Numbers 26:44

Translation
King James Version
Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Of the children H1121 of Asher H836 after their families H4940: of Jimna H3232, the family H4940 of the Jimnites H3232: of Jesui H3440, the family H4940 of the Jesuites H3441: of Beriah H1283, the family H4940 of the Beriites H1284.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The descendants of Asher, by their families: of Yimnah, the family of the Yimnah; of Yishvi, the family of the Yishvi; and of B'ri'ah, the family of the B'ri'i.
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Berean Standard Bible
These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah.
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American Standard Version
The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites.
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World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonnes of Asher after their families were: of Iimnah, the familie of the Iimnites: of Isui, the familie of the Isuites: of Beriah, the familie of the Berijtes.
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Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Asher by their families: of Jimna is the family of the Jimnite; of Jesui the family of the Jesuite; of Beriah the family of the Beriite.
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See also
Genesis 46:171 Chronicles 7:30
In the KJVVerse 4,534 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 26:44 meticulously details the specific family divisions within the tribe of Asher, identifying the descendants of Jimna, Jesui, and Beriah. This verse is an integral part of the second comprehensive census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab, which served the crucial dual purposes of preparing the new generation for military conquest of Canaan and establishing an equitable basis for land distribution. Far from a mere list, this enumeration underscores God's divine order, His enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the wilderness generation's failures, and the foundational importance of lineage and identity within His people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 26:44 is situated within a lengthy chapter dedicated to the second census of the Israelite nation. This census, taken approximately 38 years after the first one recorded in Numbers 1, marks a pivotal transition. The preceding verses in Numbers 26 meticulously list the families of Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), while the subsequent verses continue with Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, and finally Levi, before detailing the laws of inheritance. The repetitive structure, detailing "the family of the [progenitor]-ites," emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the count and its direct link to the tribal and familial structure essential for land allocation, as outlined in Numbers 26:53-56. This verse, therefore, is not isolated but a vital component in a larger, divinely orchestrated accounting of God's covenant people.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The second census took place in the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just as the Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land. This generation stood at the threshold of a new era, distinct from their rebellious parents who had perished in the wilderness (Numbers 26:64-65). Culturally, lineage and tribal identity were paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as the basis for social organization, religious duties, and, most critically at this juncture, the inheritance of land. The census had two primary objectives: first, to ascertain the military strength of the nation, counting all males twenty years and older "able to go to war" (Numbers 26:2); and second, to provide a precise framework for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan, with larger families receiving larger portions. The tribe of Asher, descended from Jacob's eighth son, was historically associated with a rich and fertile territory, as prophesied in Genesis 49:20 and Deuteronomy 33:24-25, making their precise family enumeration particularly relevant for their future inheritance.
  • Key Themes: This verse, as part of the larger census recorded in Numbers 26, powerfully articulates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores Divine Order and Precision. God is not a God of chaos but of meticulous organization, evident in His detailed accounting of every family and individual within Israel. This precision highlights His sovereign oversight and deliberate preparation for their future. Secondly, it demonstrates the Continuity of God's Covenant and Faithfulness. Despite the previous generation's profound failures and the resulting divine judgment of wilderness wandering, God remains steadfast to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The emergence of this new, numerous generation, ready to inherit the land, is a testament to His enduring commitment to His covenant people. Thirdly, the emphasis on distinct family lines (Jimnites, Jesuites, Beriites) reinforces the theme of Identity and Inheritance. Each family's unique identity was inextricably linked to its tribal affiliation, which in turn determined its rightful share in the Promised Land. This meticulous record ensured that the divine promise of land would be fulfilled according to established, God-ordained structures.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Asher (Hebrew, ʼÂshêr', H836): From the root meaning "happy" or "blessed," Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid (Genesis 30:13). The tribe of Asher was known for its fertile territory in the northern part of Canaan, rich in olive oil and agricultural produce, as reflected in the blessings of Jacob and Moses. In this context, the enumeration of Asher's families signifies the continuation of this blessed lineage and its readiness to inherit its promised portion, embodying the very meaning of their tribal name.
  • family (Hebrew, mishpâchâh', H4940): This term refers to a circle of relatives, a clan, or a subdivision of a tribe. Its use throughout Numbers 26:44 and the broader census highlights the fundamental unit of Israelite society and the basis for their social, military, and land-distribution organization. The meticulous accounting of each "family" underscores the importance of lineage and collective identity within God's covenant people, emphasizing that the inheritance of the Promised Land was structured according to these divinely ordained kinship groups.
  • Beriah (Hebrew, Bᵉrîyʻâh', H1284): Meaning "in trouble," Beriah was one of Asher's sons and the progenitor of the Beriite family. While the name itself might suggest difficulty, its inclusion here, alongside Jimna and Jesui, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and God's recognition of every legitimate family line within the tribe. The descendants of Beriah, the "Beriites" (H1284, Bᵉrîyʻîy'), are specifically named as a distinct collective, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping that would determine their portion in the land.

Verse Breakdown

  • "[Of] the children of Asher after their families": This opening phrase establishes the specific tribal focus of the verse, indicating that the following enumeration pertains to the descendants of Asher, organized according to their distinct family units or clans. The phrase "after their families" highlights the structured and organized nature of Israelite society, where family lineage was the primary unit of identity and social organization, crucial for the upcoming land distribution.
  • of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: This clause identifies the first major family branch stemming from Asher. Jimna was one of Asher's sons (Genesis 46:17), and "the family of the Jimnites" refers to all the descendants who traced their lineage back to him. This precise naming ensures clarity and accountability within the tribal census, linking the present generation directly to its ancestral roots.
  • of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: Similarly, this clause introduces another distinct family branch, tracing its origin to Jesui, another son of Asher (Genesis 46:17). The consistent pattern of naming the progenitor and then the corresponding family ("the family of the Jesuites") reinforces the systematic approach of the census, ensuring that every significant lineage within the tribe is accounted for.
  • of Beriah, the family of the Beriites: This final clause in the verse lists the third major family division of Asher, originating from Beriah, also a son of Asher (Genesis 46:17). The repetition of the structure underscores the thoroughness of the census. The mention of Beriah is particularly noteworthy as he is sometimes considered a "post-birth" son or a son born in Egypt, highlighting the ongoing growth and development of the tribal families even during their sojourn.

Literary Devices

Numbers 26:44 primarily employs Enumeration and Genealogy as its core literary devices. The entire chapter is an extensive list, meticulously counting and categorizing the Israelite population by tribe and family. This detailed Enumeration serves to underscore the divine order and precision inherent in God's dealings with His people, demonstrating His meticulous oversight of His covenant community. The specific listing of "Jimna, the family of the Jimnites; of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites" is a clear example of Genealogy, tracing lineage and establishing identity through ancestral lines. The Repetition of the phrase "the family of the [progenitor]-ites" across the various clauses within this verse and throughout the chapter emphasizes the systematic and comprehensive nature of the census, reinforcing the idea that every family unit is recognized and accounted for in God's grand plan. This literary precision reflects the theological truth of God's meticulous care for His covenant people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 26:44, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The very act of counting and organizing this new generation, poised to enter the Promised Land, signifies that despite the failures and judgment of the previous generation, God's purposes endure. This census is a visible manifestation of God's commitment to bring His people into their inheritance, demonstrating His meticulous care for every family and individual within His covenant community. It reminds us that God's plans are precise and purposeful, and He orchestrates the details of history to fulfill His redemptive will. The emphasis on distinct family lines also highlights the importance of identity and belonging within God's people, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to the ordered nature of God's kingdom and His personal knowledge of His own.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 26:44 invites us to look beyond the mere listing of names and appreciate the profound theological truths embedded within. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness across generations. Even when human weakness or rebellion seems to derail His plans, God remains steadfast, raising up new generations to fulfill His purposes. This verse encourages us to recognize our place within God's larger narrative, understanding that our individual lives and family histories are part of a grander divine design. Just as God meticulously accounted for each family of Asher, He knows and cares for every detail of our lives. This should instill a sense of security and purpose, knowing that we are seen, valued, and have a role to play in His unfolding kingdom. It also challenges us to consider our spiritual inheritance—the blessings and responsibilities passed down through generations of faith—and how we, as a new generation of believers, are called to carry forward the torch of God's covenant promises, living out our identity as His beloved children.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of this census, including the specific families of Asher, speak to God's character and His involvement in human affairs?
  • In what ways does the continuity of God's covenant, as evidenced by this new generation inheriting the land, encourage you in times of personal or collective failure?
  • How might understanding your own "spiritual lineage" or heritage within the family of God shape your identity and sense of purpose today?

FAQ

Why is this census so detailed, listing individual families like the Jimnites, Jesuites, and Beriites?

Answer: The detailed nature of the census, including specific family divisions, served crucial practical and theological purposes. Practically, it was essential for military readiness, determining the number of men eligible for war as Israel prepared to conquer Canaan. More importantly, it provided the precise framework for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, with each family's size directly influencing the portion of land they would receive (see Numbers 26:53-56). Theologically, this meticulous accounting underscores God's divine order and precision, demonstrating that every individual and family within His covenant people matters and is accounted for in His grand plan. It also reinforced tribal identity and the continuity of lineage, which were foundational to Israelite society and their inheritance rights.

What is the significance of this census taking place after the previous generation had died in the wilderness?

Answer: The timing of this second census is profoundly significant. It occurred after the entire generation that had rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea had perished in the wilderness, with the exceptions of Caleb and Joshua (as noted in Numbers 26:64-65). This census marks the rise of a new generation, one that was obedient and ready to enter the Promised Land. It powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human generations fail. Despite the judgment on the rebellious, God's plan for His people to inherit the land remained steadfast, signifying His grace and commitment to bring His purposes to pass through a new, prepared people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous enumeration of families in Numbers 26:44, preparing a new generation for an earthly inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and new lineage found in Christ. Just as the old generation perished in the wilderness due to unbelief, the New Testament speaks of a spiritual wilderness of sin from which humanity is delivered through faith in Jesus. Christ establishes a new covenant, creating a new "generation" of believers, not defined by physical descent or tribal affiliation, but by spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family (John 1:12-13). Through Him, believers become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17), inheriting not a plot of land in Canaan, but an eternal, imperishable inheritance in the heavenly realms (1 Peter 1:4). The divine order and precision seen in the census find their ultimate expression in Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's plan of salvation, bringing all who believe into a new, spiritual family and securing for them a promised rest and inheritance that far surpasses any earthly possession (Hebrews 4:9-11). He is the true "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world, making us part of God's chosen "holy nation" (John 1:29 and 1 Peter 2:9).

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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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