Numbers 26:29

KJV

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}: of Machir {H4353}, the family {H4940} of the Machirites {H4354}: and Machir {H4353} begat {H3205} Gilead {H1568}: of Gilead {H1568} come the family {H4940} of the Gileadites {H1569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of M'nasheh were: of Makhir, the family of the Makhiri. Makhir was the father of Gil'ad; of Gil'ad, the family of the Gil'adi.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

American Standard Version

The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:29 is a pivotal entry within the second census of Israel, meticulously conducted on the plains of Moab as the nation stood poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse specifically delineates the lineage within the tribe of Manasseh, identifying the descendants of Machir and his son Gilead, who established the distinct clans of the Machirites and the Gileadites. This precise genealogical record was indispensable for establishing tribal and clan identities, assessing military strength, and, most critically, for the equitable and divinely ordained distribution of the land of Canaan among the various families of Israel, thereby ensuring the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:29 is situated within the comprehensive second census of Israel, detailed in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This enumeration stands in stark contrast to the initial census conducted at Mount Sinai, recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"). The primary objective of this later census, taken nearly four decades after the first, was to count the new generation of Israelites who were eligible to inherit the Promised Land. The preceding generation, with the sole exceptions of Caleb and Joshua, had perished in the wilderness due to their collective disobedience and rebellion, particularly following the incident at Kadesh Barnea, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29-35 "Numbers 14:29-35 - Consequences of Disobedience"). Consequently, this census served as a vital administrative and theological bridge, preparing the nation for the imminent conquest and settlement of Canaan by establishing the precise population size of each tribe and clan, which would directly inform the land allocation process described in subsequent chapters, such as the significant case of [Zelophehad's daughters in Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Daughters of Zelophehad and Joshua's Appointment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this census is the plains of Moab, situated directly east of the Jordan River and opposite the city of Jericho. This geographical location marked the critical threshold of the Promised Land, signifying a momentous transition in Israel's history from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural life. Culturally, censuses in ancient Israel were far more than mere demographic exercises; they were intrinsically linked to military readiness, systems of taxation, and, most importantly, the intricate tribal inheritance system. Land was to be allocated by lot, but its distribution within each tribe was fundamentally based on family units, or clans (_mishpachah_). The meticulous recording of patrilineal descent, as exemplified in this verse with Machir and Gilead, was essential to ensure that each family received its rightful and divinely appointed portion of the land, thereby preserving the established divine order and preventing future disputes. The prominence of Machir and Gilead is particularly significant, as their descendants would play crucial roles in the settlement of the Transjordan region, especially the fertile territory known as Gilead, as further elaborated in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Allotment East of the Jordan").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and indeed the entire census it belongs to, powerfully underscores several foundational themes. Firstly, it highlights God's unwavering **faithfulness** to His covenant promises, specifically the promise of land to Abraham's descendants, first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land"). Despite the previous generation's profound failures, God did not abandon His people but meticulously prepared the new generation for their promised inheritance. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine order and meticulousness**. The detailed enumeration of clans and families vividly demonstrates God's sovereign hand in organizing and preparing His people for their future, ensuring justice and equity in the distribution of land. This precision reflects God's inherent character as a God of order, not chaos or confusion. Thirdly, the passage points to the profound theme of **inheritance and belonging**. Each individual was an integral part of a larger family, clan, and tribe, and their identity and future were intrinsically linked to this communal structure and the specific land they were destined to inherit. This meticulous record-keeping reinforced their collective identity as the chosen people of God, destined for the land He had graciously promised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Machir (Hebrew, _Mâkîyr'_):** From H4353, meaning "salesman." Machir was the only son of Manasseh explicitly mentioned by name in earlier accounts, such as [Genesis 50:23](/genesis/50-23 "Genesis 50:23 - Joseph Sees Ephraim's Children and Machir's Sons"). His significant prominence in this census highlights his status as the progenitor of a major clan within the tribe of Manasseh. The descendants of Machir, the Machirites, played a key role in the conquest and settlement of the Transjordanian territory, particularly the region of Gilead, demonstrating the fulfillment of tribal blessings and the importance of established lineages.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gilʻâd'_):** From H1568, likely meaning "heap of witness" (related to גַּלְעֵד, _galʻêd_). Gilead was the son of Machir and grandson of Manasseh. His name is not only a personal designation but also became indelibly linked with a significant and fertile region east of the Jordan River. This territory was eventually settled by his descendants, the Gileadites, and other Manassite clans, as recorded in [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39-40 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Settle Gilead"). The naming of a prominent geographical area after a person underscores the deep and enduring connection between lineage, land, and identity in ancient Israelite culture.
* **Family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, meaning "a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people." This term is crucial for understanding the social and administrative fabric of ancient Israel. A _mishpachah_ refers to a clan or an extended family unit, larger than a single household but smaller than a full tribe. These clans served as the fundamental administrative units for military conscription, judicial matters, and, most critically, for the equitable distribution of land inheritance within the larger tribal structure. The repetition of "the family of the Machirites" and "the family of the Gileadites" in the verse underscores the distinct and significant identity of these specific sub-units within the tribe of Manasseh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Manasseh:"**: This opening phrase immediately situates the verse within the broader tribal enumeration of the census, identifying the specific tribal context for the lineage about to be detailed. It signals a focused shift from other tribes or other branches of Manasseh to concentrate on a particular, significant line within this tribe.
* **"of Machir, the family of the Machirites:"**: This clause introduces Machir, identified as the firstborn son of Manasseh, and immediately associates him with his direct descendants, who are known as the "Machirites." This highlights Machir's importance as the progenitor of a substantial clan, a unit that would receive a significant portion of the tribal inheritance and play a prominent role in the settlement of the land.
* **"and Machir begat Gilead:"**: This phrase explicitly clarifies the direct paternal lineage, establishing Gilead as the son of Machir. This direct genealogical link is vital for understanding the subsequent formation of the Gileadite clan and their specific claim to a designated territory, reinforcing the continuity of the family line.
* **"of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites."**: This final clause identifies the second major clan within this lineage, the "Gileadites," who are directly descended from Gilead. The phrasing "of Gilead [come]" emphasizes that this clan derives its identity, name, and ultimately its territorial claim from him, further solidifying their distinct status and their right to the land associated with the region of Gilead.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:29, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of lineages serves not merely as a historical record but functions as a profound theological statement, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His people and preparing them for their promised inheritance. The precise enumeration reinforces the divine order and establishes the legal and spiritual basis for land distribution. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Repetition** with the recurring phrase "the family of the [name]ites," which serves to emphasize the distinct identity, significance, and administrative autonomy of each named clan within the larger tribal structure. This repetition ensures clarity and highlights the specific units that would receive land portions. The verse also employs **Conciseness** and **Economy of Language**, conveying crucial genealogical and organizational information in a direct, unadorned, and authoritative manner, characteristic of administrative and legal texts found throughout the Old Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:29, though appearing as a dry genealogical entry, is profoundly rich in theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care, sovereign purpose, and unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across generations. The detailed accounting of each family and clan underscores that God's covenant with Israel was not vague or abstract but precise, involving specific people and a tangible inheritance of land. This divine attention to detail assures us that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating events and providing for their future. It speaks to the importance of identity and belonging within God's chosen family, emphasizing that each individual and family unit has a unique place and purpose within His grand redemptive design. The census, in its entirety, stands as a testament to God's restorative grace, as He raises up a new generation to inherit what the previous one forfeited due to unbelief, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His overarching redemptive plan for humanity.

* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1-46 "Numbers 1:1-46 - The First Census of Israel")
* [Joshua 17:1-6](/joshua/17-1-6 "Joshua 17:1-6 - Manasseh's Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a census entry from ancient Israel might seem distant from our contemporary lives, Numbers 26:29 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, purpose, and meticulous faithfulness. Just as He meticulously accounted for each family and clan to ensure their rightful inheritance in the physical Promised Land, He cares deeply about every detail of our lives and has a divine purpose for each of us within His spiritual kingdom. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances appear chaotic or uncertain, knowing that He is always working to fulfill His promises and bring about His good purposes. It also prompts us to reflect on our own spiritual lineage—the rich heritage of faith passed down through generations of believers—and to embrace our identity as integral members of God's vast, diverse family, the church. We are not isolated individuals but interconnected members of a larger body, called to steward spiritual blessings and actively participate in God's ongoing redemptive work in the world, preparing for our ultimate, eternal inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this passage speak to His personal care for our lives and His precise plans for our future?**
* **In what tangible ways do we observe God fulfilling His promises across generations in our own lives, our families, or within the broader church today?**
* **How does understanding our identity as part of God's spiritual family (the church) profoundly impact our daily living and our sense of belonging and purpose?**
* **What "inheritance"—spiritual truths, godly character, or missional callings—are we, as believers, called to steward faithfully and pass on to future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to genealogies and censuses in the Bible, especially in a book like Numbers?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies and censuses in the Bible, particularly in the book of Numbers, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping. Firstly, they function as **legal and administrative documents**. As vividly demonstrated in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), the census was absolutely essential for determining the equitable allocation of land inheritance in Canaan, ensuring that each tribe and family received its rightful portion according to God's specific command. This meticulous process prevented disputes and established a clear, divinely sanctioned system of ownership. Secondly, these records served a vital **military purpose**, counting the able-bodied men eligible for warfare, as Israel was preparing for the imminent conquest of the Promised Land. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, they are powerful **theological statements**. These meticulous records demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises, even through generations marked by wilderness wandering and rebellion. They unequivocally show that God's plan is precise, orderly, and sovereign, not haphazard or chaotic. For instance, the detailed lineage of Manasseh in [Numbers 26:29](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29 - Manasseh's Descendants") confirms the continuity of the tribal structure and their legitimate claim to specific territories, such as Gilead, as later elaborated in [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - Allotment to Manasseh"). Ultimately, these seemingly mundane details underscore God's sovereignty and His active, intimate involvement in the unfolding history of His people, guiding them steadfastly toward their promised destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 26:29 is a specific genealogical record deeply rooted in the Old Covenant's administrative and land-inheritance system, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous accounting of Israelite families and their physical land inheritance foreshadows the ultimate, spiritual inheritance promised to all believers in Christ. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized for their earthly inheritance, believers are spiritually "counted" and incorporated into the spiritual family of God through faith in Jesus, thereby becoming co-heirs with Him in His glorious kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The Promised Land, a tangible, physical inheritance, points to the far greater and imperishable spiritual inheritance of eternal life, adoption as sons and daughters, and a secure place in God's eternal kingdom, all of which are secured through Christ's perfect redemptive work on the cross ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus, as the true and ultimate heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), mediates a new covenant that grants access to this imperishable inheritance, not based on physical lineage, tribal census, or earthly boundaries, but on spiritual birth and an unbreakable union with Him ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, the detailed order and promise of land in Numbers ultimately point to the comprehensive and eternal provision found in Christ, who gathers all who believe into His glorious, multi-ethnic family, transcending all earthly genealogies and national distinctions.

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

Joshua 17:1

¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

Numbers 36:1

¶ And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

1 Chronicles 7:14

The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: ([but] his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:

1 Chronicles 7:19

And the sons of Shemida were, Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.

Deuteronomy 3:15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

Numbers 32:39

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

Numbers 32:40

And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.