TRV
“Census Results by Tribe”· Numbers 26:5–51
Translation
In the KJVVerse 4,518 of 31,102 · 14.5%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 26:5–51.
Passage under commentNumbers 26:5–51
5¶ Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:
6Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.
7These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
8And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.
9And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
10And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.
11Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.
12The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:
13Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
14These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.
15The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:
16Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:
17Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.
18These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
19The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.
20And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
21And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.
22These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.
23Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:
24Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
25These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
26Of 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.
27These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.
28The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.
29Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.
30These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:
31And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:
32And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
33And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
34These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
35These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
36And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
37These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
38The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
39Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.
40And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
41These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.
42These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
43All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
44Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
45Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
46And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
47These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
48Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:
49Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
50These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.
51These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
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.
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 26:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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. 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 (Numbers 26:52-56) and the account of the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27). 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). 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. 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, 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
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.
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.
Meaning "double fruit," as Joseph declared in Genesis 41:52, 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), 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, 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. 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.
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
FAQ
Why were Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, counted as separate tribes?
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. 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.
What is the significance of the second census in Numbers 26?
The second census in Numbers 26 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), 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, 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 (Hebrews 1:2). 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 (Revelation 7:9-10). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has secured an eternal inheritance for all who believe, far surpassing any earthly tribal land (Ephesians 1:11 and 1 Peter 1:3-4). 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 (Galatians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 1:20).