Numbers 26:21

KJV

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Pharez {H6557} were; of Hezron {H2696}, the family {H4940} of the Hezronites {H2697}: of Hamul {H2538}, the family {H4940} of the Hamulites {H2539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Peretz were: of Hetzron, the family of the Hetzroni; and of Hamul, the family of the Hamuli.

Berean Standard Bible

And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:21, situated within the second census of Israel on the plains of Moab, meticulously details the lineage of Pharez, a son of Judah, through his two sons, Hezron and Hamul, who founded distinct family clans known as the "Hezronites" and "Hamulites." This verse underscores God's divine order and meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people, ensuring tribal identity and preparing for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, thereby demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the failures of the previous generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:21 is an integral part of the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab before the nation entered Canaan. This census, taken approximately 38 years after the first one recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), serves as a crucial transition point. It accounts for the new generation, those who survived the wilderness wanderings and were now poised to inherit the land, in stark contrast to the generation that perished due to their rebellion and unbelief. The preceding chapters detail the consequences of Israel's disobedience, culminating in the plague at Peor (Numbers 25), making this census a testament to God's enduring commitment to His covenant people. Following this detailed enumeration, the text immediately outlines the principles for land distribution based on population size, as seen in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Principles for Land Distribution"), directly linking the genealogical record to the practical realities of national settlement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census takes place on the plains of Moab, a strategic location on the eastern border of the Promised Land, signifying the imminent entry into Canaan. Historically, censuses in the ancient Near East were often conducted for military conscription, taxation, and land allocation. For Israel, this census was vital for two primary reasons: to assess the military strength of the new generation capable of conquering the land, and to establish a precise basis for the equitable division of tribal territories. In Israelite society, lineage and family (the *mishpachah*, or clan) were paramount, determining one's identity, social standing, legal rights, and, most importantly, one's portion of the ancestral land. The detailed listing of families like the Hezronites and Hamulites was not merely bureaucratic but foundational to the socio-economic and religious fabric of the nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the larger census, highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, revealing God's precise and systematic approach to organizing His people for their future. The detailed enumeration underscores that God is not a God of chaos but of perfect structure and purpose. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Continuity of God's Promise** despite human failure. The demise of the wilderness generation did not nullify God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; instead, He faithfully raised up a new generation to inherit the promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment as described in [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). Thirdly, it underscores the critical importance of **Identity and Inheritance**. Each family's specific identification within its tribe was essential for establishing its place in the community and its rightful share in the land, foreshadowing the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, as alluded to in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharez (Hebrew, _Peretz'_):** Meaning "breach" or "breakthrough," this name is highly significant, recalling his unusual birth narrative in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - The Birth of Pharez") where he "broke forth." Pharez is a pivotal figure in the genealogy of Judah, as his lineage directly leads to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. His inclusion here emphasizes the divine preservation of the messianic line.
* **Hezron (Hebrew, _Chetsron'_):** Derived from a root meaning "enclosed" or "courtyard," Hezron is identified as one of the two sons of Pharez. He is also mentioned among those who went down to Egypt with Jacob's family in [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Hezron and Hamul enter Egypt"), establishing his historical presence within the foundational generation of Israel. His descendants form a distinct and recognized clan.
* **Hamul (Hebrew, _Chamul'_):** Meaning "spared" or "pitied," Hamul is the other son of Pharez, also listed in [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Hezron and Hamul enter Egypt"). Like his brother, Hamul's descendants form a specific clan, highlighting the meticulous detail with which God organized the tribes for their future inheritance and identity.
* **Family (Hebrew, מִשְׁפָּחָה, _mishpachah'_):** This term refers to a clan or a subdivision of a tribe, larger than a single household but smaller than the entire tribe. The *mishpachah* was the fundamental unit for land inheritance and social organization in ancient Israel. Its repeated use here ("the family of the Hezronites," "the family of the Hamulites") underscores the distinct and recognized status of these branches within the tribe of Judah, crucial for establishing boundaries and rights in the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Pharez were;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus on the lineage of Pharez, a critical figure within the tribe of Judah. Pharez's unusual birth, detailed in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"), highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving the covenant line, making his descendants' enumeration here significant for the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises concerning the future of Israel and the messianic lineage.
* **"of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.":** This segment identifies the two principal branches that descended from Pharez, establishing two distinct and recognized clans. The meticulous naming of "the family of the Hezronites" and "the family of the Hamulites" is not merely a record but a declaration of their distinct identity and importance within the tribal structure. This precision was vital for the upcoming land distribution, ensuring that each *mishpachah* received its rightful inheritance and maintained its unique identity within the larger tribal framework, reflecting God's order and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:21, as part of a larger genealogical record, primarily employs **Genealogy** as its literary device. This is not merely a dry list but a theological statement, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations and His meticulous preparation of His people for the Promised Land. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the family of the [name]ites" (e.g., "the family of the Hezronites," "the family of the Hamulites") serves to underscore the distinct and recognized status of each clan within the tribe, highlighting the importance of individual family units in the divine plan for land inheritance and social structure. Furthermore, the inclusion of Pharez's line, though subtle in this immediate context, serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the future prominence of the tribe of Judah and the Davidic monarchy, as Pharez is a direct ancestor of King David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:21, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous sovereignty. In the wake of the wilderness generation's demise, this census signifies God's commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His plans are not thwarted by human failure. He meticulously preserves and prepares a new generation, ensuring the continuity of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The precise identification of each family underscores God's attention to detail, revealing that He cares not only for the grand sweep of history but also for the individual identities and destinies of His people, all within His divine order for the establishment of His kingdom.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Believers as Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:21 invites us to marvel at the character of God – His faithfulness, His orderliness, and His profound care for the details of His people's lives. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, this verse offers deep comfort, reminding us that God is sovereignly orchestrating history, even through what might appear to be mundane records. Just as He meticulously accounted for each family to ensure their identity and inheritance in the Promised Land, so too does He care for every detail of our lives, ensuring our place within His eternal plan. This passage challenges us to trust in His unwavering commitment, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that He faithfully carries His purposes forward through generations. It also calls us to embrace our identity and belonging within the family of God, recognizing that we are part of a grand narrative far greater than ourselves, with a spiritual inheritance secured by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census encourage or challenge you in your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways does this verse remind you of God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, even when human generations or personal experiences fall short?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual lineage and identity in Christ, as part of God's larger family, provide you with a sense of belonging and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why is this specific lineage of Pharez mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed mention of Pharez's lineage through Hezron and Hamul is crucial for several reasons within the context of the Numbers 26 census. Firstly, it's part of the comprehensive accounting of all Israelite males twenty years and older, which was necessary for military organization and, more importantly, for the equitable distribution of land in Canaan. The *mishpachah* (clan) was the foundational unit for land inheritance, so identifying these specific family groups within Judah was essential. Secondly, Pharez's line holds immense genealogical significance, as it is the direct lineage through which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would descend (as seen in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy")). Thus, this seemingly dry list is a testament to God's sovereign preservation of the messianic line.

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word for "family" (*mishpachah*) in this context?**

Answer: The term *mishpachah* (מִשְׁפָּחָה), translated as "family" or "clan," refers to a kinship group larger than an immediate household but smaller than a full tribe. In ancient Israelite society, the *mishpachah* was the fundamental unit for social, economic, and military organization. Its significance in Numbers 26:21 and throughout the census lies in its direct connection to land inheritance. Each *mishpachah* would receive its designated portion of the Promised Land, ensuring that the land remained within the family line across generations. This meticulous identification of clans like the "Hezronites" and "Hamulites" underscores the divine order and precision in preparing Israel for its settled national life, ensuring both identity and inheritance for every segment of the population.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:21, with its meticulous detailing of the lineage of Pharez, a son of Judah, serves as a subtle yet profound testament to God's sovereign preservation of the covenant line that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. While seemingly a dry genealogical record, this verse is a crucial thread in the tapestry of redemptive history. Pharez, whose unusual birth narrative in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar") highlights God's unexpected ways, is a direct ancestor of King David, and therefore, of Jesus Christ (as explicitly stated in the genealogies of [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 Jesus' Genealogy")). The very act of God meticulously counting and organizing these families, ensuring their identity and inheritance in the earthly Promised Land, foreshadows His greater work in Christ. Jesus, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham and David, fulfills all the promises tied to Israel's identity and inheritance. Through His atoning work, He establishes a new spiritual family, the church, where believers from every tribe and nation are no longer strangers but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Our inheritance is not merely a plot of land, but eternal life and co-heirship with Christ in His heavenly kingdom ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, this ancient census entry points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the person and work of Jesus, who brings true belonging and an imperishable inheritance to all who believe.

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.