(The Lord speaking is red text)
And [of] Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and [of] Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:
of Asri'el, the family of the Asri'eli; of Sh'khem, the family of the Shikhmi;
the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem,
and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites;
And of Asriel{H844}, the family{H4940} of the Asrielites{H845}: and of Shechem{H7928}, the family{H4940} of the Shechemites{H7930}:
Numbers 26:31 is a verse that falls within the context of a detailed census conducted among the Israelites in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho. This census occurred towards the end of the Israelites' 40-year wandering in the wilderness, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The book of Numbers records the second census of the Israelite fighting men, with the first having taken place in the Book of Exodus, shortly after the people had left Egypt.
The verse specifically mentions Asriel and Shechem, who were descendants of Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph. Asriel and Shechem were grandsons of Manasseh, and their mention here indicates the continuation of the genealogical record, emphasizing the tribal affiliations and family groups within the larger tribe of Manasseh. The families of the Asrielites and the Shechemites are noted as part of this record, which served to establish the identity and inheritance rights of these groups within the tribal territory allocated to Manasseh in the land of Canaan.
The historical context of this verse is significant because it reflects the importance of genealogies in ancient Israel. These records were crucial for determining land allotments, maintaining tribal identities, and ensuring the correct distribution of inheritances. By documenting the families of Asriel and Shechem, the text ensures that their descendants would have a claim to the land and a place within the social and religious structure of Israelite society. This census also served to muster the troops and organize the people in preparation for the military campaigns that would follow as they sought to possess the land promised to their ancestors by God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)