Numbers 26:15

KJV

The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} after their families {H4940}: of Zephon {H6827}, the family {H4940} of the Zephonites {H6831}: of Haggi {H2291}, the family {H4940} of the Haggites {H2291}: of Shuni {H7764}, the family {H4940} of the Shunites {H7765}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Gad, by their families, were: of Tz'fon, the family of the Tz'foni; of Haggi, the family of the Haggi; of Shuni, the family of the Shuni;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni,

American Standard Version

The sons of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:15 is a precise genealogical record within the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab. It meticulously lists three of the familial clans descended from Gad—the Zephonites, Haggites, and Shunites—demonstrating God's detailed knowledge and ordering of His people. This verse underscores the divine preparation of a new generation for the inheritance of the Promised Land, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the previous generation's failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:15 is embedded within the comprehensive second census of Israel, detailed from [Numbers 26:1](/numbers/26-1 "Numbers 26:1 - The Second Census Begins"). This enumeration takes place on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of the Israelites' entry into Canaan, approximately 38 years after the first census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). The primary purpose of this second counting was twofold: to assess the military strength of the new generation (those aged twenty and upward who had survived the wilderness wanderings) and, critically, to establish the tribal and family lines for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot"). This specific verse focuses on the tribe of Gad, meticulously listing the families that trace their lineage back to three of Gad's sons.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, censuses were vital administrative tools for military conscription, taxation, and land allocation. For Israel, however, a census carried profound theological weight, directly tied to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The setting on the plains of Moab is significant; it represents the threshold of the Promised Land, a place of transition from wilderness wandering to settled inheritance. The previous generation, marked by rebellion and unbelief (as seen in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea")), had perished in the wilderness, fulfilling God's judgment. This new census, therefore, marks the emergence of a new, more obedient generation, poised to fulfill God's purposes and inherit the land promised to their forefathers, underscoring God's enduring faithfulness even when His people falter, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 1:35-36](/deuteronomy/1-35 "Deuteronomy 1:35-36 - God's Judgment and Caleb's Faithfulness").

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 26:15 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, showing God's incredible attention to detail and His desire for structure within His people. The precise naming of families like the "Zephonites" and "Haggites" indicates that every individual and family line was known and accounted for in God's sovereign plan. This census also emphasizes **Preparation for Inheritance**, serving as a critical step in readying the new generation to possess the land promised to their forefathers, a central component of God's covenant with Israel as first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Continuity of God's Promises**; despite the failures and rebellion of the previous generation, God remained faithful to His covenant, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His purposes. Finally, it underscores **Tribal and Family Identity**, which was foundational for ancient Israelite society, dictating rights, responsibilities, and ultimately, the allocation of land, such as the inheritance of Gad later established on the east side of the Jordan River in [Joshua 13:24-28](/joshua/13-24 "Joshua 13:24-28 - The Inheritance of Gad").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gad (Hebrew, _Gāḏ_):** One of the twelve sons of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. His name is associated with "troop" or "fortune" (Genesis 30:11). As the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, his descendants are meticulously counted in the census, reflecting the tribal structure foundational to Israelite identity and land distribution.
* **Zephon (Hebrew, _Ṣəphōn_):** Listed as one of the sons of Gad in Genesis 46:16 and Numbers 26:15. He is the eponymous ancestor of the "Zephonites," meaning his name gives rise to the clan name. This practice of eponymous ancestry was common in ancient genealogies to establish and track familial lines.
* **-ites (Hebrew, _-î_):** This common Hebrew suffix, when appended to a personal or place name (e.g., Zephon-ites, Hagg-ites, Shun-ites), signifies "descendants of," "belonging to," or "inhabitant of." It serves to clearly delineate a specific family, clan, or national group originating from a particular individual or location, reinforcing the precise genealogical record-keeping.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Gad after their families:"**: This opening clause establishes the specific tribal context for the following enumeration. It indicates that the subsequent names are not merely individuals but represent the organized familial units within the larger tribe of Gad, emphasizing the structured nature of the Israelite community.
* **"of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites:"**: This identifies the first of the three specific clans descended from Gad mentioned in this verse. It explicitly links the ancestral figure, Zephon, to the collective body of his descendants, the Zephonites, highlighting the direct lineage and the continuity of the family line.
* **"of Haggi, the family of the Haggites:"**: Following the same pattern, this clause names the second distinct clan originating from Gad. The repetition of the structure reinforces the meticulousness of the census and the clear identification of each family unit.
* **"of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:"**: This completes the listing for this verse, identifying the third clan. The consistent naming convention underscores the importance of each family's unique identity within the tribal framework, crucial for their role in the impending land inheritance and the overall organization of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:15, like the broader census it belongs to, employs several literary techniques, primarily serving the purpose of clarity, order, and emphasis. The most prominent device is **Repetition**, evident in the consistent phrase "the family of the [name]-ites." This repetitive structure not only aids in the systematic presentation of genealogical data but also underscores the meticulousness and thoroughness of the census. The verse is also part of a larger **List** or **Catalog**, a common biblical device used to organize and authenticate historical and genealogical records. This cataloging serves to establish the legitimacy and identity of the new generation poised to enter Canaan. Furthermore, the concept of **Eponymous Ancestry** is central, where the names of Gad's sons (Zephon, Haggi, Shuni) become the names of the clans that descend from them. This device effectively communicates the origins and continuity of the family lines, reinforcing the tribal structure and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly mundane listing of names and families in Numbers 26:15 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous nature and His sovereign knowledge of every individual and family within His grand plan. The census, far from being a mere administrative task, is a divine act of ordering His people for the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, as He prepares a new people to inherit what was promised, even after the previous generation's disobedience. This attention to detail underscores that every person has a place and purpose within God's economy, and that His promises are not generic but specifically applied to His people, known by name and lineage.

* [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "The First Census")
* [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Land Distribution by Lot")
* [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Sons of Gad")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:15, though a list of names, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and intimate knowledge. Just as He meticulously accounted for every family in ancient Israel, He knows each of us individually, not just as part of a collective, but as unique persons within His grand redemptive plan. This truth should inspire awe and comfort, assuring us that we are seen, known, and valued by our Creator. Furthermore, the census's purpose—preparation for inheritance—serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. We, too, are called to prepare ourselves for the spiritual inheritance God has promised us in Christ, which involves spiritual discipline, obedience, and living in anticipation of His kingdom. The continuity of God's promises across generations, despite human failings, offers immense encouragement, reminding us that God's faithfulness endures forever, and His ultimate purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census affirm His personal knowledge and care for you today?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual blessings, callings) is God preparing you for, and how are you preparing yourself to receive and steward it?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of God's promises, despite human failure, encourage your faith and trust in Him?**

### FAQ

**Why is this census so detailed, listing individual families?**
Answer: The meticulous detail in the census, including the listing of individual families like the Zephonites and Haggites, served several crucial purposes. Primarily, it was essential for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes and their respective families, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot"). It also provided a basis for military organization and taxation. Theologically, it underscored God's divine order, His sovereign knowledge of every individual within His covenant people, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, preparing a new generation to fulfill His purposes.

**What is the significance of the "-ites" suffix in names like "Zephonites"?**
Answer: The "-ites" suffix (Hebrew: _-î_) is a common grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating "descendants of" or "belonging to." For example, "Zephonites" means "descendants of Zephon." This suffix was crucial for clearly defining familial groups, clans, or national identities originating from a particular individual or place. It served to establish and maintain the precise genealogical records vital for tribal identity, land inheritance, and historical continuity in ancient Israel.

**How does this seemingly mundane list relate to God's character?**
Answer: This seemingly mundane list profoundly reveals God's character. It demonstrates His meticulousness and attention to detail, showing that He is a God of order who oversees every aspect of His creation and His covenant people. It highlights His sovereign knowledge, implying that He knows each individual and family by name, not just as a collective. Most importantly, it underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Despite the rebellion and demise of the previous generation, God remains committed to His covenant, raising up a new generation and preparing them for the promised inheritance, showcasing His enduring love and reliability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:15, with its meticulous counting of a new generation poised for inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The detailed census, a record of those "numbered" for their earthly portion, foreshadows God's perfect knowledge of those whose names are eternally inscribed in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"). The inheritance of the physical land of Canaan, meticulously divided among the tribes, points to the far greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" as described in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance"). The transition from the wilderness generation to a new generation ready to enter the Promised Land beautifully parallels the transformation of believers from their old life in sin to a new creation in Christ, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Our true identity is no longer defined by earthly lineage or tribal affiliation, but by our union "in Christ Jesus," where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Ultimately, God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, so evident in Numbers 26:15, reaches its definitive "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills every promise of God ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.