Numbers 26:36

KJV

And these [are] the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the sons {H1121} of Shuthelah {H7803}: of Eran {H6197}, the family {H4940} of the Eranites {H6198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the descendants of Shutelach: of 'Eran, the family of the 'Erani.

Berean Standard Bible

And the descendants of Shuthelah were the Eranite clan from Eran.

American Standard Version

And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:36 is a precise genealogical entry within the comprehensive second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab as the nation stood poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse meticulously identifies "the family of the Eranites," tracing their lineage through Eran to Shuthelah, a son of Ephraim. It serves as a vital record of the new generation, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and meticulously preparing them for the equitable distribution of their promised inheritance in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:36 is embedded within the extensive and highly detailed account of Israel's second census, which encompasses the entirety of [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This critical enumeration takes place approximately 38 years after the initial census recorded in [Numbers chapter 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"), and significantly, it immediately follows the divine judgment and demise of the rebellious wilderness generation, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Wilderness Generation"). The chapter meticulously lists the fighting men aged twenty years and older from each tribe and family, with the explicit and paramount purpose of preparing for the division of the land according to the size of each clan, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution"). This particular verse zeroes in on a specific family unit within the prominent tribe of Ephraim, itself a descendant of Joseph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this census is the plains of Moab, strategically located directly across the Jordan River from Jericho, marking the very threshold of the long-awaited Promised Land. This new generation, unlike their parents, stands ready to inherit Canaan, a land promised by God centuries earlier. Culturally, tribal and familial identity held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society; one's lineage was the bedrock of their social standing, legal rights, and, most crucially, their allocated portion of the tribal inheritance. The meticulous recording of families such as the Eranites was not merely bureaucratic; it was a foundational act ensuring that the land, divinely promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would be justly and orderly distributed among their legitimate descendants, thereby fulfilling the divine covenant. This rigorous process underscored the critical importance of accurate genealogical records for both military organization and the very foundational structure of the nascent Israelite nation as they prepared to establish themselves in their new homeland.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of Numbers 26:36, mirroring the entire census, powerfully underscores several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights God's **divine order and meticulousness**. The precise enumeration of every family unit demonstrates God's sovereign hand in organizing and preparing His people, fulfilling His promises with exactitude and precision. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **continuity of generations and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness**. Despite the profound rebellion and subsequent demise of the previous generation in the wilderness, God faithfully preserved a new generation, ensuring the unbroken continuation of His covenant with Israel. The specific listing of "the family of the Eranites" serves as a tangible testament to this enduring faithfulness. Thirdly, the census directly ties into the overarching theme of **preparation for inheritance**. Each family was being meticulously accounted for, not solely for military strength, but primarily to ensure that every designated heir would receive their rightful portion of the land, as promised by God (cf. [Numbers 26:53](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Land Allotment by Population")). This census is a divine act of preparing a people for their promised dwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This plural construct form, derived from the root meaning "to build," literally means "sons of" or "children of." In genealogical contexts like Numbers 26:36, it signifies direct male lineage and descent, establishing the familial connection and the continuation of the family line through Shuthelah to Eran. It emphasizes the patrilineal structure of Israelite society and the importance of male heirs for the perpetuation of family names and the inheritance of land.
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh_):** This term denotes a significant subdivision within a larger tribe, referring to an extended family unit or a clan. A _mishpâchâh_ typically consisted of several households tracing their ancestry to a common patriarch. In the context of the census, the _mishpâchâh_ was the fundamental unit for the distribution of the land, as the inheritance was allocated "to the larger group, you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller group, a smaller inheritance" ([Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Distribution by Size of Clan")). The identification of "the family of the Eranites" thus signifies a distinct, recognized unit eligible for its portion.
* **Eranites (Hebrew, _ʻÊrânîy_):** This is a gentilic or patronymic adjective, formed by adding the suffix "-i" (or "-ite" in English) to the proper name Eran, preceded by the definite article "ha-." It functions to identify individuals or, as in this case, a collective group as descendants of a specific ancestor. The term "Eranites" therefore clearly designates the clan that originated from Eran, solidifying their unique identity within the broader tribe of Ephraim and their specific claim to a portion of the inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the sons of Shuthelah:"** This opening clause establishes the immediate paternal lineage, situating the subsequent details within the broader tribal framework. Shuthelah is identified in [Numbers 26:35](/numbers/26-35 "Numbers 26:35 - Sons of Ephraim") as one of the sons of Ephraim, who was a son of Joseph. This connects the Eranites to the larger tribal structure of Ephraim, a prominent and numerous tribe in Israel.
* **"of Eran,"** This phrase further refines the lineage, specifying Eran as the direct son of Shuthelah. This precision is vital in biblical genealogies, as it meticulously traces the specific branch of the family tree that is being enumerated. It ensures that the record is exact, leaving no ambiguity about the ancestral link and confirming the direct line of descent.
* **"the family of the Eranites."** This final clause identifies the collective unit, the _mishpâchâh_ (clan), that descends from Eran. This "family of the Eranites" is the countable entity within the census, representing a distinct clan that would be allocated land based on its registered members. The use of the patronymic "Eranites" solidifies their identity as a recognized and distinct genealogical unit within the larger tribe of Ephraim, emphasizing their corporate identity for the purpose of land distribution.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:36, and indeed throughout [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), is **Genealogy**. The entire chapter is meticulously structured as a comprehensive list of names and family units, emphasizing lineage, descent, and the continuity of the Israelite people. This meticulous genealogical record serves not merely as a historical archive but as a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen people. Another significant device is **Repetition**, particularly the formulaic listing of "the family of the [name]ites" for each clan. This consistent, repetitive structure reinforces the census's overarching purpose—to systematically account for every eligible family—and underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in His divine ordering of Israel. The sheer volume of names and the consistent format create a sense of comprehensive coverage and divine oversight, highlighting the thoroughness of God's preparation for their inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:36, though a seemingly mundane genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land to Abraham's descendants, even after the previous generation's disobedience led to their demise in the wilderness. The meticulous counting of each family, including the Eranites, demonstrates God's sovereign oversight and His precise preparation for the fulfillment of His word. It highlights that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure; rather, He raises up a new generation to inherit what was promised. This verse underscores the importance of corporate identity within God's people and the divine order that governs their existence and inheritance, revealing a God who remembers His covenant and meticulously brings it to pass.

* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census of Israel")
* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution")
* [Joshua 13:1-7](/joshua/13-1-7 "Joshua 13:1-7 - Unconquered Land and Division")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:36 offers a quiet but profound assurance: God is intimately involved in the intricate details of His people's lives, from broad covenant promises to the specific enumeration of families. It reminds us that God's faithfulness transcends generations, even when human beings falter and fall short. Just as the Eranites were meticulously accounted for and prepared to receive their earthly inheritance, believers today are known by God and are being prepared for an eternal inheritance that is far greater. This should instill deep confidence that God's plans are meticulous, His promises are absolutely sure, and every individual is known, valued, and accounted for in His grand, redemptive design. Our identity is not lost in the crowd of humanity; rather, through faith, we become part of a divinely ordered family, heirs to an eternal promise that is imperishable and undefiled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census entry speak to God's character and His intimate involvement in the seemingly small details of our lives?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of generations, as seen in this verse, encourage you about God's faithfulness despite human shortcomings and failures?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "accounted for" in God's grand plan, and how does this truth relate to your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogical records so detailed in the book of Numbers?**

Answer: The detailed genealogical records in Numbers, including Numbers 26:36, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they powerfully demonstrate God's meticulous order and sovereignty over His people, affirming that every family and individual is known and accounted for by Him. Secondly, and most importantly in the context of [Numbers chapter 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), these records were directly tied to the upcoming distribution of the Promised Land. The size of each family or clan (_mishpâchâh_) determined the size of their inheritance, ensuring a fair and divinely ordained allocation (see [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53-56 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Allotment by Population")). Thirdly, they underscore the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations, proving that despite the failure and rebellion of the wilderness generation, God faithfully preserved a new people to inherit His blessings and fulfill His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 26:36 is a record of earthly lineage and the anticipation of a physical inheritance, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, spiritual inheritance found in Christ. Just as the Eranites were counted and prepared for their portion of Canaan, believers in Christ are "counted" in Him, becoming part of a new spiritual lineage that transcends earthly ties. Jesus, the ultimate Son of David and the promised Son of Abraham, fulfills all the genealogical promises of Israel. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He secures an eternal inheritance for all who believe. We are no longer defined by earthly clans or tribal affiliations but are now "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), adopted as "sons and daughters" by God Himself ([2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Adoption")), and declared "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Our inheritance is not a plot of land, but eternal life, incorruptible glory, and an imperishable dwelling in the "new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - The New Heavens and New Earth")), all secured by the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.