Numbers 26:16

KJV

Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Ozni {H244}, the family {H4940} of the Oznites {H244}: of Eri {H6179}, the family {H4940} of the Erites {H6180}:

Complete Jewish Bible

of Ozni, the family of the Ozni; of 'Eri, the family of the 'Eri;

Berean Standard Bible

the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri,

American Standard Version

of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:16 is a precise entry within the second census of Israel, meticulously documenting "the family of the Oznites" and "the family of the Erites" as descendants of Gad. This verse, seemingly a simple genealogical record, is part of a larger divine accounting of the new generation poised to enter the Promised Land, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous preparation for the inheritance and ordering of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:16 is situated within the comprehensive second census of Israel, detailed in [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). This census, taken in the plains of Moab, marks a critical juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, occurring nearly 38 years after the first census recorded in [Numbers chapter 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). The preceding chapters of Numbers recount the wilderness wanderings, the rebellion of the first generation, and the divine judgment that resulted in their demise (as prophesied in [Numbers 14:29-30](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-30 - Consequences of Rebellion")). Therefore, this census serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness, as a new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, is now prepared to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. The detailed enumeration of families, including the Oznites and Erites from the tribe of Gad, was not merely an administrative exercise but a foundational step for the equitable distribution of the land, as explicitly stated later in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this census is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, immediately prior to Israel's entry into Canaan. This location was strategically significant, serving as the staging ground for the conquest. In ancient Israelite society, tribal and family lineage was paramount, determining one's identity, social standing, and, crucially, one's claim to ancestral land. The concept of "family" (Hebrew: *mishpachah*) was broader than the modern nuclear family, often encompassing a clan or even a sub-tribe. The census, by meticulously listing each family, reinforced this societal structure and ensured that the future land allocation would be based on established lineage. Furthermore, the act of numbering itself carried theological weight, often signifying God's ownership and organization of His people, preparing them for a new phase in their covenant relationship. The survival and growth of these families, despite the wilderness trials and the judgment on the previous generation, underscored God's miraculous preservation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulousness**. God is portrayed as a God who attends to every detail, even in what might seem like mundane genealogical records. This precision reflects His sovereign control and His careful orchestration of His people's destiny. Secondly, it underscores **Generational Continuity and God's Faithfulness**. Despite the rebellion and death of the wilderness generation, God's covenant promises did not fail. A new generation emerged, ready to receive the inheritance, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word across generations. This continuity is a powerful reminder of God's steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Identity and Inheritance**. The naming of specific family lines—the Oznites and Erites—reaffirms the importance of tribal and familial identity as the basis for receiving a portion of the Promised Land. Each family's unique identity was preserved within the larger tribal structure, ensuring their rightful place in the fulfillment of God's promise of land. This theme resonates throughout the book, culminating in the instructions for land distribution in [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Distribution by Lot").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ozni (Hebrew, אׇזְנִי, _'Ozniy'_):** This is a proper name, one of the seven sons of Gad listed in [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - Sons of Gad"). The name's root might relate to "ear" or "hearing," though its precise meaning in this context is less significant than its function as a progenitor of a distinct family line. The suffix "-ites" (Hebrew: י, _-iy_ or יִים, _-iyim_) is a common patronymic marker, indicating "descendants of" or "belonging to" Ozni. Thus, "Oznites" refers to the clan or family unit that traces its lineage back to Ozni.
* **Eri (Hebrew, עֵרִי, _'Eriy'_):** Another proper name, also one of Gad's sons, alongside Ozni in [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - Sons of Gad"). The name possibly means "my watcher" or "my city." Like Ozni, its primary significance here is its role as a tribal patriarch. The "Erites" are the descendants and family group associated with Eri, confirming their distinct identity within the tribe of Gad for the purpose of the census and future land allocation.
* **Family (Hebrew, מִשְׁפָּחָה, _mishpachah'_):** This term is central to the verse's meaning. It refers to a clan, a subdivision of a tribe, or a large family unit encompassing several households that share common ancestry. The repetition of "the family of the Oznites" and "the family of the Erites" emphasizes the meticulous nature of the census, which accounted for these specific kinship groups. The *mishpachah* was the fundamental unit for land inheritance and military organization in ancient Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites":** This clause identifies the first of two specific family lines within the tribe of Gad being counted. "Ozni" is the patriarch, and "the Oznites" are his descendants, forming a distinct clan. This precise naming underscores the meticulousness of the census, ensuring that every recognized family unit was accounted for, vital for establishing their right to a portion of the Promised Land. It highlights the importance of individual lineage within the larger tribal structure.
* **"of Eri, the family of the Erites":** This parallel clause introduces the second family line from Gad mentioned in this verse. "Eri" is the patriarch, and "the Erites" are his descendants. The identical grammatical structure reinforces the systematic and comprehensive nature of the census. The inclusion of both families signifies their recognized status as distinct, viable units within the tribe, each destined to receive an inheritance in the land of Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:16, as part of a census record, primarily employs **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, systematically listing the various family groups. This device serves to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the Israelite population, emphasizing God's meticulous organization of His people. The verse also utilizes **Patronymic Naming**, where the name of the ancestor (Ozni, Eri) is used to identify the entire family or clan ("Oznites," "Erites"). This is a fundamental aspect of ancient Israelite genealogy, establishing lineage and identity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** in the parallel structure "Of [Name], the family of the [Name]-ites," which creates a rhythmic pattern characteristic of such lists and reinforces the consistent application of the census methodology across different families. While not a narrative, these devices contribute to the clarity, precision, and authoritative nature of the record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:16, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care for His covenant people. It demonstrates that despite the failures and judgment upon the previous generation, God's promises of land and nationhood endure. The very act of numbering and identifying each family unit underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving His people and preparing them for the fulfillment of His divine plan. It teaches us that every individual and every family, no matter how briefly mentioned, holds significance in God's grand narrative of redemption.

* [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - The Sons of Gad")
* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census")
* [Numbers 14:29-30](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-30 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:16 invites us to reflect on the profound truths embedded even in the seemingly mundane details of Scripture. This verse, part of a divine census, reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. He cares about every individual and every family, meticulously accounting for each one within His larger redemptive plan. Just as the Oznites and Erites were counted and prepared for their inheritance, we too are part of God's spiritual family, called to inherit His promises. This passage encourages us to recognize our place within the ongoing story of God's kingdom, to trust in His faithfulness even when circumstances are challenging, and to understand that our identity in Christ connects us to a vast spiritual lineage. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of the inheritance we have received, preparing ourselves and future generations for God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census encourage or challenge your view of His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of God's promises across generations, as seen in this census, strengthen your faith in His faithfulness today?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual identity as part of God's family (the Church) relate to the concept of family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israel?**

### FAQ

**Why is a verse like Numbers 26:16, which just lists names, important for us today?**

Answer: While seemingly just a list of names, Numbers 26:16 is profoundly important for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates God's meticulous nature and His attention to every detail of His people. He is not a God of chaos but of order, carefully organizing His community. Secondly, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the previous generation's rebellion and demise in the wilderness (as detailed in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - The Fate of the Rebellious Generation")), God raises up a new generation, counting them and preparing them to inherit the Promised Land. This shows His commitment to fulfill His word regardless of human failure. Thirdly, it underscores the importance of identity and inheritance within God's plan. Each family line was vital for the future division of the land (see [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Division")), reminding us that every individual and family has a place and purpose in God's grand design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:16, with its focus on a census preparing a new generation for inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous counting of the Oznites and Erites for their earthly inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance prepared for all who are "in Christ." Just as this census marked a transition from wilderness wandering to promised land, so Christ ushers in a new covenant, transitioning believers from the wilderness of sin to the spiritual promised land of eternal life and communion with God. He is the true heir of all things (as seen in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), and through Him, we become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The faithfulness of God to His covenant, evident in raising up a new generation after the judgment of the old, is perfectly and eternally demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus, who secured a better covenant based on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The "family" of God, once defined by physical lineage and tribal affiliation, is now expanded through Christ to include all who believe, forming a new spiritual nation, a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Identity of God's People")). In Christ, the meticulous accounting of God's people culminates in the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of all who belong to Him are eternally recorded ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Entry into the New Jerusalem")).

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 46:16

And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.