Numbers 26 58

Numbers 26:58 kjv

These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.

Numbers 26:58 nkjv

These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, and the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begot Amram.

Numbers 26:58 niv

These also were Levite clans: the Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, the Korahite clan. (Kohath was the forefather of Amram;

Numbers 26:58 esv

These are the clans of Levi: the clan of the Libnites, the clan of the Hebronites, the clan of the Mahlites, the clan of the Mushites, the clan of the Korahites. And Kohath was the father of Amram.

Numbers 26:58 nlt

The Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the Mushites, and the Korahites were all subclans of the Levites. Now Kohath was the ancestor of Amram,

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 58 Meaning

Numbers 26:58 details the specific families of the Levites in the second census, highlighting their ancestral divisions crucial for their distinct roles and organization within Israel. It enumerates the families descended from Levi's sons—Libni, Hebroni, Mahli, Mushi—and specifically names the Korathite family, and then provides a vital genealogical link: "And Kohath begat Amram." This link establishes the direct lineage to Moses and Aaron, underscoring the divine appointment and legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood within the Kohathite branch of Levi.

Numbers 26 58 Context

Numbers chapter 26 is the record of the second census taken by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, before the Israelites' entry into Canaan. This census was crucial for reorganizing the tribes, re-establishing a national identity after the wilderness generation, and preparing for the distribution of the land. The Levites, due to their unique spiritual duties, were counted separately (verses 57-62) and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, a fact consistent throughout the Torah. Verse 58 specifically lists the Levitical clans that trace their lineage back to Levi's sons (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, though Gershon and Merari are represented by their immediate descendants like Libni, Mushi, and Mahli) and their further descendants, providing the exact lineage that confirmed who was eligible for priestly or Levitical service, most notably the direct line from Kohath to Amram, which leads to Aaron and Moses. The inclusion of the "Korathites" despite Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16 implicitly distinguishes the enduring family line from the individuals directly involved in the rebellion, emphasizing divine preservation of family units where individuals had not participated.

Numbers 26 58 Word analysis

• These (`אֵלֶּה` - 'elleh'): Demonstrative pronoun, introducing a definitive list, emphasizing the accuracy and finality of the families listed. In a census, precision is paramount.
• are (`הָאֵלֶּה` - ha'elleh): Combined with 'elleh', literally "these are," signifying the following information defines the very nature of the Levite families.
• families (`מִשְׁפְּחֹת` - mishpechot): Plural of mishpachah, meaning "family," "clan," "kindred group." This term is foundational to Israel's social and religious structure, determining identity, inheritance, and tribal roles. It denotes a fundamental unit of identity and organization within ancient Israel.
• of the Levites (`לֵוִי` - levi): Referring to the tribe of Levi, specifically set apart for priestly and sanctuary service. Their role was distinct from the other tribes, who were to receive territorial inheritance.
• the family of the Libnites (`הַלִּבְנִי` - ha-Libni): Descendants of Libni, a son of Gershon (one of Levi's three sons, though Gershon himself isn't named in v. 58, Libni is his firstborn). Their duties involved the care of the Tabernacle's coverings and court curtains.
• the family of the Hebronites (`הַחֶבְרֹנִי` - ha-Chebroni): Descendants of Hebron, a son of Kohath (Num 3:19). The Hebronites were involved in the weighty duties of transporting sacred furniture and cultic objects.
• the family of the Mahlites (`הַמַּחְלִי` - ha-Machli): Descendants of Mahli, a son of Merari (Levi's third son). The Mahlites and Mushites handled the Tabernacle's frame, pillars, bases, and structural components.
• the family of the Mushites (`וּמִשְׁפַּחַת הַמּוּשִׁי` - u-mishpachat ha-Mushi): Descendants of Mushi, also a son of Merari. (Similar duties to Mahlites).
• the family of the Korathites (`מִשְׁפַּחַת הַקָּרְחִי` - mishpachat ha-Korchi): Descendants of Korah, a son of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath (Num 16:1, Exod 6:21). The explicit mention of "Korathites" despite Korah's rebellion (Num 16) is highly significant; it confirms that while Korah and his immediate accomplices perished, his sons and wider family line were preserved, highlighting God's justice mixed with grace, allowing certain descendants to continue their roles (e.g., as temple musicians, 1 Chr 6:31-38; authors of psalms, Psa 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88).
• And Kohath (`וְקֵהָת` - ve-Qehat): Introduces a key genealogical connection. Kohath was the second son of Levi. His lineage is critical because it leads directly to the high priestly line.
• begat (`הוֹלִיד` - holid): Standard Hebrew verb for "fathered," "generated," or "became the father of." It denotes direct parentage and establishes genealogical succession.
• Amram (`אֶת־עַמְרָֽם` - et-'Amram): Son of Kohath, and crucially, the father of Aaron and Moses (Exod 6:20). This specific detail establishes the immediate genealogical context for the priestly and prophetic leadership, rooted within the Kohathite clan. It's a foundational link for the Aaronic priesthood.

• Families of the Levites: This grouping signifies their communal identity and designated function within Israel, differentiating them from other tribes who were defined by territorial inheritance. Their identity is functional and genealogical.
• Specific Family Names (Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, Mushites): These detailed listings reinforce the meticulousness of the census and the organized structure of the Levitical service. Each branch had particular responsibilities related to the Tabernacle, showing divine order in ministry.
• Korathites and Kohath Begat Amram: This is a powerful combination. The Korathites (from a disgraced lineage) are listed among the legitimate clans, demonstrating God's preservation despite rebellion (as noted in Num 26:11, "The sons of Korah, however, did not die"). Immediately following, the verse reinforces the central, divinely chosen priestly line through Kohath to Amram (and then Aaron and Moses), counterbalancing the notoriety of Korah and solidifying the legitimate leadership. This reinforces God's specific election for priestly office.

Numbers 26 58 Bonus section

The Levitical census (Num 26:57-62) serves several key purposes beyond just population count. It signifies:

• Separation: Reinforces Levi's status as a distinct tribe, "set apart" for the Lord, without land inheritance but dedicated wholly to priestly duties. This prefigures the New Testament concept of being set apart for God's service.
• Succession and Legitimacy: The specific listing of families, particularly the direct Kohathite-Amram lineage, validates the line of Moses, Aaron, and future priests. It served as an ancient form of credentials for priestly and Levitical service. Any unauthorized claim to these offices (like Korah's) was illegitimate because it lacked this divine and genealogical stamp.
• Continuity Despite Judgment: The preservation of the Korathites (Num 26:11), mentioned alongside this critical lineage information, highlights God's grace in upholding a covenant line even in the face of rebellion. This particular group would later produce great Psalmists and temple musicians (Sons of Korah in the Psalms and 1 Chronicles), showing God's ability to use all branches for His glory.
• Theological Parallel to Christ: While this verse highlights the Mosaic covenant priesthood's legitimacy through lineage, the New Testament's Book of Hebrews draws a sharp contrast, demonstrating that Christ's priesthood is not based on such earthly, imperfect genealogies, but on an indestructible life and an unchangeable order (Melchizedekian, Heb 7). The meticulously listed Levitical lines thereby underscore the radical nature and superior divine appointment of Christ's perfect and eternal High Priesthood.

Numbers 26 58 Commentary

Numbers 26:58 provides a crucial summary of the Levite families, laying out the genealogical backbone for their distinct roles in Israel's worship and national life. It meticulously lists the four primary Kohathite and Merarite families that formed the service divisions (the Gershonite families are covered elsewhere), emphasizing the orderly nature of their tasks related to the Tabernacle. The inclusion of the Korathites, specifically mentioned after the catastrophic rebellion led by Korah, underscores a profound biblical truth: while God executes justice against sin, His mercy extends to preserve family lines where direct culpability might be removed (as the sons of Korah did not die in the initial judgment, Num 26:11). The subsequent mention that "Kohath begat Amram" is paramount. This simple statement links the Levite census directly to the very progenitors of the Aaronic priesthood and the prophetic leadership of Moses, anchoring their authority and divine appointment in precise genealogy. It legitimizes the established order, providing clear boundaries for who belongs to the designated lineage of service, upholding God's sovereign choices for leadership and ministry within His people.