Numbers 26:22

KJV

These [are] the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the families {H4940} of Judah {H3063} according to those that were numbered {H6485} of them, threescore and sixteen {H7657}{H8337} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the families of Y'hudah, according to those counted of them, 76,500.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500.

American Standard Version

These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:22 records the precise enumeration of the tribe of Judah during the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab. This detailed count, totaling 76,500 fighting men, underscores God's meticulous attention to His covenant people as they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. It highlights Judah's enduring prominence among the tribes and serves as a foundational administrative act for the impending distribution of the land, demonstrating divine faithfulness and preparation for the nation's future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:22 is an integral part of the larger census narrative found in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This chapter meticulously records the second national census of Israel, taken nearly 38 years after the first census detailed in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). The immediate context of verse 22 is the enumeration of the descendants of Jacob's sons, tribe by tribe, beginning with Reuben and proceeding through the various tribal families. The purpose of this comprehensive count, as explicitly stated later in the chapter, was to prepare for the division of the land of Canaan, with larger tribes receiving a greater inheritance ([Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution Principles")). This census also serves as a stark contrast to the previous generation, which had largely perished in the wilderness due to disobedience, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). The survival and growth of the new generation, ready to enter the land, powerfully testify to God's unwavering faithfulness despite human failure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The second census took place on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, just before the Israelites were to cross into the Promised Land. This geographical location was significant, marking the end of their wilderness wanderings and the cusp of fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Culturally, censuses in ancient Near Eastern societies often served military, administrative, and taxation purposes. For Israel, this census was primarily for military readiness, identifying all males aged twenty years and upward "who were able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 26:2](/numbers/26-2 "Numbers 26:2 - Purpose of the Census")), and for the equitable distribution of tribal territories. The emphasis on "families" (מִשְׁפְּחֹת, _mishpachot_) highlights the patriarchal and clan-based structure of Israelite society, where land inheritance and social identity were deeply rooted in family lineage. The meticulous record-keeping reflects a divinely ordained order for the nascent nation, preparing them for settled life and the establishment of a theocratic society in Canaan.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous counting of Judah in [Numbers 26:22](/numbers/26-22 "Numbers 26:22 - Judah's Census Count") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**. Despite the rebellion and subsequent judgment on the first generation, God remained true to His covenant with Abraham, preserving a new generation to inherit the land ([Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-35 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The census itself is an act of divine care, demonstrating that God's plans will not be thwarted by human sin. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Organization** as foundational to God's work. The detailed enumeration of each tribe and family, down to specific numbers, reveals God's preference for structure and precision in preparing His people for their future. Thirdly, the census is intrinsically linked to **Preparation for Inheritance**. The numbers directly determined the size of each tribe's land allotment, ensuring a just and orderly distribution of the Promised Land ([Numbers 26:53](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Land Allotment Principle")). Finally, Judah's consistently large numbers, both in this census (76,500) and the first (74,600 in [Numbers 1:27](/numbers/1-27 "Numbers 1:27 - Judah's First Census Count")), emphasize **Judah's Prominence and Future Leadership**. This numerical strength foreshadows its eventual role as the royal tribe, from which King David would emerge, and ultimately, the Messiah, as prophesied by Jacob in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachot'_):** This plural noun refers to the extended family units or clans within a tribe. In ancient Israelite society, the _mishpachah_ was a crucial social and administrative unit, larger than a household but smaller than a tribe. The land inheritance was distributed "according to the families of the tribes" ([Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Distribution by Families")), emphasizing that the census was not just a head count but a detailed record of the foundational social structures that would inhabit and govern the land. This highlights the orderly and systematic nature of God's plan for His people.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pekudeihem'_):** Derived from the verb _paqad_, meaning "to visit, muster, appoint, number." In the context of a census, it signifies an official, authoritative counting or registration. The term implies divine oversight and purpose behind the enumeration. It's not merely a human administrative act but a divinely commanded and overseen process, indicating that God is actively "visiting" or taking account of His people for a specific purpose—in this case, preparing them for war and inheritance.
* **Threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred (Hebrew, _shishim veshiv'ah elef vachamesh me'ot'_):** This precise numerical declaration (76,500) is a direct and unambiguous statement of Judah's strength. The meticulous detail in reporting exact figures across the entire chapter underscores the factual, administrative, and authoritative nature of the census. It reflects a divine attention to detail and order, ensuring accuracy for the critical task of land distribution and military organization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the families of Judah":** This introductory phrase identifies the specific tribal unit being enumerated. It emphasizes that the count is organized by "families" or clans, highlighting the structured nature of Israelite society and the meticulousness of the census. It points to the internal divisions within the larger tribe, which would be relevant for land distribution.
* **"according to those that were numbered of them":** This clause clarifies that the subsequent number refers to the individuals who were officially counted within these families. The phrase "numbered of them" reinforces the idea of a formal, comprehensive registration process, encompassing all eligible males from Judah's various clans.
* **"threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred":** This is the precise numerical result of the census for the tribe of Judah, translating to 76,500. This figure represents the total number of men aged twenty years and upward, who were able to go forth to war, from the tribe of Judah. It signifies Judah's considerable size and strength, making it one of the largest tribes in Israel at this time.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:22 and throughout the census chapter is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated formula of "These are the families of [Tribe] according to those that were numbered of them, [Number]." This consistent structure emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of the census. The meticulous listing of exact numbers for each tribe, including Judah's 76,500, highlights **Precision** and **Detail**. This precision is not merely for administrative purposes but also carries theological weight, demonstrating God's intimate knowledge and sovereign oversight of every aspect of His people's lives. Furthermore, the consistently large numbers for Judah, both in this census and the first, serve as **Foreshadowing**. They subtly hint at Judah's future prominence and leadership role within Israel, pointing towards the eventual establishment of the Davidic monarchy and the lineage of the Messiah. The numerical data, while seemingly dry, thus contributes to the overarching narrative of God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:22, though a simple statistical record, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of human failure. The fact that a new generation of Israelites, counted and prepared, stood ready to enter the Promised Land, despite the previous generation's rebellion and demise in the wilderness, powerfully illustrates God's commitment to His word. This census is an act of divine re-establishment and preparation, demonstrating that God is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, orchestrating their journey and ensuring the fulfillment of His grand purposes. The prominence of Judah in this count also points to God's sovereign election and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific lineages, culminating in the ultimate King.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")
* [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Total Count of the First Census")
* [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Principles for Land Distribution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane act of a census in Numbers 26:22 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, even in the details of our lives. Just as He meticulously counted and prepared the Israelites for their inheritance, He is actively involved in preparing us for the purposes He has for us. This preparation may involve periods of waiting, growth, or even "wilderness" experiences, all designed to equip us for our divine calling. The enduring promise to Judah, reflected in its consistent strength, encourages us to trust in God's long-term plans, even when immediate circumstances seem challenging. We are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative, and our individual lives contribute to God's unfolding kingdom. This verse calls us to recognize God's sovereign hand in our personal journeys and to live in hopeful anticipation of His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the census encourage you in areas of your life that seem mundane or overlooked?**
* **In what ways might God be "numbering" or preparing you for a specific purpose or inheritance in your life today?**
* **How does the faithfulness of God to the new generation, despite the failures of the old, offer you hope in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why was a second census necessary, given that one was already taken at Sinai?**

Answer: The second census, recorded in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"), was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a new generation. The first census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") counted those eligible for war at Sinai, but almost all of them had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). This second census counted the new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, who were now ready to enter the Promised Land. Secondly, its primary purpose was to prepare for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan. The size of each tribe directly influenced the size of its inheritance ([Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution Principles")). It also served to organize the nation for military conquest and administrative purposes as they transitioned from nomadic life to settled habitation.

**What is the significance of Judah's large number (76,500) in this census?**

Answer: Judah's consistently large numbers, both in the first census (74,600) and this second one (76,500), underscore its enduring prominence among the tribes of Israel. While other tribes saw significant fluctuations in their numbers, Judah remained consistently strong, often being the largest or second largest. This numerical strength foreshadowed its future leadership role within the nation. From Judah would come the royal line of King David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is called the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")). This consistent strength highlights God's sovereign plan to establish His kingdom through this particular lineage, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Jacob in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:22, with its focus on the meticulous counting of Judah's families for inheritance and preparation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The prominence of Judah, consistently the largest or second largest tribe, foreshadows the coming of the Messiah from its lineage. Jesus, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")), is the true King who inherits all things and brings His people into their eternal inheritance. Just as the census prepared Israel for their earthly promised land, Christ prepares His followers for a heavenly inheritance, a "new heavens and a new earth" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - The New Heavens and New Earth")). He is the true leader who marshals His people, not for earthly warfare, but for spiritual victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). Through His atoning work, believers are "numbered" among the redeemed, becoming part of God's spiritual family, the church, which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The precision of the census reflects God's ordered plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 5:2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

Hebrews 7:14

For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

Numbers 2:3

¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

Numbers 2:4

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Psalms 115:14

The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Numbers 1:26

Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;