Numbers 26:41

Translation
King James 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.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
These were the descendants of Binyamin, by their families; of them were counted 45,600.
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Berean Standard Bible
These were the clans of Benjamin, and their registration numbered 45,600.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
These are the sons of Benjamin after their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand six hundred.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
These are the sonnes of Beniamin after their families, and their nombers, fiue and fourtie thousand and sixe hundreth.
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Young's Literal Translation
These are sons of Benjamin by their families, and their numbered ones are five and forty thousand and six hundred.
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See also
Numbers 1:36Numbers 1:37Numbers 2:22Numbers 2:23Genesis 46:21
In the KJVVerse 4,531 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. 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. The immediate preceding verses, Numbers 26:38-40, 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, 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), 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. 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. 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, 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. Thirdly, the notable increase in Benjamin's population from 35,400 in the first census (Numbers 1:37) 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', H1121): 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', H4940): 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', H6485): 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), 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.

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, 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. 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. Finally, by comparing the second census to the first (Numbers 1), 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. 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. 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. 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).

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Commentary on Numbers 26 verses 5–51

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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