7:30).
  • The meaning of Yishwi is debated, possibly meaning "alike" or "level."
  • The independent listing reiterates the importance of each clan within the overall tribal structure. The slightly varied Hebrew wording for "of Ishvites" in some texts maintains a sense of separate recognition for each clan.
• of Beriah / of the Beriites:
  • Refers to the descendants of Beriah (בְּרִיעָה, Beriya), the fourth son of Asher (Gen 46:17, 1 Chr 7:30).
  • The name Beriya is unusual, meaning "in evil" or "with a cry," which scholars speculate may denote difficult circumstances surrounding his birth (e.g., pain, sorrow).
  • Despite this potentially sorrowful etymology, the clan of Beriah grew notably, even being a progenitor of further divisions within Asher (1 Chr 7:31-36). This highlights God's sovereignty, where blessing and fruitfulness can emerge powerfully even from challenging or somber beginnings. It testifies that divine purpose is not limited by human circumstances.

Numbers 26 45 Bonus section

The list of Asher's sons in Genesis 46:17 and 1 Chronicles 7:30 includes Imnah, Ishvah (or Ishuah), Ishvi, and Beriah, with their sister Serah. Numbers 26:45 notably omits a specific clan designation for "Ishvah" (or Ishuah) while listing Imnites, Ishvites, and Beriites. This might indicate that the descendants of Ishvah either did not form a distinct clan of significant size counted in this census, or perhaps they were absorbed into other lines, like that of Ishvi. The focus of this census was on major functional family units ("families" or mishpachat) for administrative purposes such as land allocation and military service, rather than a full, exhaustive genealogical registry of every minor descendant. This precision underscores that the divine purpose for the census was very practical and forward-looking, pertaining to the nation's immediate destiny in Canaan.

Numbers 26 45 Commentary

Numbers 26:45, a segment of Israel's second wilderness census, offers more than a genealogical list; it's a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. Amidst the perishing of an entire generation, this verse highlights the new generation of the tribe of Asher, ready to inherit the promised land. By enumerating specific clans—Imnites, Ishvites, and Beriites—the text reveals the meticulous order of God's people and His recognition of each distinct family unit within the larger covenant community. The very survival and thriving of these clans, particularly Beriah's, whose name carries implications of hardship, serve as a poignant reminder that God works even through adverse circumstances, bringing forth strength and continuation. This precise record confirms the divine preservation of the promise of multiplying Abraham's descendants and ensures proper land distribution, signifying the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient covenant with Israel. It ultimately shows that God's plans are always realized, despite human failing.