Numbers 26:26

KJV

[Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074} after their families {H4940}: of Sered {H5624}, the family {H4940} of the Sardites {H5625}: of Elon {H356}, the family {H4940} of the Elonites {H440}: of Jahleel {H3177}, the family {H4940} of the Jahleelites {H3178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Z'vulun, by their families, were: of Sered, the family of the Sardi; of Elon, the family of the Eloni; and of Yachle'el, the family of the Yachle'eli.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Zebulun by their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered, the Elonite clan from Elon, and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel.

American Standard Version

The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:26 meticulously details the family divisions within the tribe of Zebulun, specifically listing the three primary family lines that descended from Zebulun through his sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. This verse, part of the second comprehensive census of the Israelites, identifies these families by their respective patronymic names—the Sardites, Elonites, and Jahleelites—underscoring the precise and orderly nature of God's preparation for His people's entry into the Promised Land and the equitable distribution of their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive second census of Israel, recorded in [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This crucial enumeration takes place on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of Israel's long-awaited entry into the Promised Land, approximately 38 years after the first census detailed in [Numbers chapter 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). The preceding generation, marked by rebellion and subsequent judgment, had largely perished in the wilderness, making this new census a vital register of the generation poised to inherit God's promises. Its primary purposes included preparing for the upcoming conquest of Canaan by registering all males twenty years old and upward able to go to war, providing an accurate count for the equitable [division of land by lot](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of Land by Lot") among the tribes and families, and serving as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, preserving and multiplying His people despite their wilderness wanderings and past disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on the plains of Moab signifies the culmination of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey and their imminent transition from nomadic existence to settled nationhood. Culturally, lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as the bedrock of identity, social structure, and legal rights, particularly concerning land inheritance. The meticulous recording of families like the Sardites, Elonites, and Jahleelites was not merely administrative; it was foundational for establishing each family's claim to a portion of the Promised Land, as outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution"). This census also reflects the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where identity flowed from the male head of the household and tribe, ensuring continuity and order in the nascent nation.
* **Key Themes:** The enumeration of Zebulun's families in [Numbers 26:26](/numbers/26-26 "Numbers 26:26 - Zebulun's Families in the Census") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Organization**, highlighting God's meticulous nature and His careful planning for His people's future. The detailed accounting of every individual and family within His divine structure underscores His sovereignty over even the minutiae of national life. Second, it emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Promises**. Despite the failure and death of the rebellious wilderness generation, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob persevered. This new generation, meticulously accounted for here, was the direct recipient of the promises concerning the land and nation, underscoring God's [unwavering faithfulness](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). Finally, the verse reinforces the critical importance of **Identity and Inheritance**. Knowing one's family and tribal affiliation was indispensable for Israelite identity and for receiving their rightful share of the inheritance in the Promised Land, showcasing how lineage played a crucial role in God's redemptive plan for His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This foundational Hebrew term (H1121) denotes "a son," but in a wider sense, encompasses descendants, indicating the builder or perpetuator of a family name. In Numbers 26:26, "sons" emphasizes the patriarchal and genealogical basis of the Israelite tribal structure, highlighting that the continuity and identity of the tribe of Zebulun were rooted in its direct male lineage, tracing back to Zebulun, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This term is foundational for understanding the tribal organization and the system of inheritance.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh_):** The Hebrew word (H4940) refers to a "family" or "circle of relatives," extending to a "tribe" or "people." In this context, "families" signifies the sub-tribal units or clans that comprised each larger tribe. These were not merely loose groupings but structured kinship units, each with its own head and identity. The meticulous listing of these families (e.g., Sardites, Elonites, Jahleelites) underscores the granular level of organization within Israel, crucial for military conscription, social administration, and especially the equitable distribution of land in Canaan.
* **Jahleelites (Hebrew, _Yachlᵉʼêlîy_):** This patronymic name (H3178) is derived from Jahleel (H3177), meaning "expectant of God." As a "Jachleelite" or "descendant of Jachleel," this term, along with Sardites and Elonites, reinforces the strong emphasis on lineage and the direct descent that defined Israelite identity and inheritance rights. It visually represents the continuity of generations and the preservation of the tribal structure, ensuring that each family's claim to a portion of the Promised Land was clearly established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families:** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus on the tribe of Zebulun and its internal organization. The phrase "after their families" (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) indicates that the enumeration is not just of individuals but of the established, recognized family units that constitute the tribe. This highlights the structured and orderly nature of the census, reflecting God's meticulous attention to the details of His people's social and military organization.
* **of Sered, the family of the Sardites:** This clause introduces the first of Zebulun's three primary family lines. Sered is identified as the progenitor, and his descendants form "the family of the Sardites." This specific naming convention, where the family is identified by the name of its founder with the "-ites" suffix, is standard in biblical genealogies and emphasizes the direct, unbroken lineage from the original son of Zebulun.
* **of Elon, the family of the Elonites:** Following the same pattern, this clause names the second family line, tracing its origin to Elon, another son of Zebulun. The repetition of the structure reinforces the distinct identity of each family unit within the larger tribal framework, ensuring clarity and precision in the census record.
* **of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites:** Completing the enumeration for Zebulun, this clause lists the third and final family, descended from Jahleel. The consistent structure across all three clauses serves to confirm the completeness of the record for Zebulun's descendants and underscores the divine order being established for the new generation poised to enter the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:26 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** as its key literary devices. The verse is part of a larger **Genealogy**, a common literary form in the Old Testament used to establish lineage, legitimate claims (especially to land), and demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations. The enumeration of "Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites" is a precise listing that emphasizes the thoroughness of the census. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the family of the [name]ites" for each son of Zebulun serves to create a rhythmic, almost formulaic, pattern that reinforces the distinct identity of each sub-clan while also highlighting the comprehensive and systematic nature of the divine record-keeping. This meticulous detail, though seemingly dry, conveys a profound theological message about God's attention to every individual and family within His people, ensuring their proper place and inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:26, though a seemingly administrative detail, is deeply embedded in the grand narrative of God's faithfulness and His meticulous preparation for His covenant people. It underscores that God is a God of order, who cares for His people not just as a collective but also in their individual family units. The preservation and enumeration of these families, despite the decimation of the previous generation, powerfully demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every family listed here is a testament to divine preservation and the ongoing fulfillment of the promise to multiply their descendants. This detailed record ensures that each family would receive its rightful inheritance in the land, linking identity directly to destiny under God's sovereign plan.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Numbers 26:26 might appear as a mere list of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of His creation and His people, caring for individuals, families, and communities with precise attention. Just as He meticulously accounted for each family in Zebulun, He knows each of us by name and has a specific place for us within His grand redemptive plan. This passage encourages us to trust in God's enduring faithfulness; despite setbacks, sin, or generational changes, His purposes for His church and for our individual lives continue and will ultimately prevail. We are not lost in the crowd but are valued members of His spiritual family, each with a unique identity and a divinely appointed purpose, inheritors of an eternal promise far greater than any earthly land.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census, including specific family names, deepen your understanding of God's character and His care for His people?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of God's promises, evident in this new generation being counted, encourage you regarding His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **How does understanding your "place" within God's spiritual family (the church) resonate with the Israelite emphasis on tribal and family identity for inheritance and purpose?**
* **What "details" of your life might you entrust more fully to the God who meticulously orders and plans for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why is this census so detailed, and what was its primary purpose?**

Answer: The census recorded in [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), including the specific enumeration of families like those from Zebulun, served several critical purposes. Primarily, it was a military registration, counting all males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, in preparation for the imminent conquest of Canaan. Secondly, and equally important, it provided the basis for the equitable [division of the Promised Land](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution") among the tribes and their respective families. Each family's size directly influenced the portion of land it would receive. Beyond these practical aims, the census also served a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people, despite the previous generation's rebellion and demise in the wilderness, thereby ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises.

**What is the significance of listing specific families like Sardites, Elonites, and Jahleelites?**

Answer: Listing these specific family names, derived from Zebulun's sons, was crucial for establishing clear identity and ensuring proper inheritance. In ancient Israelite society, one's family and tribal affiliation determined their social standing, legal rights, and, most importantly, their claim to a portion of the land in Canaan. This meticulous detail ensured that the land could be divided fairly and systematically, with each family receiving its designated share according to its size, as instructed in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot"). It highlights God's orderly nature and His commitment to justice and equity in the distribution of His blessings.

**Does a seemingly "dry" genealogical passage like this have spiritual relevance today?**

Answer: While seemingly administrative, passages like [Numbers 26:26](/numbers/26-26 "Numbers 26:26 - Zebulun's Families in the Census") offer profound spiritual relevance. They reveal aspects of God's character: His meticulousness, His faithfulness, and His commitment to order. It reminds us that God cares about the details of our lives and has a plan for each of us within His larger redemptive narrative. Just as every family in Israel had a place and an inheritance, believers today have an identity and an [eternal inheritance in Christ](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance"). This passage underscores that we are part of a divinely ordered spiritual family, the Church, where every member has a unique and valued role, fulfilling God's ongoing purposes in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record of [Numbers 26:26](/numbers/26-26 "Numbers 26:26 - Zebulun's Families in the Census"), detailing the families of Zebulun, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While the Old Testament census focused on physical lineage and a promised earthly inheritance, the New Testament reveals a spiritual lineage and an eternal inheritance through faith in Jesus. Christ is the true "Son of David," the ultimate heir of all God's promises, and through Him, all who believe become part of God's spiritual family, transcending tribal and national boundaries ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). The meticulous counting of families for an earthly inheritance foreshadows the divine precision with which God has chosen and adopted believers into His family, granting them a glorious spiritual inheritance "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Just as the Israelite families were counted for their place in the Promised Land, believers are now "counted" as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving not a parcel of land, but eternal life and all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places. This shift from physical to spiritual, from earthly land to heavenly kingdom, underscores how Christ fulfills and expands the very concept of God's people and their destined inheritance.

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

Genesis 46:14

And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

Genesis 30:19

And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

Genesis 30:20

And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.