Numbers 26:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

[Of] the sons of Issachar after their families: [of] Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

Complete Jewish Bible:

The descendants of Yissakhar, by their families, were: of Tola, the family of the Tola'i; of Puvah, the family of the Puni;

Berean Standard Bible:

These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Punite clan from Puvah,

American Standard Version:

The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Of the sons^{H1121} of Issachar^{H3485} after their families^{H4940}: of Tola^{H8439}, the family^{H4940} of the Tolaites^{H8440}: of Pua^{H6312}, the family^{H4940} of the Punites^{H6324}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 26:23

Numbers 26:23 is part of a larger census conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest, as commanded by God, to account for the new generation of Israelites who were to inherit the Promised Land. This census occurs after the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, during which the previous generation had died out due to their disobedience.

The verse specifically lists the descendants of Issachar, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel), detailing the family groups derived from his sons Tola and Pua. The context is significant because it reflects the organization and structure of Israelite society at the time, emphasizing lineage and tribal affiliations, which were crucial for inheritance rights, military conscription, and religious duties.

The themes present in this verse include:

1. **Divine Order**: God's command to take a census reflects His interest in an orderly society and the importance of knowing the population for strategic and organizational purposes.
2. **Preparation for Conquest**: The census was a practical step in preparing the people to occupy the land of Canaan, as it allowed for the allocation of territories to each tribe based on their size.
3. **Identity and Heritage**: The listing of families by name underscores the importance of tribal identity and the continuity of heritage within the Israelite community.
4. **Transition to a New Generation**: This census marks a pivotal moment for the Israelites, as they transition from a generation that was not allowed to enter the Promised Land to one that would finally possess it.

Historically, this verse provides insight into the demographics and social structure of the Israelites on the brink of entering Canaan. It also serves as a precursor to the allocation of tribal territories and responsibilities, which would be essential for the governance and stability of the emerging Israelite nation in the land promised to their ancestors.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3485
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִשָּׂשכָר
   Transliteration: Yissâˢkâr
   Pronunciation: yis-saw-kawr'
   Description: (strictly yis-saws-kawr'); from נָשָׂא and שָׂכָר; he will bring a reward; Jissaskar, a son of Jacob; Issachar.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4940
   There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִשְׁפָּחָה
   Transliteration: mishpâchâh
   Pronunciation: mish-paw-khaw'
   Description: from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people; family, kind(-red).
   
4. Strong's Number: H8439
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹלָע
   Transliteration: Tôwlâʻ
   Pronunciation: to-law'
   Description: the same as תּוֹלָע; worm; Tola, the name of two Israelites; Tola.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8440
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹלָעִי
   Transliteration: Tôwlâʻîy
   Pronunciation: to-law-ee'
   Description: patronymically from תּוֹלָע; a Tolaite (collectively) or descendants of Tola; Tolaites.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6312
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פּוּאָה
   Transliteration: Pûwʼâh
   Pronunciation: poo-aw'
   Description: or פֻּוָּה; from פָּאָה; a blast; Puah or Puvvah, the name of two Israelites; Phuvah, Pua, Puah.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6324
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פּוּנִי
   Transliteration: Pûwnîy
   Pronunciation: poo-nee'
   Description: patronymically from an unused name meaning a turn; a Punite (collectively) or descendants of an unknown Pun; Punites.