Numbers 26:32

KJV

And [of] Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and [of] Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of Shemida {H8061}, the family {H4940} of the Shemidaites {H8062}: and of Hepher {H2660}, the family {H4940} of the Hepherites {H2662}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of Sh'mida, the family of the Sh'mida'i; and of Hefer, the family of the Hefri.

Berean Standard Bible

the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher.

American Standard Version

and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:32 meticulously records two specific family clans, the Shemidaites and the Hepherites, within the tribe of Manasseh, as part of the second census of Israel. This verse, seemingly a mere genealogical entry, underscores God's precise and orderly nature in preparing His people for the inheritance of the Promised Land, highlighting the divine attention to individual families as foundational units for the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:32 is embedded within a comprehensive census of the Israelite tribes, conducted on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into Canaan. This "second numbering" (compare with the [first census in Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel")) serves as a crucial update, detailing the new generation prepared to inherit the land. The preceding verses, specifically [Numbers 26:29-31](/numbers/26-29 "Numbers 26:29-31 - Lineage of Manasseh"), establish the lineage of Manasseh, identifying Shemida and Hepher as sons of Gilead, who was a son of Machir, Manasseh's only son. This meticulous detail emphasizes the hierarchical structure of Israelite society and the precise basis for land allocation, as further elaborated in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Principles of Land Distribution"). The entire chapter prepares the reader for the subsequent division of the land and the establishment of Israel in Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census takes place approximately 38 years after the first census at Sinai, marking the transition from the wilderness generation, which largely perished due to disobedience, to a new generation poised for conquest and settlement. The plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, served as the staging ground for this pivotal moment. Culturally, such detailed genealogical records were vital in ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and military organization. For Israel, this census was not merely administrative; it was divinely mandated, reflecting God's direct involvement in their societal structure and the fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land. The division of land "by lot according to the number of names" ([Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Division by Lot")) underscores the practical and legal significance of each family unit recorded.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader chapter, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise organization of His people, down to individual families, ensuring that nothing is arbitrary in His plan for their inheritance. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God, despite the previous generation's rebellion, remains true to His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). This census signifies the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the new generation. Lastly, it emphasizes **Identity and Inheritance**, where the naming of specific clans like the Shemidaites and Hepherites reinforces their distinct identity and their rightful claim to a portion of the Promised Land, foundational to the Israelite understanding of their place within God's covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemida (Hebrew, _Shĕmîdāʿ_):** This name means "fame of knowledge" or "name of knowing." As a grandson of Manasseh through Gilead, Shemida's name signifies the recognition or establishment of a lineage. In the context of the census, it underscores the divine act of "knowing" and "naming" each family, thereby establishing their identity and right to inheritance within the larger covenant community. The very act of being named and counted by God confers a form of "fame" or recognition.
* **Hepher (Hebrew, _Ḥēp̄er_):** Meaning "a pit" or "a well," Hepher's name might allude to a place or a characteristic. In a desert environment, a well was a source of life and sustenance, often a point of settlement. As a son of Gilead and a descendant of Manasseh, Hepher's clan, the Hepherites, would have been a distinct and recognized entity, contributing to the overall strength and composition of the tribe. The name, while seemingly humble, points to the foundational nature of these family units.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [of] Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites:"** This clause identifies Shemida as the progenitor of a distinct clan. The phrase "the family of the Shemidaites" (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשְּׁמִידָעִי _mishpaḥat ha-shĕmîdāʿî_) explicitly links the individual to the collective unit. This meticulous naming convention ensures that each lineage is recognized and accounted for, crucial for the subsequent division of the land by tribal and familial lines. It highlights the importance of identity rooted in ancestry and divine recognition.
* **"and [of] Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."** Parallel to the first clause, this part identifies Hepher as the founder of another specific clan. The repetition of the structure reinforces the systematic and exhaustive nature of the census. Each "family" (מִשְׁפָּחָה _mishpaḥah_) represents a distinct, countable unit within the larger tribal structure, possessing its own identity and claim to a portion of the inheritance. The inclusion of these specific names, even among many others, emphasizes God's comprehensive knowledge and care for every part of His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:32, and indeed throughout much of Numbers 26, is **Enumeration** and **Genealogical Listing**. The text systematically lists individuals and their descendant clans, providing a detailed roster of the Israelite population. This is not merely a dry list but a divinely ordained record, emphasizing God's meticulous **Order** and **Precision**. The repetitive grammatical structure, "and [of] X, the family of the X-ites," creates a rhythmic pattern that underscores the comprehensive nature of the census. This **Repetition** serves to reinforce the idea that every family, no matter how seemingly minor, is known and accounted for by God. The use of the suffix "-ites" to denote a collective family unit derived from a progenitor is a form of **Nominalization**, transforming an individual's name into a collective identity, essential for the administrative and theological purposes of the census.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:32, though a specific genealogical entry, serves as a profound theological statement about God's enduring faithfulness, His meticulous care for His people, and the unfolding of His covenant promises. It underscores that God's plan is not vague but precise, involving every family and individual within the covenant community. The census itself is an act of divine preparation, ensuring that the inheritance of the Promised Land is distributed justly and according to God's design, demonstrating that even the seemingly mundane details of human organization are under His sovereign hand. This verse reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with His people, knowing each one by name and purpose, just as He knew these ancient families.

* [Exodus 1:1-5](/exodus/1-1 "Exodus 1:1-5 - The Sons of Israel Who Came to Egypt")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Predestined According to His Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:32, at first glance, might appear as a simple historical record, yet it carries profound implications for our understanding of God's character and our place within His ongoing story. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and faithfulness. He meticulously accounts for every individual and family within His covenant. Just as He knew the Shemidaites and Hepherites by name and ensured their place in the inheritance, He knows each of us intimately. Our lives are not random; they are part of His grand, unfolding plan. This should instill in us a deep sense of security and significance, knowing that we are seen, valued, and purposed by the Creator of the universe. It also challenges us to consider our own "inheritance" in Christ and how we are preparing to receive and steward it, living faithfully within the "family" of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census, including specific family names, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's personal involvement in your life?**
* **In what ways does being part of God's "family" (the church) provide you with a sense of identity and belonging, similar to the tribal and familial identity of ancient Israel?**
* **What "inheritance" or promises of God are you currently preparing to receive or steward, and how does the example of Israel's preparation for the Promised Land encourage you?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and families important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed lists of names and families, like those in Numbers 26:32, are crucial for several reasons within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish **identity and lineage**, tracing the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Secondly, they serve a practical purpose for **land distribution**, as the Promised Land was to be divided among the tribes and families according to their numbers ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution Principles")). Thirdly, these lists demonstrate God's **meticulous order and faithfulness**. They show that God knows each individual and family within His people, ensuring His plan unfolds precisely. Finally, they provide a **historical record** validating the claims and heritage of the Israelite nation, underscoring their unique relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 26:32 appears to be a dry genealogical record, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment by foreshadowing the ultimate inheritance and identity found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous accounting of families for the purpose of land inheritance points to a greater, spiritual inheritance available to all who are "counted" in Christ. Just as the Shemidaites and Hepherites received their portion by virtue of their lineage and God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, believers today receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Believer's Heavenly Inheritance")) by virtue of their spiritual lineage through faith in Christ. Jesus, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ as Abraham's Seed")), is the ultimate heir through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through Him, Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual family of God ([Romans 11:17](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17 - Gentiles Grafted In")), becoming "fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and part of a new covenant people, whose names are "written in the book of life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Book of Life")). Thus, the ancient census, with its focus on earthly inheritance, ultimately points to the heavenly inheritance and eternal identity secured for us in our Lord Jesus 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.