Numbers 26:20

KJV

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063} after their families {H4940} were; of Shelah {H7956}, the family {H4940} of the Shelanites {H8024}: of Pharez {H6557}, the family {H4940} of the Pharzites {H6558}: of Zerah {H2226}, the family {H4940} of the Zarhites {H2227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Y'hudah who had descendants were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelani; of Peretz, the family of the Partzi; and of Zerach, the family of the Zarchi.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:20 meticulously records the three primary family lines descending from Judah—Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah—as part of Israel's second census in the plains of Moab. This detailed enumeration underscores God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His covenant people, preparing the new generation for the inheritance of the Promised Land, and highlighting the enduring prominence of the tribe of Judah, from which the promised Messiah would ultimately emerge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:20 is embedded within the second census of Israel, conducted approximately 38 years after the first census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). This pivotal chapter follows the tragic events of the Baal of Peor apostasy and the subsequent plague in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal of Peor Incident"), which had decimated a significant portion of the older generation. The census in Numbers 26 serves as a divine re-establishment of the nation, preparing a new generation for the conquest and division of the Promised Land, with specific instructions for land distribution given immediately after the census in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot"). Verse 20 specifically focuses on the tribe of Judah, detailing its familial subdivisions, a testament to its enduring significance within the twelve tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this census is the plains of Moab, on the eastern border of Canaan, signifying Israel's imminent entry into the Promised Land. The generation that rebelled against God and was condemned to die in the wilderness had largely passed away, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). This new census was therefore crucial for several practical and theological reasons. Culturally, such detailed genealogical records were vital for establishing tribal and family identities, ensuring proper inheritance rights, and organizing military forces for the impending conquest. The use of patronymic names (e.g., "Shelanites" from "Shelah") was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to delineate family lines. Historically, the tribe of Judah was already recognized for its numerical strength, having the largest population in the first census, and maintaining a significant number in this second count, reflecting its destined leadership role among the tribes.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in Numbers 26:20, as part of the broader census, contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**: despite the previous generation's disobedience and the severity of God's judgment, He remained true to His covenant promises to Abraham to multiply his descendants and give them the land, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, it highlights **Generational Continuity**: the detailed listing of families like the Shelanites, Pharzites, and Zarhites underscores the unbroken lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to maintain His people through successive generations. Thirdly, the census emphasizes God's commitment to **Order and Organization**: His plan for His people is characterized by structure, careful record-keeping, and a systematic approach to their societal and spiritual well-being. Finally, this enumeration serves as a direct **Preparation for Inheritance**, ensuring that each family knew its tribal affiliation and its potential share in the land, thus linking the present generation to the future fulfillment of God's promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judah (Hebrew, יְהוּדָה, _Yehudah_):** Meaning "praise," Judah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He became the progenitor of the tribe from which both the Davidic kingship and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. His prominence in this census, as one of the largest tribes, foreshadows the significant leadership and royal destiny prophesied for his descendants (cf. [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). The detailed enumeration of Judah's families here underscores the divine focus on this particular lineage within God's redemptive plan.
* **Families (Hebrew, מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, _mishp'chotam_):** This term refers to the clans or subdivisions within a larger tribe, typically based on patriarchal descent. The meticulous listing of these "families" highlights the highly organized, hierarchical structure of Israelite society. This organization was crucial not only for military purposes and the equitable distribution of land but also for maintaining distinct tribal and familial identities, preserving genealogical records, and ensuring proper inheritance rights. It reflects God's attention to detail and His desire for order within His covenant community.
* **Pharez (Hebrew, פֶּרֶץ, _Perets_):** Meaning "breach" or "bursting forth," Pharez was a son of Judah by Tamar, born with a unique narrative where he "burst forth" ahead of his twin brother Zerah (see [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - The Birth of Pharez")). His inclusion here is profoundly significant, as Pharez is explicitly named in the messianic lineage of Jesus Christ in the New Testament genealogies (e.g., [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy")). His presence in this census, alongside his brothers, anchors this seemingly mundane demographic record firmly within the overarching narrative of God's sovereign plan to bring forth the Savior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Judah after their families were;":** This introductory clause establishes the specific focus of the verse on the tribe of Judah, one of the most prominent tribes in Israel. The phrase "after their families" emphasizes the patriarchal and clan-based organization that was fundamental to Israelite society and the census's purpose, indicating that the following enumeration will detail the subdivisions within Judah's lineage.
* **"of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites:":** Shelah was the third son of Judah by the daughter of Shua (cf. [Genesis 38:5](/genesis/38-5 "Genesis 38:5 - The Birth of Shelah")). His family, the Shelanites, represents one of the three major branches of Judah's descendants being counted. Their inclusion signifies the continued existence and contribution of this lineage to the overall strength and composition of the tribe of Judah.
* **"of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites:":** Pharez, born to Judah through Tamar, is a pivotal figure due to his place in the lineage that would eventually lead to King David and Jesus Christ. The enumeration of the Pharzites highlights the preservation of this specific line, even amidst the larger tribal count, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in maintaining the ancestral path of the Messiah. This seemingly ordinary listing carries extraordinary redemptive weight.
* **"of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.":** Zerah was the twin brother of Pharez, also born to Judah through Tamar (cf. [Genesis 38:30](/genesis/38-30 "Genesis 38:30 - The Birth of Zerah")). The Zarhites represent the other significant branch from Judah's union with Tamar. Their inclusion completes the immediate familial breakdown of Judah's descendants relevant to this census, underscoring the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the record, ensuring all significant lines are accounted for.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:20, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration** or **Catalog**. This meticulous listing of families and their progenitors serves to establish a comprehensive and official record of the Israelite population. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the family of the [name]ites" across the verse and the chapter reinforces the systematic and official nature of the census, emphasizing divine order and oversight. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Genealogy** within the broader census, tracing the specific lines of Judah's descendants. This genealogical aspect is crucial, as it connects the current generation in the plains of Moab back to their patriarchal roots, affirming continuity and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The seemingly dry list is imbued with profound theological significance due to its role in the unfolding of redemptive history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detailing of Judah's families in Numbers 26:20 transcends mere demographic data; it is a profound testament to God's unwavering **faithfulness** and sovereign **preservation** of His covenant people. Despite the rebellion and demise of the previous generation in the wilderness, God ensures the continuity of Israel, demonstrating that His plans are not thwarted by human failure. This census, particularly the focus on specific family lines, underscores the divine commitment to the Abrahamic covenant to multiply Abraham's descendants and give them the land. It also highlights God's **orderliness** and **attentiveness to detail**, revealing a God who meticulously orchestrates history, even down to individual family units, for His overarching redemptive purposes. The inclusion of Pharez's line is particularly significant, subtly pointing towards the future leadership and messianic roles destined for Judah.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")
* [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Exodus 1:7 - Israel's Multiplication in Egypt")
* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:20, though seemingly a dry list of names, offers rich spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer. It invites us to marvel at God's incredible **patience and long-suffering** with His people, as He faithfully raises up a new generation even after the failures of the old. This verse reminds us that God's purposes are **generational**; His plans extend far beyond our individual lives, weaving through families and communities across centuries. We are part of a larger story, a grand narrative of redemption that God is meticulously unfolding. It encourages us to trust in His **sovereign oversight** even in the mundane details of life, knowing that He is working all things together for His glory and our good. Just as He preserved and prepared the families of Judah for their inheritance, He is also preparing us, His spiritual Israel, for our eternal inheritance in Christ. This should inspire us to live faithfully in our own generation, contributing to the ongoing story of God's redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of this census, particularly the focus on family lines, deepen your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "generational continuity" in God's plan encourage or challenge your perspective on your own legacy and the spiritual heritage you are building?**
* **How can recognizing God's faithfulness to ancient Israel, despite their failures, strengthen your trust in His faithfulness to you in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is a census so important in the Book of Numbers?**

Answer: The censuses in the Book of Numbers serve multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide an accurate demographic count of the Israelite population, particularly those aged twenty years and upward who were able to go to war, as seen in [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Counting the Warriors"). This was essential for military organization and readiness for conquest. Secondly, they were vital for the equitable division of the Promised Land, as the size of each tribe and family determined the extent of their inheritance, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot"). Thirdly, the censuses, especially the second one in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"), demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people despite their rebellion and the judgment on the previous generation. It shows that God's covenant promises, such as those made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Promise to Abraham"), remained steadfast. Finally, they underscore the divine order and organization within the Israelite community, reflecting God's meticulous care for His people.

**What is the particular significance of Judah's prominence in this census?**

Answer: The tribe of Judah holds a uniquely prominent position throughout Israel's history, and its detailed enumeration in [Numbers 26:20](/numbers/26-20 "Numbers 26:20 - Judah's Families in the Census") reflects this. From the very first census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), Judah was the largest tribe, a status it largely maintained in the second census. This numerical strength foreshadowed its future leadership role among the tribes. Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Blessing on Judah") clearly designates Judah as the royal tribe, from which kings would emerge and ultimately the Messiah. The meticulous listing of Judah's families here, including the line of Pharez, reinforces the divine preservation of this specific lineage, ensuring the continuity of the promise that the "scepter shall not depart from Judah" ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")). Thus, Judah's prominence in the census is not merely demographic but deeply theological, pointing towards its central role in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:20, with its dry enumeration of Judah's families—Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah—serves as a crucial, albeit subtle, thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the lineage of Judah, particularly through Pharez, is foundational to the unfolding of the messianic promise. It is through Pharez that the line of King David would emerge, as explicitly stated in the genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:33](/luke/3-33 "Luke 3:33 - Pharez in Luke's Genealogy"). This seemingly mundane census entry thus becomes a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His sovereign hand in orchestrating history, even down to individual family lines, to bring forth the promised Savior. Jesus, as the ultimate "Son of David" and "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")), fulfills the ancient prophecies and the very purpose of Judah's prominence. He is the true inheritor of all things, the one who brings His people into their ultimate spiritual inheritance, far surpassing the earthly land promised in Numbers. The meticulous record of this earthly lineage underscores the real, historical embodiment of God's eternal Son, who entered human history to redeem humanity and establish His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the very purpose for which Israel was preserved and counted.

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

Nehemiah 11:24

And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, [was] at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.

Genesis 46:12

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

Genesis 38:26

And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Genesis 38:30

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

Genesis 38:11

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren [did]. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.

Genesis 38:14

And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which [is] by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.

Luke 3:33

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,