Numbers 26:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the sons {H1121} of Dan {H1835} after their families {H4940}: of Shuham {H7748}, the family {H4940} of the Shuhamites {H7749}. These are the families {H4940} of Dan {H1835} after their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Dan, by their families, were: of Shucham, the family of the Shuchami. These are the families of Dan, by their families.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:42 meticulously records the tribal lineage of Dan within the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab. This verse uniquely highlights that the tribe of Dan, for the purposes of this census, was reckoned through a single primary family, the Shuhamites, tracing their direct descent from Shuham, one of Dan's sons. This specific entry underscores the divine order and precision in God's preparation of His people for their inheritance in the Promised Land, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:42 is situated within the comprehensive second census of the Israelite tribes, detailed in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This census occurs approximately 38 years after the first census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"), and significantly, it follows the judgment on the rebellious generation who perished in the wilderness, as foretold in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - The Fate of the Rebellious Generation"). The immediate literary context shows a systematic enumeration of each tribe's fighting men (those 20 years and older) and their respective families, serving as a vital precursor to the instructions for land distribution in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution"). The brevity and singular family listing for Dan in verse 42 stand out amidst the more detailed family breakdowns of other tribes, drawing particular attention to this specific lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This census was conducted on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites stood poised to enter the land of Canaan. Historically, the purpose of such a census was multifaceted: to ascertain military strength for the impending conquest, to provide a basis for the equitable division of the land according to tribal and family size, and to affirm the continuity of God's covenant people despite the devastating losses of the wilderness generation. Culturally, genealogy and tribal identity were paramount in ancient Israel. One's lineage determined their social standing, inheritance rights, and role within the community. The meticulous recording of families (`mišpāḥōṯ`) reflected the deeply ingrained importance of clan identity and the structured nature of Israelite society, ensuring order and justice in the allocation of resources and responsibilities.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous counting of the tribes and families in Numbers 26 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Continuity**. Despite the rebellion and subsequent judgment that led to the death of an entire generation, God remained faithful to His promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation, as seen in [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Abraham"). The emergence of a new generation, ready to inherit the land, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment. Secondly, the census highlights **Divine Order and Preparation**. God's precise attention to detail in organizing His people reflects His orderly nature and His sovereign plan for Israel's future in the Promised Land, including the equitable distribution of territory (cf. [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Tribal Size")). Lastly, the emphasis on **Inheritance and Identity** is central, as the census confirms the eligibility for land ownership and reinforces the distinct tribal and family identities that would shape the future settlement of Canaan (cf. [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bəney_):** This term, while literally meaning "sons," is often used in a broader sense to denote descendants, clan members, or the collective offspring of a patriarch. In this context, "sons of Dan" refers to the entire tribal lineage, encompassing all those descended from Dan and counted within his tribal census.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mišpāḥōṯ_):** This word refers to the major subdivisions or clans within a tribe, typically tracing their lineage back to a common ancestor. The repetition of this term in the verse emphasizes the focus on these specific kinship units as the basis for the census and future land distribution. The fact that Dan is listed with only one such "family" (the Shuhamites) is a notable feature of this verse.
* **Shuham (Hebrew, _Šūḥām_):** This is the proper name of Dan's son, from whom the sole family of the Shuhamites is reckoned. The suffix "-ites" (_haš-šūḥāmî_) indicates a patronymic family name, signifying "those belonging to Shuham" or "descended from Shuham." This name is also mentioned in [Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "Genesis 46:23 - The Sons of Dan") as one of Dan's sons, confirming his foundational role in the tribe's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the sons of Dan after their families:"** This opening clause serves as an introductory statement, announcing the focus on the tribal lineage of Dan and specifying that the enumeration will be organized according to their family units or clans. It sets the stage for the subsequent identification of these specific subdivisions within the tribe.
* **"of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites."** This is the core identification of the verse. It names Shuham as the progenitor of the singular family unit that constitutes the tribe of Dan for the purposes of this census. The mention of "the family of the Shuhamites" clarifies that all counted descendants of Dan are traced back through this one specific lineage, distinguishing Dan from other tribes that often list multiple family branches.
* **"These [are] the families of Dan after their families."** This concluding clause serves as an emphatic reiteration and summary. Despite the plural "families" (which might suggest multiple branches), the repetition underscores that for Dan, only the Shuhamites are counted as the primary family unit. It reinforces the meticulous nature of the census and highlights the unique, singular structure of Dan's counted lineage at this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Numbers 26:42 is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "after their families." This repetition serves to emphasize the meticulous nature of the census and the importance of family units as the basis for tribal organization and land distribution. In the unique case of Dan, where only one family (the Shuhamites) is explicitly named, the repetition draws attention to this singularity, highlighting that despite the general plural term "families," Dan's counted lineage is consolidated through this one branch. The verse also functions as part of a larger **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** device, as it systematically lists the tribal and family units of Israel, contributing to the overall sense of divine order and comprehensive accounting that pervades Numbers 26. The **Conciseness** of Dan's entry, listing only one family, stands in subtle contrast to other tribes, drawing the reader's attention to its distinct structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:42, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, holds profound theological significance. It is a testament to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The very act of counting and organizing the tribes, even after the devastating judgment on the previous generation, demonstrates God's commitment to preserving Israel and bringing them into the Promised Land. This census is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is a divine act of preparation, ensuring that each family and tribe is accounted for and positioned to receive their promised inheritance. It underscores that God's plan is precise, orderly, and extends to the individual families that constitute His chosen nation, reflecting His sovereign oversight of history and destiny.

* [Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "Genesis 46:23 - The Sons of Dan in Jacob's Household")
* [Numbers 1:38-39](/numbers/1-38 "Numbers 1:38-39 - Dan's Count in the First Census")
* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Tribal Size")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:42, within the broader context of the second census, offers a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness. Just as God precisely counted and accounted for every family in Israel, preparing them for their inheritance, so too does He meticulously care for each individual and family within His spiritual kingdom today. This passage invites us to reflect on our own place within God's grand narrative of redemption. We are not lost in the crowd; rather, we are known by name, belonging to a spiritual family with a divine inheritance. God's promises, like His promise to bring Israel into the land, are sure and steadfast, even through generations of struggle, failure, or wilderness experiences. This should instill in us a profound sense of security and purpose, knowing that our lives are woven into His perfect plan, and He is faithfully guiding us toward our ultimate inheritance in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the census encourage us about His care for our individual lives and circumstances today?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness to His promises, even across difficult seasons or through periods of spiritual wilderness?**
* **How does understanding our spiritual "family" or identity in Christ shape our sense of belonging and purpose within the Church?**

### FAQ
**Why is only one family listed for the tribe of Dan in Numbers 26:42, unlike many other tribes that list multiple families?**

Answer: The biblical text itself does not explicitly state the reason for Dan's singular family listing. However, several factors may contribute to this unique presentation. Firstly, [Genesis 46:23](/genesis/46-23 "Genesis 46:23 - The Sons of Dan") lists only one son for Dan, "Hushim" (who is likely the same as Shuham or an alternate spelling/name for his descendants). If Shuham was indeed Dan's only son, or the only one to produce a surviving and significant lineage, then it would naturally follow that only one family branch would be counted. Secondly, it's possible that other potential family lines within Dan either died out during the wilderness wanderings or were absorbed into the dominant Shuhamite family. The census's primary purpose was to count those eligible for land inheritance, focusing on the established, recognized family units. The brevity for Dan might simply reflect the actual demographic and organizational structure of the tribe at that specific point in history, emphasizing that all of Dan's counted population derived from this single, primary lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical records and the promise of land inheritance in Numbers 26:42, though seemingly focused on earthly lineage and territory, ultimately point to the greater spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The census, which prepared Israel to enter a physical land, foreshadows our spiritual inheritance in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Jesus, as the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ")), establishes a new spiritual family. Through faith in Him, we are no longer defined by earthly lineage or tribal affiliation, but are adopted into God's family as sons and daughters, receiving the "Spirit of adoption" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - The Spirit of Adoption")). The careful accounting of each family in Numbers 26 underscores God's sovereign plan for humanity's redemption, a plan meticulously unfolded and brought to fruition in Christ. Our true "Promised Land" is not a geographical location but the eternal rest and abundant life found in Him, a rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God")). Thus, Numbers 26:42, in its precision and focus on lineage, ultimately directs our gaze to the One 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")).

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

Genesis 46:23

And the sons of Dan; Hushim.