Numbers 26:44

KJV

[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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), marks a pivotal transition. The preceding verses in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census") 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](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot"). 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 (cf. [Numbers 26:64-65](/numbers/26-64 "Numbers 26:64-65 - The Fate of the Wilderness Generation")). 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" (cf. [Numbers 26:2](/numbers/26-2 "Numbers 26:2 - Purpose of the Census")); 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](/genesis/49-20 "Genesis 49:20 - Jacob's Blessing on Asher") and [Deuteronomy 33:24-25](/deuteronomy/33-24 "Deuteronomy 33:24-25 - Moses' Blessing on Asher"), making their precise family enumeration particularly relevant for their future inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger census, 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, _’Āšēr'_):** Meaning "happy" or "blessed," Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. 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.
* **Jimna (Hebrew, _Yimnāh'_), Jesui (Hebrew, _Yišwī'_), Beriah (Hebrew, _Bərî‘āh'_):** These are the names of Asher's sons (cf. [Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Asher's Sons")). In this verse, they function as the patriarchal progenitors for the specific family clans within the tribe of Asher. Their inclusion emphasizes the direct lineage and the continuity of the tribal structure from the original patriarchs down to this new generation. The precise listing of these individuals and their descendants reinforces the meticulous nature of the census and the importance of each family's unique identity within the larger tribal framework.

#### 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 the Israelite society, where family lineage was the primary unit of identity and social organization.
* **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, 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. 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. 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. 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.

* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-46 - The First Census")
* [Genesis 49:20](/genesis/49-20 "Genesis 49:20 - Jacob's Prophecy for Asher")
* [Deuteronomy 33:24-25](/deuteronomy/33-24 "Deuteronomy 33:24-25 - Moses' Blessing for Asher")

### 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.

#### 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](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")). 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](/numbers/26-64 "Numbers 26:64-65 - The Fate of the Wilderness Generation")). 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 (cf. [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). Through Him, believers become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting not a plot of land in Canaan, but an eternal, imperishable inheritance in the heavenly realms (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest")). He is the true "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world, making us part of God's chosen "holy nation" (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")).

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 46:17

And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

1 Chronicles 7:30

The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.