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Commentary on Numbers 26 verses 5–51
5 ¶ Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:
6 Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.
7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.
9 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
10 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.
11 Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.
12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:
13 Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.
15 The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:
16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:
17 Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.
18 These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.
20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
21 And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.
22 These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.
23 Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:
24 Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
26 Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.
27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.
28 The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.
29 Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.
30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:
31 And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:
32 And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
34 These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
39 Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.
40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.
42 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.
43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
44 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.
45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
48 Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:
49 Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.
51 These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
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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SUMMARY
Numbers 26:46 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the detailed second census of the Israelite tribes. It specifically names Sarah as the daughter of Asher, a seemingly minor detail that subtly but powerfully underscores God's meticulous attention to every individual within His covenant people. This inclusion, amidst a record predominantly focused on male lineages, highlights the inherent value and place of women within the tribal structure, preparing them for their inheritance in the Promised Land and affirming God's comprehensive knowledge of each person.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The brevity of Numbers 26:46 belies its subtle use of literary techniques. The primary literary form is Genealogy/Census, a detailed list of names and numbers that serves as a comprehensive record of the Israelite population. This meticulous cataloging underscores God's ordered nature and His precise fulfillment of covenant promises, particularly regarding the land inheritance. The specific mention of Sarah, a daughter, in a list overwhelmingly dominated by male names, functions as an Inclusion by Exception. This device highlights her unique status and significance, drawing the reader's attention to her presence and subtly challenging the patriarchal norm of genealogical records, thereby affirming the value of women within God's covenant community. Furthermore, the Nominal Significance of the name Sarah (Hebrew, Serach) functions as a literary device. While its meaning "superfluity" is not inherently elevating, the very act of its inclusion, regardless of its semantic content, emphasizes that every individual, with their unique and sometimes unusual name, is known and accounted for by God, underscoring His comprehensive and personal knowledge of His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:46, though brief, carries significant theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous knowledge and care for every individual within His covenant community. The inclusion of Sarah's name, even in a male-dominated census, reflects a divine perspective that values all members, regardless of their societal prominence or gender. This attention to detail demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as the census was crucial for the precise distribution of the Promised Land. It reminds us that God sees beyond surface appearances and societal roles, knowing each of His people by name and valuing their unique place in His grand redemptive narrative, a truth that echoes throughout Scripture concerning God's personal relationship with His chosen ones.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:46 offers a profound invitation to reflect on our own value and place within God's vast and intricate plan. In a world that often measures worth by achievement, status, or visibility, this verse quietly asserts that every individual, even those seemingly insignificant in a grand historical record, is known, seen, and valued by God. It challenges us to recognize the inherent dignity of every person, not just the prominent figures, and to appreciate the meticulous care with which God orchestrates His purposes. For believers, this means finding assurance in God's personal knowledge of us, knowing that our lives, no matter how ordinary they may seem, are woven into His divine tapestry. It also calls us to extend this same value and recognition to others, especially those often overlooked or marginalized, mirroring God's own inclusive heart and recognizing the unique contribution each person brings to the body of Christ. This verse reminds us that true significance is found not in worldly recognition, but in being known by the Creator of the universe.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Sarah, a daughter, mentioned in a census primarily focused on male descendants?
Answer: Her inclusion is noteworthy precisely because ancient genealogies and censuses typically traced lineage through the male line. While the Bible generally follows this pattern, the specific mention of Sarah, daughter of Asher, suggests a deliberate emphasis. It could be to ensure a complete record of Asher's immediate family, to highlight the full scope of the tribal family unit, or to subtly affirm the value and presence of women within God's covenant people, even if they weren't typically listed as heads of households. It serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of gender, has a place and identity within God's plan, as seen in other instances where women play crucial roles in God's narrative, such as Ruth or Esther, and especially in the legal provisions for female inheritance in Numbers 27.
Does this Sarah have any connection to Sarah, Abraham's wife?
Answer: No, this Sarah, daughter of Asher, is a distinct individual from Sarah, Abraham's wife. While the KJV translates both Hebrew names as "Sarah," the Hebrew name for Asher's daughter is Serach (H8294), meaning "superfluity," whereas Abraham's wife's name is Sarai/Sarah (H8283), meaning "princess." They lived in different eras and belonged to different family lines. The shared English translation, however, does highlight the biblical practice of names carrying unique significance, even if their specific meanings differ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:46, with its seemingly minor detail of Sarah's inclusion in a tribal census, subtly foreshadows the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan in Christ. Just as Sarah, a daughter, is meticulously recorded in a predominantly male lineage, so too does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 remarkably include women—some of whom, like Rahab and Tamar, were considered outsiders or had unconventional stories. This highlights that Christ's lineage, and by extension His kingdom, embraces all who come to Him, regardless of gender, social standing, or past. The meticulous record-keeping of the census points to God's precise and sovereign plan for salvation, culminating in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, meticulously fulfilling every prophecy and promise. In Christ, the ultimate "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), every individual, no matter how seemingly insignificant in the world's eyes, is known, valued, and granted a place in the ultimate inheritance of eternal life, becoming co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). He is the one who truly knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), ensuring that none are overlooked in His divine family, and that all who believe are counted among His chosen people.