Numbers 26 6

Numbers 26:6 kjv

Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

Numbers 26:6 nkjv

of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

Numbers 26:6 niv

through Hezron, the Hezronite clan; through Karmi, the Karmite clan.

Numbers 26:6 esv

of Hezron, the clan of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the clan of the Carmites.

Numbers 26:6 nlt

The Hezronite clan, named after their ancestor Hezron.
The Carmite clan, named after their ancestor Carmi.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 6 Meaning

Numbers 26:6 declares that the tribe of Levi was not included in the census alongside the other Israelite tribes. This exclusion highlights Levi's unique divine calling and separate function within the community of Israel. Unlike the other tribes counted for military service and eventual land distribution in Canaan, Levi's purpose was centered on serving the Lord, particularly concerning the Tabernacle and its sacred duties. Their lives and inheritance were distinctly set apart by God.

Numbers 26 6 Context

Numbers chapter 26 details the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab just before entry into Canaan, after a plague decimated many (Numbers 25). This census aimed to count men twenty years and upward who were able to go to war, similar to the first census in Numbers 1. However, its primary purpose here was for the distribution of the land of Canaan according to tribal strength and family lineage (Numbers 26:52-56). The specific exclusion of the Levites in verse 6, echoing their previous exclusion in Numbers 1, emphasizes their distinct calling. Historically and culturally, other ancient Near Eastern peoples typically enrolled all men in censuses for taxation or military service. Israel’s distinction of the Levites set them apart, reflecting Yahweh’s unique covenant relationship with this particular tribe and their sacred duties related to His dwelling among them. There is an indirect polemic against any worldview that might consider military strength or land ownership as the sole indicators of tribal worth or purpose. Israel's identity includes a distinct sacred service component, exemplified by Levi.

Numbers 26 6 Word analysis

• But: Hebrew particle וְ (ve-), meaning "and" or "but." Here it functions adversatively, indicating a contrast or exception to the general rule stated in the preceding verses, which listed the tribes that were counted. It sets Levi apart.
• among these: Refers to the collective body of Israelite men aged twenty and upward, who were registered by their fathers' houses as specified in Numbers 26:2. This emphasizes their distinct nature from the other tribes.
• were not those counted: Hebrew "לֹא־הָיוּ פְקֻדֵּיהֶם" (lo-hayu peqūddêhem).
  • לֹא (lo'): "not," a standard negative particle, clearly indicating exclusion.
  • הָיוּ (hayu): "were," past tense of "to be."
  • פְקֻדֵּיהֶם (peqūddêhem): "their counted ones" or "those registered by them." The root פקד (paqad) means to muster, appoint, visit, take a census of. This term denotes an official registration or enrollment. Its use highlights that they were not merely overlooked but deliberately omitted from this specific count for a defined purpose. This implies a divine directive, not an oversight.
• of the tribe of Levi: Hebrew "לִשְׁבֵט לֵוִי" (lishveṭ Lēvî).
  • לִשְׁבֵט (lishveṭ): "to/for the tribe."
  • לֵוִי (Lēvî): "Levi." The personal name of one of Jacob's sons, from whom the priestly tribe descended. This identifies the specific group exempted, emphasizing their unique lineage and role as chosen by God. Their identity is tied directly to their spiritual function.

Words-group analysis

• But among these were not those counted: This phrase forcefully establishes an exception to the comprehensive tribal count that precedes it. It signals a fundamental distinction in divine purpose and status. The Levites, while fully Israelites, were not part of the military or land-inheriting scheme of this census. This highlights divine sovereignty in setting boundaries and designating roles.
• of the tribe of Levi: This part specifies who the exception applies to and why their inclusion or exclusion carries theological weight. The entire identity and role of the tribe of Levi were consecrated to the service of the Tabernacle and its priesthood, contrasting sharply with the military and territorial concerns of the other tribes. Their not being counted in a census meant for war and land division affirmed their specific holy task.

Numbers 26 6 Bonus section

The consistent exclusion of the Levites from censuses of military readiness and land distribution throughout Numbers (Chapters 1 and 26) reinforces a foundational truth: not all service looks the same, and not all inheritance is material. This repeated emphasis highlights God's design for vocational diversity within His people, where the Levites’ separation from earthly pursuits for spiritual service demonstrated the importance of mediation between God and man. This foreshadows a New Testament concept where all believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9), not requiring a territorial inheritance, but instead, inheriting all things through Christ. The Levites were physically distributed among the tribes through their Levitical cities, symbolizing their presence and ministry to all of Israel, acting as living reminders of God's presence and Law, and ensuring sacred practices were maintained throughout the land, even though they owned no large territorial tracts themselves.

Numbers 26 6 Commentary

Numbers 26:6 succinctly articulates a core principle of Israel's national and religious structure: the separation and unique purpose of the tribe of Levi. This verse is not a casual observation but a crucial theological statement embedded within the census record. Unlike other tribes, whose census was directly linked to military capability and future land distribution, the Levites were dedicated solely to the sacred duties of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their lack of inclusion in this census underscores their unique role, setting them apart from the nation's temporal and military pursuits. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, not territory in Canaan. This distinct vocational identity provided stability to Israel's worship, emphasizing God's call to set apart certain individuals for sacred service, teaching, and guardianship of the covenant, reinforcing that true purpose is often found in dedicated service to God, not worldly achievements or possessions.