Numbers 26:54

To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.

To many {H7227} thou shalt give the more {H7235} inheritance {H5159}, and to few {H4592} thou shalt give the less {H4591} inheritance {H5159}: to every one {H376} shall his inheritance {H5159} be given {H5414} according {H6310} to those that were numbered {H6485} of him.

To those families with more persons you are to give a greater inheritance, and to those with fewer you are to give a smaller inheritance - each family's inheritance is to be given according to the number counted in it.

Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered.

To the more thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one according to those that were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given.

Commentary

Numbers 26:54 provides a foundational principle for the distribution of land in the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. It details the divine instruction for allocating inheritance based on the size of each family or clan, ensuring a fair and proportional division. This verse is part of a larger section outlining the second census of Israel.

Context

This verse is found within Numbers chapter 26, which records the second census of the Israelite men twenty years old and upward, capable of going to war. This census was taken on the plains of Moab, before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Unlike the first census in Numbers 1, which prepared the people for their wilderness journey, this second numbering served two crucial purposes: to determine the fighting strength of the new generation and, more importantly, to establish the basis for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan. The previous generation had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience, but God's faithfulness to His covenant promises meant the inheritance would still be given to their descendants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Equity: The principle of proportional inheritance demonstrates God's desire for fairness and justice among His people. Larger families would receive more land to sustain them, while smaller families would receive less, ensuring that everyone had sufficient provision based on their needs.
  • Order and Organization: God's meticulous instructions for the land division highlight His orderly nature and careful planning for the future of His nation. The census was not merely a count but a foundational act for establishing a structured society in the Promised Land.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: This verse is a tangible step towards the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed instructions for its division underscore God's commitment to bringing His people into their inheritance, as seen later in the book of Joshua.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "according to those that were numbered of him" emphasizes that the distribution was directly tied to the results of the census. The Hebrew word for "numbered" (paqad) often carries the nuance of "to visit," "to inspect," or "to muster," implying a careful and authoritative counting. This meticulous counting ensured a precise and just allocation, reflecting divine oversight in the practical matters of the Israelites' settlement.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:54 reminds us of several important truths:

  • God's Attention to Detail: Even in matters of land distribution, God provides clear and fair guidelines, demonstrating His care for the practical well-being of His people. This teaches us that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, not just the spiritual.
  • Fairness and Stewardship: The principle of proportional distribution encourages fairness in our dealings with others and reminds us of our responsibility to be good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us, whether they are material possessions, talents, or opportunities.
  • God's Faithfulness Across Generations: Despite the failures of the previous generation, God remained faithful to His covenant promises, ensuring that the new generation would inherit the land. This offers encouragement that God's plans and promises endure through time and generations, even when human faithfulness wavers.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 33:54 (5 votes)

    And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

  • Numbers 32:3 (2 votes)

    Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

  • Joshua 17:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

  • Numbers 32:5 (2 votes)

    Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan.