Numbers 26:24

Translation
King James Version
Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Of Jashub H3437, the family H4940 of the Jashubites H3432: of Shimron H8110, the family H4940 of the Shimronites H8117.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
of Yashuv, the family of the Yashuvi; and of Shimron, the family of the Shimroni.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
the Jashubite clan from Jashub, and the Shimronite clan from Shimron.
Ask
American Standard Version
of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Of Iashub the familie of the Iashubites: of Shimron, the familie of the Shimronites.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
of Jashub the family of the Jashubite; of Shimron the family of the Shimronite.
Ask
See also
Genesis 46:13
In the KJVVerse 4,514 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 26:24 meticulously records the continuation of two specific family lines, the Jashubites and the Shimronites, descendants of Issachar, within the second census of Israel. This seemingly brief genealogical entry is a vital component of a comprehensive national survey, reflecting God's precise order and unwavering faithfulness in preserving the identity and structure of His covenant people as they stood on the precipice of inheriting the Promised Land. It underscores the divine attention to every family unit, affirming their integral place and purpose within the larger redemptive narrative and the unfolding of God's promises.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 26:24 is situated within the second comprehensive census of the Israelite tribes, recorded in Numbers 26. This census, taken on the plains of Moab, immediately precedes Israel's entry into the Promised Land and follows the devastating plague detailed in Numbers 25:9. It serves as a stark contrast to the first census in Numbers 1, which counted the generation that largely perished in the wilderness due to disobedience. The meticulous listing of families and their numbers in Numbers 26:52-56 directly informs the allocation of tribal territories in Canaan, with larger tribes receiving more land. Thus, this verse is not merely a dry list but a foundational administrative step in the unfolding of God's promise of land, ensuring an orderly and equitable distribution for the new generation.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The second census occurred approximately 38 years after the Exodus, on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. This generation, born and raised in the wilderness, was now poised to fulfill the covenant promises made to their ancestors. Culturally, censuses in ancient Near Eastern societies often served military, taxation, or land distribution purposes. For Israel, this census was uniquely tied to their identity as a covenant people and their impending inheritance of the land. The patriarchal structure of Israelite society meant that family lines, traced through sons and their descendants, were paramount for identity, inheritance, and tribal organization. The detailed record-keeping reflects a society where lineage was crucial for social, religious, and political standing, ensuring that every family had a defined place within the larger national body and a rightful claim to their portion of the Promised Land.

  • Key Themes: Numbers 26:24 contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights Divine Order and Providence, demonstrating God's meticulous and sovereign hand in orchestrating the affairs of His people, down to the individual family units. The precision of the census underscores that God's plan is not chaotic but perfectly ordered, even in the details of tribal and family structures. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates Generational Continuity and God's Faithfulness. Despite the rebellion and death of the previous generation in the wilderness (as seen in Numbers 14:29-30), God preserved the lineage and identity of the tribes, ensuring that His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be fulfilled through the new generation. This census is a tangible sign of God's unwavering commitment to His word. Thirdly, it emphasizes Preparation for Inheritance, as the entire exercise was designed to prepare the nation for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, as outlined in Numbers 26:54. The listing of families like the Jashubites and Shimronites was a practical and necessary step toward realizing God's promise of a land flowing with milk and honey.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Jashub (Hebrew, Yâshûwb', H3437): Derived from the Hebrew root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return," "to turn back," or "to restore." The name Jashub thus means "he will return." In the context of the wilderness wandering and the impending entry into the Promised Land, this name subtly hints at the nation's "return" to the land promised by God, or perhaps the restoration of God's favor to a new generation. It speaks to a divine movement towards a destined place, fulfilling ancient promises.
  • Family (Hebrew, mishpâchâh', H4940): This term refers to a "family, i.e., circle of relatives," but can also extend to a "class (of persons)," "species (of animals)," or "sort (of things)," and by extension, a "tribe or people." In Numbers 26:24, it emphasizes the foundational unit of Israelite society—the extended family or clan—which formed the basis for tribal organization, identity, and the distribution of land. Its repetition underscores the meticulous nature of the census, accounting for each distinct lineage.
  • Shimron (Hebrew, Shimrôwn', H8110): Derived from the Hebrew root שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to guard," "to keep," or "to preserve." The name Shimron therefore means "guardianship" or "watchman." This name, like Jashub, may carry symbolic weight, suggesting a role of protection or oversight for this family line within the tribe of Issachar, or more broadly, God's watchful care over His people and their inheritance, ensuring their preservation through the generations.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites:" This clause identifies the first of the two family lines originating from Jashub, a son of Issachar (as established in Numbers 26:23). The phrasing "the family of the Jashubites" (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיָּשׁוּבִי, mishpachat hay-yashuvi) emphasizes the collective identity and lineage tracing back to the patriarch Jashub. It signifies that this group, though part of the larger tribe of Issachar, maintained a distinct internal identity and was counted as a recognizable unit within the national census. This precision underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, highlighting every branch of the tribal tree and affirming their right to a portion of the land.
  • "of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites." This second clause parallels the first, introducing the family line descended from Shimron, another son of Issachar. The identical grammatical structure reinforces the systematic and thorough nature of the census. Like the Jashubites, the Shimronites represent a distinct, countable family unit within the tribe. The inclusion of both families, side-by-side, underscores the comprehensive scope of the census, ensuring that all legitimate descendants were accounted for, thereby validating their claim to a portion of the land and their place within the covenant community. This dual listing highlights God's comprehensive attention to every segment of His people.

Literary Devices

Numbers 26:24, as part of a larger census, primarily employs Enumeration and Genealogy as its core literary devices. The entire chapter is a detailed list, and this verse contributes to the systematic counting of individuals and families. The specific phrasing "Of [name], the family of the [name]-ites" demonstrates Repetition and Parallelism, creating a rhythmic and consistent pattern throughout the census list. This repetitive structure serves to emphasize the thoroughness, orderliness, and divine authority of the record. While seemingly dry, this precise listing functions as a foundational Record-Keeping mechanism, validating the identity, lineage, and future rights of each family unit within the nation of Israel, thereby reinforcing the themes of divine order, covenant faithfulness, and the meticulous preparation for land inheritance.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 26:24, though a simple genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's intimate knowledge of and care for every individual and family within His covenant people. It is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that even amidst the wilderness judgments and the passing of a generation, His promises endure. God's meticulous attention to these family lines, ensuring their preservation and recognition, underscores that no detail of His plan or His people is overlooked. This divine precision provides a powerful assurance that God's covenant promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He will meticulously fulfill, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual inheritance of His blessings. It speaks to a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, knowing each one by name and ensuring their place in His grand redemptive narrative.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 26:24, a seemingly mundane list of names, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is not a distant, impersonal deity, but one who knows and cares for every detail of our lives, just as He knew every family line in ancient Israel. Our individual identities, our heritage, and our place within the larger family of God are all known to Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's meticulous providence, knowing that if He cared enough to record every family for a physical inheritance, He certainly cares for our spiritual inheritance and our place in His eternal kingdom. It also calls us to recognize our unique contribution within the body of Christ; just as each family had a distinct role in Israel, so too do we have a unique calling and purpose within the church, contributing to the strength and mission of the whole. Our seemingly small lives are part of God's grand, meticulously planned narrative, giving us profound significance and security in His divine order.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of this census, including specific family lines, challenge our perception of God's attention to "small" things in our own lives?
  • In what ways does the continuity of these family lines, despite the wilderness generation's failures, affirm God's faithfulness to His promises in your life?
  • How does understanding your place within the larger "family of God" (the church) encourage you, knowing that God has a specific purpose for you and that you are counted in His eternal census?

FAQ

Why is this census in Numbers 26, including verses like 26:24, so important for the Israelite nation?

Answer: This second census was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it established the new generation that would enter and inherit the Promised Land, replacing the generation that largely perished in the wilderness due to disobedience. Secondly, and directly related to verses like Numbers 26:24, the census was the basis for the equitable distribution of land in Canaan. As stated in Numbers 26:54, "To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance." Each family's size determined its portion, ensuring fairness and order. It also served to re-establish military readiness and reinforce the tribal and family structure, ensuring divine order for the nation's future as they prepared to settle the land.

What is the deeper significance of listing specific families like the Jashubites and Shimronites, beyond just counting numbers?

Answer: Listing specific families like the Jashubites and Shimronites goes beyond mere numerical tallying; it underscores God's profound attention to detail and His intimate knowledge of His people. It affirms that every individual and every family unit has a recognized identity and a place within God's overarching plan for the nation. This precision demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come was meticulously preserved. It also highlights the importance of generational continuity and the unique contribution of each "family" or group within the larger community of faith, reflecting God's orderly nature and His care for every part of His creation. This level of detail validates their identity, rights, and future inheritance.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 26:24, with its meticulous listing of family lines preparing for an earthly inheritance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate "family" of God and the eternal inheritance secured by Jesus Christ. The precise genealogies in the Old Testament, culminating in verses like Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, meticulously tracing the lineage through which the Messiah, the true heir of all things, would come. Jesus is the ultimate "Jashub," the one who "returns" to establish His eternal kingdom, reversing the curse of sin and bringing His people back into perfect fellowship with God (Hebrews 9:28). He is also the ultimate "Shimron," the divine "guardian" and "keeper" of His covenant, protecting His church and preserving His people for their heavenly inheritance (John 10:28-29). While the Jashubites and Shimronites received a portion of the Promised Land, Christ offers a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Through His sacrifice, He gathers all who believe into the true family of God, transcending earthly genealogies to form a new spiritual lineage, where all are "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26), heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

Copy as

Commentary on Numbers 26 verses 5–51

This is the register of the tribes as they were now enrolled, in the same order that they were numbered in ch. 1. Observe,

I. The account that is here kept of the families of each tribe, which must not be understood of such as we call families, those that live in a house together, but such as were the descendants of the several sons of the patriarchs, by whose names, in honour of them, their posterity distinguished themselves and one another. The families of the twelve tribes are thus numbered: - Of Dan but one, for Dan had but one son, and yet that tribe was the most numerous of all except Judah, Num 26:42, Num 26:43. Its beginning was small, but its latter end greatly increased. Zebulun was divided into three families, Ephraim into four, Issachar into four, Naphtali into four, and Reuben into four; Judah, Simeon, and Asher, had five families apiece, Gad and Benjamin seven apiece, and Manasseh eight. Benjamin brought ten sons into Egypt (Gen 46:21), but three of them, it seems either died childless or their families were extinct, for here we find seven only of those names preserved, and that whole tribe none of the most numerous; for Providence, in the building up of families and nations, does not tie itself to probabilities. The barren hath borne seven, and she that hath many children has waxed feeble, Sa1 2:5.

II. The numbers of each tribe. And here our best entertainment will be to compare these numbers with those when they were numbered at Mount Sinai. The sum total was nearly the same; they were now 1820 fewer than they were then; yet seven of the tribes had increased in number. Judah had increased 1900, Issachar 9900, Zebulun 3100, Manasseh 20,500, Benjamin 10,200, Dan 1700, and Asher 11,900. But the other five had decreased more than to balance that increase. Reuben had decreased 2770, Simeon 37,100, Gad 5150, Ephraim 8000, and Naphtali 8000. In this account we may observe, 1. that all the three tribes that were encamped under the standard of Judah, who was the ancestor of Christ, had increased, for his church shall be edified and multiplied. 2. That none of the tribes had increased so much as that of Manasseh, which in the former account was the smallest of all the tribes, only 32,200, while here it is one of the most considerable; and that of his brother Ephraim, which there was numerous, is here one of the least. Jacob had crossed hands upon their heads, and had preferred Ephraim before Manasseh, which perhaps the Ephraimites had prided themselves too much in, and had trampled upon their brethren the Manassites; but, when the Lord saw that Manasseh was despised, he thus multiplied him exceedingly, for it is his glory to help the weakest, and raise up those that are cast down. 3. That none of the tribes decreased so much as Simeon did; from 59,300, it such to 22,200, little more than a third part of what it was. One whole family of that tribe (namely Ohad, mentioned Exo 6:15) was extinct in the wilderness. Hence Simeon is not mentioned in Moses's blessing (Deu. 33), and the lot of that tribe in Canaan was inconsiderable, only a canton out of Judah's lot, Jos 19:9. Some conjecture that most of those 24,000 who were cut off by the plague for the iniquity of Peor were of that tribe; for Zimri, who was a ringleader in that iniquity, was a prince of that tribe, many of whom therefore were influenced by his example to follow his pernicious ways.

III. In the account of the tribe of Reuben mention is made of the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram, who were of that tribe, in confederacy with Korah a Levite, Num 26:9-11. Though the story had been largely related but a few chapters before, yet here it comes in again, as fit to be had in remembrance and thought of by posterity, whenever they looked into their pedigree and pleased themselves with the antiquity of their families and the glory of their ancestors, that they might call themselves a seed of evil doers. Two things are here said of them: - 1. That they had been famous in the congregation, Num 26:9. Probably they were remarkable for their ingenuity, activity, and fitness for business: - That Dathan and Abiram that might have been advanced in due time under God and Moses; but their ambitious spirits put them upon striving against God and Moses, and when they quarrelled with the one they quarrelled with the other. And what was the issue? 2. Those that might have been famous were made infamous: they became a sign, Num 26:10. They were made monuments of divine justice; God, in their ruin, showed himself glorious in holiness, and so they were set up for a warning to all others, in all ages, to take heed of treading in the steps of their pride and rebellion. Notice is here taken of the preservation of the children of Korah (Num 26:11); they died not, as the children of Dathan and Abiram did, doubtless because they kept themselves pure from the infection, and would not join, no, not with their own father, in rebellion. If we partake not of the sins of sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues. These sons of Korah were afterwards, in their posterity, eminently serviceable to the church, being employed by David as singers in the house of the Lord; hence many psalms are said to be for the sons of Korah: and perhaps they were made to bear his name so long after, rather than the name of any other of their ancestors, for warning to themselves, and as an instance of the power of God, which brought those choice fruits even out of that bitter root. The children of families that have been stigmatized should endeavour, by their eminent virtues, to roll away the reproach of their fathers.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–51. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 26:24 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.