Numbers 26:25

KJV

These [are] the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the families {H4940} of Issachar {H3485} according to those that were numbered {H6485} of them, threescore {H8346} and four {H702} thousand {H505} and three {H7969} hundred {H3967}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the families of Yissakhar, according to those counted of them, 64,300.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300.

American Standard Version

These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:25 meticulously records the count of the tribe of Issachar during the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab. This specific numerical entry, stating Issachar's fighting men numbered sixty-four thousand and three hundred, is not merely an administrative detail but a profound testament to God's divine order, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure, and His meticulous preparation of His people for the imminent inheritance and distribution of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:25 is embedded within the comprehensive account of the second census of Israel, detailed in [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). This census was taken on the plains of Moab, immediately prior to Israel's entry into Canaan, and serves as a crucial bridge between the wilderness wanderings and the conquest. It directly follows the tragic account of the plague at Baal-Peor, which claimed 24,000 lives ([Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague at Baal-Peor")), and precedes the instructions for land distribution by lot, with larger tribes receiving larger portions ([Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Distribution by Population")). This second numbering stands in stark contrast to the first census recorded in [Numbers chapter 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), which took place at Mount Sinai at the beginning of their journey. The repetition of the census structure underscores the theme of a new generation ready to inherit God's promises, replacing the generation that perished in the wilderness due to disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this census is the plains of Moab, a significant geographical location as it was the final staging ground before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In the ancient Near East, censuses were typically conducted for military conscription, taxation, and land allocation, all of which are relevant here. The timing is critical: the previous generation, marked by rebellion and unbelief (e.g., the Kadesh Barnea incident in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Kadesh Barnea Rebellion")), had largely died off, fulfilling God's judgment. This new generation, born in the wilderness, was now poised to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. The meticulous counting of "families" highlights the patriarchal and tribal structure of Israelite society, where lineage and tribal identity were paramount for both social organization and the future allocation of land.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, as part of the broader census, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Providence**. The precise numbering of each tribe, down to the hundreds, emphasizes God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of His people. He knows them individually and collectively, and His plan for their future, particularly their settlement in the Promised Land, is unfolding with precision. Secondly, it underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**. Despite the widespread disobedience and subsequent demise of the older generation, the continued existence and even growth of the Israelite population, as evidenced by these census figures (Issachar's numbers, for instance, increased from [54,400 in Numbers 1:29](/numbers/1-29 "Numbers 1:29 - Issachar's First Census Count") to 64,300), demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation ([Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Multiply Abraham's Descendants")). Finally, the census highlights **Preparation for Inheritance**. It was not merely an administrative task but a direct preparatory step for the fulfillment of God's promise of land. Each tribe's size directly influenced the size of its allocated territory in Canaan, emphasizing the practical implications of divine foresight and the imminence of God's promises being realized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachot'_):** This term emphasizes the genealogical and clan-based structure of the Israelite tribes. The census was not just a headcount of individuals but a reckoning of distinct family units, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the future distribution of land by lot among these established family groups. It signifies the continuity of lineage and the preservation of distinct tribal identities within the larger nation.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** While commonly translated as "to number" or "to count," _paqad_ carries a richer theological meaning. It can also mean "to visit," "to attend to," "to appoint," or "to muster." In the context of the census, it implies not just a simple tally but a divine visitation and oversight, a reckoning by God. It suggests that God is actively involved in the accounting of His people, and this numbering serves a specific divine purpose—in this case, preparing them for the Promised Land and assessing their readiness for military action.
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissakhar'_):** The name itself means "there is recompense" or "he is hired," referring to the circumstances of his birth (Genesis 30:18). As one of the twelve tribes, Issachar's identity is rooted in Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 49:14-15](/genesis/49-14 "Genesis 49:14-15 - Jacob's Blessing on Issachar"), where he is depicted as a "strong donkey" who "bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute." Later, [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - The Men of Issachar") praises the "men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." This background adds depth to their numerical strength, suggesting a tribe with a history of hard work and, later, wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the families of Issachar":** This introductory phrase clearly identifies the specific tribal unit being enumerated. It underscores the importance of the family and clan structure within Israel, as the census was organized along these lines. It highlights the distinct identity and lineage of Issachar, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants formed a cohesive tribal entity.
* **"according to those that were numbered of them":** This clause specifies that the following number is the result of the census process. It confirms that the count was conducted systematically, in accordance with God's command to Moses and Eleazar ([Numbers 26:1-4](/numbers/26-1 "Numbers 26:1-4 - Command for the Second Census")). This phrase emphasizes the administrative and divinely commanded nature of the census, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the prescribed method of counting all males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war.
* **"threescore and four thousand and three hundred":** This is the precise numerical outcome for the tribe of Issachar. "Threescore" means sixty, so the total is 64,300. This figure represents the number of fighting men (those 20 years and older) in Issachar. Notably, this represents an increase from their first census count of [54,400 in Numbers 1:29](/numbers/1-29 "Numbers 1:29 - Issachar's First Census Count"), indicating growth and vitality despite the hardships and judgments of the wilderness journey. This growth is a quiet testament to God's sustaining power and His commitment to multiplying His people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:25, as part of the broader census record, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Numerical Precision**, where exact figures are meticulously recorded for each tribe. This precision conveys a sense of divine order, meticulousness, and historical accuracy, emphasizing that God is sovereign over every detail of His people's lives and destiny. The sheer volume of numbers throughout [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census") creates an effect of **Repetition**, which reinforces the administrative nature of the census and the comprehensive scope of God's knowledge of His people. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play; the numbers of this second census stand in stark opposition to the fate of the first generation, whose numbers were also meticulously recorded but who subsequently perished in the wilderness. This contrast highlights God's judgment on disobedience but also His unwavering faithfulness to the new generation. Finally, the entire census acts as **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the imminent entry into the Promised Land and the subsequent distribution of territory based on these very numbers, thus linking the present administrative task to the future fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:25, while a seemingly simple numerical entry, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical truth of God's meticulous care and detailed knowledge of His people. The very act of numbering, commanded by God, signifies His sovereign oversight and His intimate involvement in the lives of individuals and the collective destiny of the nation. This census, taken before the entry into the Promised Land, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic promise of a numerous offspring and a land of inheritance. Despite the rebellion and judgment that decimated the previous generation, God preserved and even multiplied the new generation, demonstrating His grace and persistent purpose. The counting of each family and tribe also highlights the divine order in the community of faith, where each part contributes to the whole, and God prepares His people for the inheritance He has prepared for them.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") - God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation and bless those who bless him.
* [Numbers 1:46](/numbers/1-46 "Numbers 1:46 - Total of the First Census") - Provides the total count of the first census for comparison, highlighting the generational shift.
* [Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Distribution by Population") - Explicitly states that the land inheritance would be divided according to the numbers of the census, directly linking the count to the fulfillment of God's promise.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly "dry" numbers of Numbers 26:25 offer rich soil for reflection on God's character and our place in His plan. This verse reminds us that God is not a God of chaos, but of meticulous order and intentionality. His counting of Issachar, and indeed all Israel, speaks to His intimate knowledge of every individual and His sovereign oversight of every detail of our lives. Just as He prepared a specific generation for a physical inheritance, He prepares us, His spiritual Israel, for a spiritual inheritance. The fact that Issachar's numbers grew, despite the harsh wilderness and the judgment on the previous generation, is a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His ability to bring life and growth even out of barrenness and failure. It challenges us to trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or when past failures loom large. We are part of a continuous story of God's redemptive work, and like the Israelites, we are being prepared for our ultimate inheritance in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the census encourage or challenge your view of His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the growth of Issachar, despite the wilderness journey, speak to God's enduring faithfulness even when generations fail?**
* **How does understanding that God "numbers" His people prepare us for the "inheritance" He has for us today?**
* **What does it mean to be "counted" in God's kingdom, and what is your unique role in the larger body of believers?**

### FAQ
**Why was this second census taken?**

Answer: The second census, of which Numbers 26:25 is a part, was taken for two primary, divinely ordained purposes. First, it was to determine the number of fighting men (males 20 years and older) available for the imminent conquest of the land of Canaan, as commanded by God in [Numbers 26:2](/numbers/26-2 "Numbers 26:2 - Command to Number the People"). Second, and equally important, it was to establish a basis for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land. As stated in [Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Distribution by Population"), larger tribes would receive a larger inheritance, and smaller tribes a smaller one, ensuring fairness based on population size.

**How did Issachar's numbers change from the first census?**

Answer: The tribe of Issachar actually saw a significant increase in its numbers between the first census, recorded in [Numbers chapter 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), and this second census in Numbers 26. In the first census, Issachar numbered [54,400 men](/numbers/1-29 "Numbers 1:29 - Issachar's First Census Count") (Numbers 1:29). By the second census, as stated in Numbers 26:25, their count had risen to 64,300. This increase of 9,900 men highlights God's blessing and faithfulness, demonstrating growth and vitality despite the hardships, judgments, and deaths experienced during the forty years of wilderness wandering.

**What is the significance of the "families" being counted?**

Answer: The emphasis on counting "families" (Hebrew: _mishpachot_) in the census, as seen in Numbers 26:25, is deeply significant for the Israelite social and theological structure. It underscores that the census was not merely an individual headcount but a reckoning of distinct genealogical and clan units. This was crucial for several reasons: it preserved tribal identity and lineage, which was foundational to Israel's self-understanding; it maintained order within the larger national body; and most importantly, it was the basis for the future inheritance of land. The Promised Land was to be distributed by lot to the various families and clans within each tribe ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution Details")), ensuring that the covenant promise of land was fulfilled to the specific descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through their established family lines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:25, with its meticulous counting of a generation poised for inheritance, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant community, the Church. The Old Testament census numbered a physical people for an earthly inheritance, but Christ came to establish a spiritual kingdom and gather a people for a heavenly inheritance. Just as God knew each family and individual in Israel, so too does Christ, the Good Shepherd, know His sheep by name ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). The growth of Issachar's numbers, despite the wilderness and judgment, foreshadows the spiritual multiplication of God's people through the gospel, where countless individuals from every tribe and nation are "added to their number" ([Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - The Lord Added to Their Number")) as they are redeemed by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our true "census" is found in the "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" ([Hebrews 12:23](/hebrews/12-23 "Hebrews 12:23 - The Assembly of the Firstborn")), whose names are written in the [Lamb's book of life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"). The inheritance we receive in Christ is not a plot of land, but an eternal, imperishable, and undefiled inheritance kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")), making us co-heirs with Christ Himself ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). Thus, the meticulous counting in Numbers 26:25 points forward to the precise and purposeful gathering of God's redeemed people into His eternal kingdom through the finished work of 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.