TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
These are the descendants of Shutelach: of 'Eran, the family of the 'Erani.
American Standard Version
And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
World English Bible Messianic
These are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
In the KJVVerse 4,526 of 31,102
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Commentary on Numbers 26 verses 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:
6 Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.
7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.
9 And 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:
10 And 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.
11 Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.
12 The 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:
13 Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.
15 The 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:
16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:
17 Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.
18 These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.
20 And 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.
21 And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.
22 These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.
23 Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:
24 Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
26 Of 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.
27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.
28 The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.
29 Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.
30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:
31 And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:
32 And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
33 And 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.
34 These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
35 These 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.
36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
37 These 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.
38 The 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:
39 Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.
40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.
42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
44 Of 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.
45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
47 These 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.
48 Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:
49 Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.
51 These 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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–51. Public domain.
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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.
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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. This critical enumeration takes place approximately 38 years after the initial census recorded in Numbers chapter 1, and significantly, it immediately follows the divine judgment and demise of the rebellious wilderness generation, as detailed in passages like Numbers 14:26-35. 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. 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 (Numbers 26:53). This census is a divine act of preparing a people for their promised dwelling.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:36, and indeed throughout Numbers chapter 26, 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.
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
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, 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). 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), adopted as "sons and daughters" by God Himself (2 Corinthians 6:18), and declared "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). 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), all secured by the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).