Numbers 26:41

KJV

These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the sons {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} after their families {H4940}: and they that were numbered {H6485} of them were forty {H705} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the descendants of Binyamin, by their families; of them were counted 45,600.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the clans of Benjamin, and their registration numbered 45,600.

American Standard Version

These are the sons of Benjamin after their families; and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:41 records the census count for the tribe of Benjamin, indicating that 45,600 males aged twenty years and upward were registered. This specific detail is a vital component of the second national census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab, serving the dual purposes of assessing military strength for the impending conquest of Canaan and establishing a basis for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes. The verse underscores God's meticulous order, His providential care, and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving and growing His people, even after a generation of disobedience had perished in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:41 is deeply embedded within the comprehensive enumeration of the second census of Israel, which spans the entirety of [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This chapter systematically lists the families and total numbers for each of the twelve tribes, mirroring the structure and purpose of the first census detailed in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"). The immediate preceding verses, [Numbers 26:38-40](/numbers/26-38-40 "Numbers 26:38-40 - Benjamin's Families Listed"), meticulously detail the specific families of Benjamin—Bela, Ashbel, Ahiram, Shupham, and Hupham—and their descendants, providing the genealogical foundation for the numerical summary given in verse 41. The narrative then seamlessly transitions to the tribe of Dan in [Numbers 26:42-43](/numbers/26-42-43 "Numbers 26:42-43 - The Tribe of Dan's Census"), maintaining the consistent, methodical reporting of each tribe's population. This meticulous record-keeping emphasizes the divine order and the precision with which God prepared His people for their future inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The second census occurred "on the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho" ([Numbers 26:3](/numbers/26-3 "Numbers 26:3 - Location of the Second Census")), a strategically pivotal geographical location signifying the Israelites' imminent entry into the Promised Land. Historically, this census took place after the forty years of wilderness wandering had concluded and, crucially, after the entire generation of adult males who had rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea had died off, as divinely prophesied in [Numbers 14:29-30](/numbers/14-29-30 "Numbers 14:29-30 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). The primary purposes of this census were twofold: first, to ascertain the military strength of this new generation, preparing them for the arduous conquest of Canaan; and second, to provide a precise basis for the equitable division of the land, with larger tribes receiving a proportionally greater territory, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53-56 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot and Population"). Culturally, censuses in ancient Israel were intrinsically linked to military readiness, resource allocation, and the fulfillment of covenant promises, reflecting a divinely ordained system of governance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the broader context of [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"), contributes to several significant theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, showcasing God's precise organization of His people, down to individual families and their numerical counts. This attention to detail underscores His sovereign control and purposeful planning for Israel's future. Secondly, the census directly emphasizes **Preparation for Inheritance**, linking the population count to the forthcoming distribution of the land in Canaan, thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham regarding the land, as first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Thirdly, the notable increase in Benjamin's population from 35,400 in the first census ([Numbers 1:37](/numbers/1-37 "Numbers 1:37 - Benjamin's First Census Count")) to 45,600 in this second census vividly demonstrates **Tribal Continuity and Growth Amidst Adversity**. Despite the severe hardships of the wilderness, devastating plagues, and the demise of the older generation, God faithfully preserved and even increased the numbers of His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His power to sustain His chosen nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root `bânâh` (to build), this term signifies a son as a builder or perpetuator of the family name. In its widest sense, it encompasses literal and figurative relationships, including descendants, members of a nation, or those sharing a common quality. In Numbers 26:41, "sons of Benjamin" refers to the male descendants who constitute the tribe, emphasizing the genealogical continuity and the generational progression of God's covenant people. The census specifically counts these "sons" who are of military age, highlighting their role in building the nation and inheriting the land.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This word denotes a family, clan, or circle of relatives, extending figuratively to a class of persons or a tribe. The census was meticulously organized "after their families," highlighting the patriarchal and genealogical structure that underpinned Israelite society. This organization was crucial for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, ensuring that the inheritance was allocated according to established and recognized family units, thereby preserving tribal identity and lineage.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to visit" (with friendly or hostile intent), but by analogy, "to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit." In the context of a census, `pâqad` specifically refers to the act of being counted, registered, or mustered, typically for military service, taxation, or land distribution. Its use throughout Numbers 26 underscores the official, divinely sanctioned nature of the census, indicating that these figures were not arbitrary but were a direct result of God's command and oversight, reflecting His active involvement in the details of His people's organization and destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families":** This opening clause serves as an immediate identifier, specifying that the subsequent numerical data pertains to the tribe of Benjamin. The phrase "after their families" is crucial, as it reiterates the meticulous, genealogical framework of the census. It signifies that the count was not merely an aggregate number of individuals but a detailed enumeration organized according to the distinct family units or clans within the tribe. This emphasis on family lines underscores the importance of lineage in Israelite society, particularly as it relates to the future inheritance of the Promised Land, ensuring that land would be justly distributed among recognized ancestral divisions.
* **"and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred":** This clause delivers the precise numerical outcome of the census for the tribe of Benjamin. The figure of 45,600 represents the total number of males aged twenty and above who were deemed fit for military service and, consequently, eligible for a share in the land. This number is significant not only for its practical implications for military strength and land allocation but also for its profound theological implications. It reflects a notable increase from Benjamin's count in the first census (35,400 in [Numbers 1:37](/numbers/1-37 "Numbers 1:37 - Benjamin's First Census Count")), demonstrating the tribe's growth despite the intervening wilderness hardships, plagues, and divine judgments. This numerical increase stands as a powerful testament to God's preserving power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, sustaining them even through adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 26:41, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration**. This involves the detailed listing of numbers and names, creating an overwhelming sense of precision, order, and comprehensiveness. The consistent repetition of the census formula for each tribe—mentioning "sons... after their families" followed by a specific numerical count—reinforces the meticulous nature of God's divine administration and His sovereign oversight. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration serves a profound theological purpose: it underscores God's sovereignty over the population and destiny of His people, demonstrating that every individual and family is known and accounted for in His grand, providential plan. Furthermore, the stark numerical **Contrast** between the first and second censuses, particularly evident in the increase of tribes like Benjamin, subtly highlights the resilience and growth of some tribes even as others experienced decline, all under God's providential hand, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant despite human failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:41, as an integral part of the second census, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of human failure and the passage of generations. The meticulous counting of each tribe, including Benjamin, demonstrates God's providential care and His commitment to preparing His people for the inheritance He promised. It signifies that every individual within the community of faith is known and valued by God, and that His plans for His people's future are precise and certain. The increase in Benjamin's numbers, despite the wilderness's challenges, serves as a powerful testament to God's preserving power and His ability to bring about growth and continuity even through hardship. This divine order and attention to detail assure believers that God is actively involved in the details of their lives and His overarching plan for salvation, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes.

* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census Commissioned")
* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution Principles")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of a census count, such as that of Benjamin in Numbers 26:41, invite us to reflect on the profound truth of God's meticulous care and purposeful planning for His people. Just as God meticulously numbered and organized the tribes of Israel for their physical inheritance in Canaan, He orchestrates the lives of His spiritual people today, preparing us for our eternal inheritance in Christ. This passage reminds us that we are not random individuals in a chaotic world, but rather part of a divinely ordered community, each known and valued by our Creator. It encourages us to trust in God's detailed providence, recognizing that even the "numbers" and circumstances of our lives are under His sovereign hand. Our perseverance through trials, our growth in faith, and our place within the body of Christ are all part of His grand design, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations. We are called to live with the assurance that our God is a God of order, purpose, and unfailing commitment to His promises, meticulously working out His plan for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's census-taking in Numbers 26:41 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in the details of your own life?**
* **Considering Benjamin's growth despite the wilderness journey, what does this passage teach us about God's ability to sustain and grow His people even through difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways does the preparation of Israel for their physical inheritance in Canaan parallel God's preparation of believers for their spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed numerical lists like the census in Numbers 26?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed numerical lists, such as the census in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores God's meticulous order and precision in managing His people. Every individual and family is known and accounted for, demonstrating His sovereign oversight and providential care. Secondly, these numbers had profound practical implications for the organization of Israel, particularly for military readiness as they prepared for conquest and for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, as outlined in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53-56 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot and Population"). Thirdly, the census highlights the remarkable fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants becoming a great nation, as first recorded in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Finally, by comparing the second census to the first ([Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel")), it provides a historical record of tribal continuity, growth, or decline, revealing God's preservation of His people despite their wilderness wanderings and judgments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous numbering of the tribe of Benjamin and all Israel in Numbers 26:41, preparing them for their physical inheritance in the Promised Land, powerfully foreshadows God's meticulous care in preparing His spiritual people for their eternal inheritance in Christ. Just as the Israelites were "numbered" and organized for a specific purpose and destiny, so too are believers in the New Covenant "numbered" and chosen by God before the foundation of the world, as affirmed in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ"). The census highlights a people being prepared for a promised land; in Christ, we are prepared for a heavenly inheritance, a "better country," as the author of Hebrews beautifully describes in [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Heavenly Homeland"). The preservation and growth of the tribe of Benjamin, despite the wilderness generation's failures and the intervening hardships, points to God's unwavering faithfulness not just to a specific lineage but to all who are "in Christ," who become "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" through faith, as articulated in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to Promise"). Ultimately, the detailed accounting of Israel's tribes finds its supreme fulfillment in the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of all the redeemed are eternally recorded, signifying their secure and everlasting place in God's eternal kingdom through the finished, redemptive work of Jesus Christ ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life")).

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

Numbers 1:36

Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Numbers 1:37

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Benjamin, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 2:22

Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin [shall be] Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Numbers 2:23

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

Genesis 46:21

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.