Numbers 26:42

Numbers 26:42 is a specific entry within the second census of the Israelites, focusing on the tribal lineage of Dan. This verse states that the descendants of Dan were categorized into one primary family, the Shuhamites, tracing their lineage back to Shuham, Dan's son.

Context

This census, detailed in Numbers chapter 26, was taken on the plains of Moab, shortly before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land. It served several crucial purposes:

• Replacement Generation: It registered the new generation of fighting men (those 20 years and older) who had grown up during the forty years of wilderness wandering. The previous generation, largely condemned for their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, had perished in the wilderness (see Numbers 14:29).
• Preparation for Inheritance: The detailed count of each tribe and family was essential for the equitable distribution of land in Canaan, as the size of each tribe often influenced the size of its allocated territory.
• Divine Faithfulness: Despite the judgments and challenges of the wilderness, this census demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation (Genesis 22:17).

Key Themes

• Genealogy and Identity: The meticulous recording of families underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. Each family had a distinct place and heritage within the larger nation.
• Divine Order and Meticulousness: God's attention to detail is evident in the precise counting and categorization of His people, reflecting His orderly nature and His sovereign plan for Israel's future.
• Preparation for the Future: This census marked a transition from a nomadic, wilderness existence to a settled life in the Promised Land, highlighting God's continuous guidance and preparation of His people for their destiny.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "families" (mishpachah - מִשְׁפָּחָה) refers to a clan or major subdivision within a tribe, typically descended from a common ancestor. In this verse, the repetition "These [are] the families of Dan after their families" emphasizes the singular primary family (the Shuhamites) from whom the tribe of Dan was reckoned for this census, a unique characteristic compared to other tribes that listed multiple families.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list may seem dry, Numbers 26:42, like the entire census, carries significant spiritual weight. It reminds us that:

• God is Attentive to Detail: Even in seemingly mundane details, God's hand is at work, meticulously planning and overseeing the lives of His people. His care extends to every individual and family.
• Every Person Has a Place: Just as each family in Israel had its designated role and inheritance, every believer has a unique place and purpose within God's larger family, the Church.
• God's Promises Endure: The existence of this new generation, poised to enter the land, is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even through generations of struggle and rebellion. This gives us confidence in God's promises for our own lives and future inheritance in Christ (see Ephesians 1:11).