Numbers 26:43

Translation
King James Version
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
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KJV (with Strong's)
All the families H4940 of the Shuhamites H7749, according to those that were numbered H6485 of them, were threescore H8346 and four H702 thousand H505 and four H702 hundred H3967.
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Complete Jewish Bible
All the families of the Shuchami, according to those of them that were counted, were 64,400.
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Berean Standard Bible
All of them were Shuhamite clans, and their registration numbered 64,400.
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American Standard Version
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
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World English Bible Messianic
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
All the families of the Shuhamites were after their nombers, threescore and foure thousand, and foure hundreth.
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Young's Literal Translation
all the families of the Shuhamite, by their numbered ones, are four and sixty thousand and four hundred.
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See also
Numbers 2:25Numbers 2:26Numbers 1:38Numbers 1:39
In the KJVVerse 4,533 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 26:43 precisely records the numerical strength of the Shuhamite family, a prominent clan within the tribe of Dan, during the second comprehensive census of Israel. Far from being a mere statistic, this enumeration of 64,400 individuals serves as a profound testament to God's divine order, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the previous generation's rebellion, and His meticulous preparation of a new generation for the imminent inheritance and division of the Promised Land. It underscores the Lord's intimate knowledge and sovereign oversight of His people, readying them for their destiny.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 26:43 is situated within the meticulously detailed second census of the Israelite population, spanning the entirety of Numbers chapter 26. This critical enumeration occurs approximately 38 years after the first census at Mount Sinai and, crucially, immediately follows the tragic judgment upon the rebellious generation that perished in the wilderness, as vividly recounted in Numbers 14:29-35. The chapter systematically lists each tribe and its constituent families, along with their respective numbers, highlighting the divine precision in organizing the new generation poised to enter Canaan. Specifically, verse 43 focuses on the Shuhamites, a family descended from Shuham, one of the sons of Dan, whose lineage is traced in Numbers 26:42. The detailed enumeration of each family unit, rather than just tribal totals, underscores the meticulous nature of God's plan for the equitable distribution of the land, ensuring every clan received its inheritance.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: This pivotal census took place on the plains of Moab, strategically positioned on the eastern border of the Jordan River, on the very cusp of the Israelites' long-awaited entry into the land of Canaan. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, censuses were multi-functional, serving to assess military strength, organize labor, and, significantly for Israel, prepare for land apportionment. However, the unique theological dimension of this census was its direct link to the fulfillment of God's unconditional covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land, first articulated in Genesis 12:7. The cultural significance of family units (clans) was paramount; land inheritance was apportioned by family, ensuring the perpetuation of tribal identity, economic stability, and the preservation of ancestral holdings. The very act of numbering this new generation signified a divine acknowledgment and validation of their status as the rightful heirs, distinct from their disobedient predecessors, and underscored their readiness to fulfill God's ancient promise.

  • Key Themes: The meticulous enumeration in Numbers chapter 26, including the specific count of the Shuhamites in verse 43, powerfully conveys several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Order and Meticulousness, demonstrating God's precise, systematic, and comprehensive approach to organizing His people and orchestrating His plans. Every individual and family is accounted for, underscoring His comprehensive oversight and attention to detail. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates God's Faithfulness and Preservation. Despite the catastrophic judgment on the previous generation, God's covenant promises endure. A new, vast generation stands ready to inherit the land, a living testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His plan, even through periods of severe discipline and rebellion, contrasting sharply with the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 14:29-35). Finally, the census is intrinsically linked to Preparation for Inheritance. The numbers were not arbitrary; they directly determined the allocation of land, as explicitly commanded in Numbers 26:52-56, signifying the imminent and tangible fulfillment of the ancient promise of a homeland.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • families (Hebrew, mishpâchâh', H4940): This term refers to a family unit, a circle of relatives, and by extension, a clan or tribe. In the context of the census, it emphasizes that the enumeration was not merely of individuals but of the foundational social and economic units of Israelite society. Land inheritance and tribal identity were intrinsically tied to these family structures. The meticulous counting of each "family" underscores God's ordered approach to His people and His plan for their settlement in the Promised Land.
  • numbered (Hebrew, pâqad', H6485): This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," "to charge," or "to count." In this context, it signifies a formal, authoritative act of counting or mustering the people. It implies divine oversight and purpose, indicating that this census was not a mere human endeavor but an act commanded and superintended by God. The act of "numbering" here is directly tied to God's plan for the new generation to inherit the land, contrasting with the previous numbering that led to judgment.
  • Shuhamites (Hebrew, Shûwchâmîy', H7749): This is a patronymic term, identifying the collective descendants of Shuham, who was one of the sons of Dan, as listed in Numbers 26:42. The specific mention of this family, along with all others, highlights the exhaustive and detailed nature of the census. It demonstrates that God's plan encompasses every single family unit within Israel, emphasizing His intimate knowledge and care for each clan, no matter its size or particular history, as they collectively formed the covenant nation.

Verse Breakdown

  • "All the families of the Shuhamites": This opening clause immediately identifies the specific group being enumerated, emphasizing that the count is not merely of individuals but of the collective family unit. This highlights the importance of lineage, clan identity, and communal structure as fundamental building blocks of Israelite society and the basis for land inheritance. It underscores God's ordered approach to His people.
  • "according to those that were numbered of them": This phrase clarifies that the precise figure provided is the result of a formal, divinely mandated census. It implies a systematic process of counting and recording, ensuring accuracy and divine authorization. This clause reinforces the legitimacy and purpose of the enumeration, linking the number directly to the divine command to count the people for the purpose of land distribution and military readiness.
  • "[were] threescore and four thousand and four hundred": This provides the precise numerical outcome of the census for the Shuhamite family, totaling 64,400 individuals. The exactitude of this number, like all others in the census, is significant. It is not an approximation but a definitive count, underscoring God's perfect knowledge and control over the details of His people's lives and their future. This large number also speaks to the remarkable growth and preservation of Israel, despite the challenges, judgments, and wilderness journey, demonstrating God's faithfulness to multiply His covenant people.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Numbers 26:43, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is Enumeration. This systematic listing of tribes, families, and their precise numbers serves to underscore the divine order, precision, and meticulousness with which God orchestrates the affairs of His people. The Repetition of the census formula for each family ("All the families of the [X], according to those that were numbered of them, [were] [Y] thousand and [Z] hundred") creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, pattern. This repetition reinforces the comprehensive nature of the count and the divine authority behind it, emphasizing that no one is overlooked. Furthermore, the numbers themselves carry profound Symbolism, representing not just military strength or population size, but divine faithfulness in preserving a new generation, the tangible fulfillment of covenant promises, and the concrete preparation for the inheritance of the Promised Land. Thus, the seemingly dry statistics become a powerful narrative of God's enduring commitment and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 26:43, though a single verse within a long list of numbers, resonates with profound theological implications. It is a powerful affirmation of God's meticulous care for His people, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His sovereign control over history. The detailed enumeration of each family, including the Shuhamites, demonstrates that God's plan is not vague or general, but precise and specific, extending to every individual and household within His chosen nation. This census, taken before the entry into Canaan, signifies God's active preparation of His people for their inheritance, ensuring that the promises made to Abraham would be fulfilled through a new generation. It serves as a testament to divine preservation, as a people once condemned to wander are now counted and ready to claim their promised land, highlighting that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human failure or even severe divine discipline.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 26:43, a seemingly dry statistic, offers rich spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer. It reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously counted and prepared the Shuhamites and all Israel for their physical inheritance, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives and meticulously prepares us for our spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse assures us that no detail of our existence—no trial, no triumph, no individual within the body of Christ—is overlooked or insignificant to Him. He knows our "number" and our name. It should instill in us a profound sense of security and purpose, knowing that we are part of a divinely orchestrated plan that will culminate in the fulfillment of God's promises. Our task is to live faithfully, trusting in His meticulous care and His steadfast love, knowing that He is always working to bring His people into their promised rest and blessing, both now and eternally.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of this census, including the specific number for the Shuhamites, deepen your understanding of God's character and His attention to detail?
  • In what ways does God's faithfulness to the new generation, despite the failures and judgments upon the previous one, encourage you in your own walk of faith and in times of personal or corporate struggle?
  • How does knowing that God is intimately aware of every "number" and detail of His people's lives impact your sense of personal value and purpose within the body of Christ?
  • What "inheritance"—spiritual, relational, or vocational—are you being prepared for in your life, and how does this verse encourage you to trust God's process of preparation, even when it involves waiting or discipline?

FAQ

Why is this census so detailed, and what's its main purpose?

Answer: The census recorded in Numbers chapter 26, including the specific count of the Shuhamites in verse 43, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates God's divine order and meticulousness in organizing His people. Every family and individual is accounted for, highlighting His comprehensive oversight. Secondly, it was essential for military assessment, identifying the number of men "able to go to war" (Numbers 26:2). Most importantly, its primary purpose was to prepare for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan among the tribes and families, as explicitly stated in Numbers 26:52-56. This census also served as a profound theological statement, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite the previous generation's rebellion and demise in the wilderness (Numbers 14:29-35), proving that a new generation was ready to inherit the land.

What is the significance of the Shuhamites specifically being mentioned?

Answer: The specific mention of the Shuhamites in Numbers 26:43 is significant not because this family was necessarily more prominent than others, but precisely because they represent one of the numerous family units within the larger tribal structure of Israel. Their inclusion, alongside all other families, underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's census. It highlights that God's plan for His people is not just for the nation as a whole but extends to every individual family and clan. It reinforces the theme of divine order and the principle that every part of the community is valued and accounted for in God's grand design for the inheritance and settlement of the Promised Land. The fact that a family of 64,400 individuals is specifically named and counted emphasizes the divine attention to detail and the sheer scale of the new generation prepared to enter Canaan.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 26:43, with its meticulous enumeration of the Shuhamites, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance and the new creation found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament census prepared a physical generation for a physical land; in Christ, we see the preparation of a spiritual generation for a heavenly and eternal inheritance. Just as God faithfully brought Israel into Canaan, He, through Christ, secures for us a far greater inheritance—"an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The "new generation" counted in Numbers points to those who are "in Christ," made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), no longer defined by the failures of the old humanity but by the life of the resurrected Lord. Christ is the faithful One who guarantees all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). Furthermore, the meticulous counting of each family foreshadows God's intimate knowledge and valuing of every individual within the body of Christ, where each member is uniquely gifted and essential for the functioning of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Our true identity and belonging are found not in earthly lineage or census numbers, but in being "chosen in him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4), receiving the "fullness of Christ" as our ultimate and eternal inheritance (Colossians 1:12-14).

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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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