Numbers 26 5

Numbers 26:5 kjv

Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

Numbers 26:5 nkjv

Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. The children of Reuben were: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites;

Numbers 26:5 niv

The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were: through Hanok, the Hanokite clan; through Pallu, the Palluite clan;

Numbers 26:5 esv

Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the clan of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the clan of the Palluites;

Numbers 26:5 nlt

These were the clans descended from the sons of Reuben, Jacob's oldest son: The Hanochite clan, named after their ancestor Hanoch.
The Palluite clan, named after their ancestor Pallu.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 5 Meaning

Numbers 26:5 initiates the census of the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the descendants of Reuben, Israel's firstborn son. It lists two of Reuben's immediate offspring, Hanoch and Pallu, identifying them as progenitors of distinct tribal families (clans) – the Hanochites and the Palluites – within the tribe of Reuben. This detailed enumeration was crucial for the upcoming division of the land of Canaan by inheritance, ensuring each family received its proper portion based on its size, and it served as a testament to God's continued faithfulness in multiplying His people.

Numbers 26 5 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelite men aged twenty years and older who were able to go to war. This census was taken on the plains of Moab, beside the Jordan River at Jericho, after the plague that decimated those who participated in the sin of Peor (Num 25). Unlike the first census in Numbers chapter 1, which served primarily to organize the army, this second census had a direct and immediate purpose: to prepare for the division of the land of Canaan. The inheritance of the land was to be apportioned to the tribes and, specifically, to the families within each tribe, based on their numerical size (Num 26:52-56). This census also starkly highlights the demographic shift from the generation that left Egypt, nearly all of whom had died in the wilderness due to disobedience (except Joshua and Caleb), to the new generation ready to enter the Promised Land, demonstrating God's preservation and the continuity of His covenant despite human failure. Verse 5 begins the enumeration of the tribes, starting, appropriately, with Reuben as Israel's firstborn son.

Numbers 26 5 Word analysis

• Reuben (Hebrew: רְאוּבֵן, Re'uven): Means "Behold, a son!" or "See a son!" He was the firstborn son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah. Although the firstborn, Reuben forfeited his preeminent rights (such as the double portion and spiritual leadership) due to his defilement of his father's bed (Gen 35:22; 49:3-4; 1 Chron 5:1). However, he is still consistently acknowledged as "the firstborn" in tribal listings, reflecting biological reality and established tribal identity before his spiritual/leadership demotion.
• the firstborn of Israel: This phrase emphasizes Reuben's position as the initial son of Jacob, highlighting the order and historical foundation of the twelve tribes. Despite the subsequent loss of the double portion and preeminence (which went to Joseph/Ephraim and Judah, respectively), his foundational role as the firstborn is recognized for the purpose of the tribal lineage and land allocation.
• the children of Reuben; (Hebrew: בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵן, b'nei Re'uven): A direct and simple phrase indicating the descendants or sons collectively belonging to Reuben. This sets the stage for listing the sub-groups (families/clans) within his tribe.
• Hanoch, (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ, Chanokh): This name means "dedicated" or "initiated." Hanoch is identified as one of the four sons of Reuben listed in Genesis 46:9 and Exodus 6:14. In this census context, he is singled out as the direct ancestor of a primary clan within Reuben.
• of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: (Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֲנֹכִי, mishpakhat ha-Chanochi): This signifies that Hanoch gave rise to a mishpakhah (family, clan, or extended family unit) which took his name, the Hanochites. These clans were the fundamental units for organizing the tribes, military units, and particularly, for the distribution of land in Canaan. This emphasizes the transition from individuals to recognized, defined social structures.
• of Pallu, (Hebrew: פַּלּוּא, Pallu): This name means "distinguished" or "marvellous." Pallu is another of Reuben's sons listed alongside Hanoch.
• the family of the Palluites: (Hebrew: מִשְׁפַּחַת הַפַּלֻּאִי, mishpakhat ha-Pallui): Similar to the Hanochites, Pallu became the progenitor of the mishpakhah known as the Palluites. The careful delineation of these families underscores the precise and orderly nature of God's administration over Israel, particularly in preparing them to receive their inheritance.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: the children of Reuben;": This sequence establishes the primary tribal identity, confirming Reuben's position despite historical events that impacted his firstborn rights. It then moves to the collective "children" or descendants before detailing specific lineages. It reflects a standard genealogical structure moving from patriarch to collective progeny.
  • "Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:": This structured listing, repeated for each son who founded a clan, highlights the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the census. It illustrates how an individual progenitor's name gives rise to a defined "family" or clan (מִשְׁפָּחָה - mishpakhah), which was a fundamental administrative unit for land distribution, military organization, and legal identity in Israel. This precision reinforces the legal and covenantal importance of the census.

Numbers 26 5 Bonus section

• The structure of Numbers 26:5 (progenitor -> name of family/clan derived from progenitor) is replicated consistently throughout the chapter for each tribe and its sub-clans. This literary pattern emphasizes the divine order and thoroughness in preparing for the settlement of the land.
• The persistence of the tribal names, despite the individual moral failures (like Reuben's), indicates the steadfastness of God's covenant with the collective nation of Israel. Even when individuals fall, God preserves His people and their identity in preparation for His promises.
• The fact that these families are explicitly counted before entering the land implies a sense of legal registration and ownership. Each name and family listed represents a claim to a piece of the inheritance, foretelling the meticulous land distribution described in the Book of Joshua.
• The slight numerical decrease or significant changes in certain family sizes within tribes between the first and second censuses (though not detailed in verse 5) would have been keenly observed by the original audience, signaling either growth, decline, or survival within specific lineages. This detailed accounting was vital for communal memory and identity.

Numbers 26 5 Commentary

Numbers 26:5 initiates the second great census of Israel, forty years after the first one and immediately preceding their entrance into Canaan. By commencing with "Reuben, the firstborn of Israel," the text maintains traditional genealogical order, acknowledging Reuben's biological precedence despite his moral failures and the consequent forfeiture of his firstborn preeminence to Joseph (via Ephraim) and Judah. This detail showcases God's fidelity to His historical covenant framework while also subtly reminding the original audience of divine justice and the importance of conduct. The focus on "families" (clans) like the Hanochites and Palluites underscores the practical purpose of this census: it was for the allocation of the Promised Land (Num 26:52-56). Land was not given arbitrarily or just to the overall tribe, but was precisely divided among the extended family units based on their size. This ensured that every legitimate Israelite family, no matter how small, would receive its rightful inheritance, affirming God's detailed care for His people and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham to multiply his seed and give them a land. It is a powerful statement of continuity and divine preservation, as a new generation, counted and ordered by God, stands ready to possess what their unfaithful fathers could not.