Numbers 26:28

KJV

The sons of Joseph after their families [were] Manasseh and Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} after their families {H4940} were Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yosef, by their families, were M'nasheh and Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim.

American Standard Version

The sons of Joseph after their families: Manasseh and Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:28, a concise entry within the second census of Israel on the plains of Moab, meticulously records the lineage of Joseph through his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. This seemingly simple genealogical detail holds profound significance, highlighting the unique tribal status granted to Joseph's descendants, a direct fulfillment of Jacob's ancient blessing. It underscores God's faithfulness in establishing the foundational structure of the Israelite nation as they prepared to inherit the Promised Land, ensuring each family's designated portion and demonstrating His precise order in bringing His covenant promises to fruition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:28 is an integral part of a comprehensive national census, meticulously detailed in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This chapter serves as a pivotal transition point in the book of Numbers, occurring after the devastating plague at Peor and the judgment on the rebellious generation, and immediately preceding the instructions for dividing the land (cf. [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution")) and the account of the daughters of Zelophehad (cf. [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Daughters of Zelophehad")). The census enumerates all men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, providing a precise record of the new generation poised to enter Canaan. The listing of each tribe, along with their family subdivisions and total numbers, underscores the divine order and preparation for the impending inheritance, with the specific mention of Manasseh and Ephraim here setting the stage for their distinct tribal allocations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This second census was conducted in the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, approximately thirty-eight years after the first census taken at Sinai (recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census at Sinai")). The intervening decades had seen the death of the entire rebellious generation that had left Egypt, fulfilling God's judgment. The new generation, born in the wilderness, was now on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Culturally, censuses in ancient Near Eastern societies were often conducted for military readiness, taxation, or, in this case, for the systematic allocation of land. The unique elevation of Joseph's two sons to full tribal status reflects a patriarchal tradition where a father could adopt grandsons, granting them an inheritance equal to his own sons, as seen in [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"). This practice ensured Joseph, though not a founder of a tribe himself, received a "double portion" through his progeny.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy and divine promises**, specifically Jacob's blessing upon Joseph's sons in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"), demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations. The meticulous census itself emphasizes **divine order and organization**, showing God's precise planning for the future of His people and their structured entry into the Promised Land. Furthermore, it underscores **Joseph's enduring legacy** within Israel; despite his individual absence from the tribal list, his profound faithfulness and prominence in Egypt resulted in his descendants receiving two distinct tribal territories, solidifying his lasting impact on the nation. This systematic enumeration also reinforces the theme of **inheritance and covenant fidelity**, as the land was to be divided according to these family units, emphasizing God's commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** While seemingly straightforward, the term "sons" here carries the weight of lineage and foundational identity for the emerging nation. In ancient Israelite society, the "sons" of a patriarch were the direct inheritors of his name, blessing, and portion. For Joseph, his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, uniquely carried forward his legacy not merely as individuals but as progenitors of entire tribal entities, distinct from other single-son tribal founders. This term broadly encompasses descendants, highlighting the generational continuity of God's promises.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This term is crucial. _Mishpachah_ refers to a clan, a subdivision of a tribe, or a large family unit. Its use here emphasizes that Manasseh and Ephraim were not just individuals but were recognized as the heads of distinct and significant family groups that had grown into full-fledged tribes. This highlights the organizational structure of Israel, where inheritance and identity were tied to these extended family units, preparing them for their territorial allocations in Canaan. It signifies a collective identity and shared destiny.
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _ʼEphrayim'_):** Meaning "double fruit," as Joseph declared in [Genesis 41:52](/genesis/41-52 "Genesis 41:52 - Joseph Names Ephraim"), this name celebrates God's prosperity and blessing upon Joseph in the land of his affliction. Ephraim's elevation to a distinct tribal head, and indeed his eventual prominence over Manasseh (as per Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 48:19](/genesis/48-19 "Genesis 48:19 - Jacob's Prophecy for Ephraim")), signifies the abundant fruitfulness and growth God granted to Joseph's lineage, making them a powerful and numerous part of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Joseph":** This introductory phrase immediately grounds the verse within the lineage of Joseph, a pivotal figure in Israel's history whose faithfulness in Egypt preserved his family. It sets the stage for understanding the unique status of his descendants, whose elevation to full tribal status was a testament to Joseph's unique position and God's blessing upon him.
* **"after their families":** This clause is key, indicating that Manasseh and Ephraim are not merely listed as individuals, but as the progenitors and representatives of distinct tribal units or clans. It underscores the purpose of the census—to organize the nation by family for the distribution of the land, affirming their established identities as large, independent groups within Israel, each with its own subdivisions.
* **"[were] Manasseh and Ephraim":** This final part explicitly names the two sons who, by virtue of Jacob's blessing, were elevated to the status of full tribes, receiving a double portion of the inheritance that would typically go to a firstborn. Their inclusion here confirms their foundational role in the composition of the twelve tribes of Israel as they prepared to enter Canaan, highlighting their significance in the national structure.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:28 employs several literary devices, primarily **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The entire chapter is an extensive example of enumeration, systematically listing each tribe, clan, and their numbers, providing a precise and ordered account of the Israelite population. This meticulous cataloging serves to demonstrate God's divine order and His careful preparation for the nation's future. The verse also functions as a specific point within the larger **Genealogy** of Israel, tracing the lineage from Joseph down to his two sons who would become the heads of significant tribes. This genealogical detail is not merely historical record-keeping; it serves to validate the tribal claims and the future land inheritance, linking the present generation back to the patriarchal promises. Furthermore, the verse subtly relies on **Allusion** to earlier narratives, particularly Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"), where Ephraim was given precedence over Manasseh, and Joseph was granted a "double portion." This allusion enriches the meaning, showing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies within the current generation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:28, though a concise genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to the patriarchs. The elevation of Manasseh and Ephraim to full tribal status, granting Joseph a "double portion" of inheritance, directly fulfills Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"). This meticulous accounting of families for the purpose of land distribution underscores God's commitment to providing for His people and establishing them securely in the Promised Land. It highlights the divine precision in orchestrating the details of history to bring about His grand redemptive plan, demonstrating that even seemingly mundane administrative tasks are imbued with theological significance as they advance God's purposes for His chosen people. The enduring legacy of Joseph, manifested through his sons, serves as a testament to the generational blessings that flow from individual faithfulness to God.

* [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Joshua 14:4](/joshua/14-4 "The Two Tribes of Joseph in Land Distribution")
* [Ezekiel 47:13](/ezekiel/47-13 "Joseph's Double Portion in the Future Land Division")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:28, while a specific detail within an ancient census, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and sovereign purpose. Just as He precisely orchestrated the lineage and inheritance of Israel, fulfilling ancient promises through specific individuals like Manasseh and Ephraim, so too does He oversee the intricate details of our lives and the unfolding of His grand plan for humanity. This verse encourages us to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that even seemingly small or administrative aspects of His work are part of a larger, intentional design. Furthermore, it highlights the concept of spiritual heritage and generational blessing; Joseph's faithfulness had a lasting impact on his descendants, securing a double portion for his family. This prompts us to consider the legacy we are building, not just for ourselves, but for future generations, living in a way that honors God and contributes to His kingdom purposes. Our present obedience and trust can have far-reaching implications, echoing God's precise and purposeful work throughout history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's plan for Israel, as seen in this census, encourage your trust in His oversight of your own life?**
* **In what ways can your faithfulness today contribute to a lasting spiritual heritage for future generations?**
* **What "double portion" or unique blessings might God have prepared for you or your "family" (spiritual or biological) that reflect His specific promises?**

### FAQ
**Why were Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, counted as separate tribes?**

Answer: Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were counted as separate tribes due to a unique patriarchal blessing given by their grandfather, Jacob, in [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob's Adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh"). Jacob adopted them as his own sons, effectively granting Joseph a "double portion" of the inheritance that would typically go to the firstborn. This meant that instead of one tribe named after Joseph, his two sons each became the progenitors of distinct tribes within Israel. This arrangement ensured Joseph's prominence in the tribal structure, reflecting his pivotal role in preserving the family of Israel during the famine in Egypt, as detailed in [Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Genesis 45:7-8 - Joseph's Role in Preserving Life").

**What is the significance of the second census in Numbers 26?**

Answer: The second census in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census") was profoundly significant for several reasons. Primarily, it was taken to prepare the new generation of Israelites for the imminent entry into and division of the Promised Land. Unlike the first census (in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")), which was for military organization and camp arrangement, this census was directly linked to the allocation of tribal territories. As stated in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution Instructions"), the land was to be divided by lot according to the number of names in each tribe and family. It also served as a stark reminder of God's judgment and faithfulness: the entire rebellious generation that left Egypt had died in the wilderness, as prophesied, and this new census marked the emergence of a generation ready to inherit God's promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:28, with its focus on lineage, inheritance, and the fulfillment of ancient promises, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous genealogies of the Old Testament, including the tribal structures and land allocations, ultimately point to the coming of the Messiah, through whom all God's promises are truly realized. Just as Manasseh and Ephraim received a double portion of inheritance, Jesus Christ is the ultimate inheritor of all things, the Son who receives the "double portion" of God's glory and dominion (cf. [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")). He is the true Israel, the one in whom all the covenant blessings are secured, not merely for a physical nation, but for a spiritual people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has secured an eternal inheritance for all who believe, far surpassing any earthly tribal land (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The Old Testament's emphasis on a physical land and lineage foreshadows the spiritual reality of God's people being brought into His eternal kingdom through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham, who fulfills all the promises of God, making them "Yes" and "Amen" in Him (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed") and [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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

Genesis 46:20

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

Genesis 41:52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

Genesis 48:13

And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought [them] near unto him.

Genesis 48:20

And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.