Numbers 26:58

KJV

These [are] the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the families {H4940} of the Levites {H3881}: the family {H4940} of the Libnites {H3846}, the family {H4940} of the Hebronites {H2276}, the family {H4940} of the Mahlites {H4250}, the family {H4940} of the Mushites {H4188}, the family {H4940} of the Korathites {H7145}. And Kohath {H6955} begat {H3205} Amram {H6019}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the families of Levi: the family of the Livni, the family of the Hevroni, the family of the Machli, the family of the Mushi and the family of the Korchi. K'hat was the father of 'Amram.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram,

American Standard Version

These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. And Kohath begat Amram.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:58 meticulously lists the five primary families descended from Levi's son Kohath—the Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, Mushites, and Korathites—culminating with the lineage of Amram, father of Moses and Aaron. Situated within the second census of Israel, this verse underscores God's divine order and the distinct, non-military role of the Levites in Israel's spiritual life, specifically their sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, while also subtly highlighting the continuity of God's covenant promises despite past failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Numbers chapter 26, which records the second comprehensive census of the Israelite tribes conducted by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, just before the nation's entry into the Promised Land. This enumeration follows the disastrous plague at Peor and the rebellion of Korah, serving as a re-establishment of the national registry after the wilderness generation had largely perished. Unlike the other tribes, whose numbers were recorded for military readiness and land distribution, the Levites were counted separately (Numbers 26:57-62) due to their unique, non-inheriting status and their exclusive dedication to Tabernacle service. Verse 58 specifically details the families descended from Kohath, one of Levi's three sons, immediately before mentioning the lineage of Moses and Aaron, who were Kohathites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census takes place approximately 38 years after the first census recorded in Numbers 1, marking the end of the wilderness wandering period. The plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, served as the staging ground for the final preparations to conquer Canaan. Culturally, genealogies were paramount in ancient Israel, establishing tribal identity, land rights, and, in the case of the Levites, their specific roles in the religious life of the nation. The Levites, unlike other tribes, did not receive an inheritance of land but were supported by tithes and offerings, dwelling in specific Levitical cities. Their distinct role as guardians and ministers of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, was central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 26:58 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates God's **divine order and meticulous organization**, demonstrating His precise blueprint for the community's spiritual and practical life, even down to specific family units. The verse also highlights the **distinct and sacred role of the Levites**, who were set apart for Tabernacle service, emphasizing their unique covenant responsibilities as outlined in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Duties of the Levites") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - The Kohathites' Duties"). Furthermore, the mention of "Kohath begat Amram" underscores **genealogical continuity and the preservation of God's chosen lineage**, linking directly to the pivotal figures of Moses and Aaron, through whom God established the Law and the priesthood, as detailed in [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - The Lineage of Moses and Aaron"). The inclusion of the Korathites also subtly introduces the theme of **divine grace and remnant preservation** despite severe judgment, as seen in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lēwî_):** Refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This tribe was uniquely consecrated by God for sacred service to the Tabernacle, replacing the firstborn of Israel (Numbers 3:11-13). They had no territorial inheritance but lived in designated cities and were supported by the tithes of the other tribes. Their role was to minister to the priests and to carry, dismantle, and set up the Tabernacle.
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qehāṯ_):** One of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari). The Kohathites were specifically charged with the most sacred duties regarding the Tabernacle furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, and the altars (Numbers 3:31; 4:4-15). Their responsibility was to carry these items on their shoulders when the camp moved, a task requiring great reverence and ritual purity.
* **Korathites (Hebrew, _Qorḥî_):** The descendants of Korah, a Kohathite Levite who led a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership and the divinely appointed priesthood (Numbers 16). While Korah and his immediate household were swallowed by the earth, this verse, along with others (Numbers 26:11), indicates that not all of Korah's lineage perished. This surviving branch continued to serve among the Levites, and later, some became prominent temple musicians and gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 6:31-38; 9:19).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the families of the Levites:"** This introductory phrase establishes the specific focus of the subsequent enumeration, distinguishing the Levite census from that of the other tribes. It emphasizes the familial structure as the basis for their organization and service.
* **"the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites."** This clause lists the specific clans or families within the tribe of Levi. The Libnites, Hebronites, and Korathites were descendants of Kohath. The Mahlites and Mushites were descendants of Merari, another son of Levi. This listing highlights the detailed, divinely ordained structure of the Levite service, with each family having specific duties related to the Tabernacle. The inclusion of "Korathites" is particularly noteworthy given the rebellion of Korah.
* **"And Kohath begat Amram."** This concluding statement narrows the focus to a specific and highly significant lineage within the Kohathite family. Amram was the father of Moses and Aaron, the foundational leaders of Israel's exodus and the establishment of the Law and priesthood. This detail serves as a crucial genealogical link, connecting the Levite census directly to the leadership that shaped Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Numbers 26:58 is **Genealogy**, which serves not merely as a record of names but as a theological statement. Genealogies in biblical texts establish identity, legitimate claims (such as priestly lineage), demonstrate divine faithfulness across generations, and structure the narrative. Here, the detailed listing of Levite families underscores the **Order** and **Precision** of God's design for Israel's spiritual life. The inclusion of the Korathites, despite their ancestor's rebellion, introduces a subtle element of **Irony** or **Paradox**, highlighting God's sovereign grace and the preservation of a remnant even in the face of judgment. The verse also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the "families" represent the entire Levitical service and its continuity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:58 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign purpose in establishing and maintaining the order of His covenant people. It underscores that every part of the community, even specific family lines, has a divinely ordained place and function within His grand design. The distinct enumeration of the Levites, separate from the military census, reinforces their unique sacred calling and the principle that spiritual service is foundational to the nation's identity and relationship with God. The survival of the Korathites, despite the severe judgment on their progenitor, serves as a powerful testament to God's preserving grace and His ability to work through remnants, demonstrating that His plans are not ultimately thwarted by human sin. This verse thus speaks to divine order, the sanctity of calling, and the enduring nature of God's covenant.

* [Numbers 3:11-13](/numbers/3-11 "Numbers 3:11-13 - Levites Consecrated")
* [1 Chronicles 6:1-3](/1_chronicles/6-1 "1 Chronicles 6:1-3 - Genealogy of Levi")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalm/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Teaching Future Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a seemingly dry genealogical record, Numbers 26:58 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, meticulously arranging His people for specific functions within His Kingdom. Just as the Levites were set apart for sacred service, every believer today is called to a unique ministry, empowered by spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. This verse challenges us to discern and embrace our individual calling, recognizing that our contribution, however seemingly small, is vital to God's larger plan. Furthermore, the continuity of these family lines, especially the Korathites, speaks to God's enduring faithfulness and grace. It encourages us to trust in His redemptive power, even when faced with past failures or generational struggles, knowing that He can preserve a remnant and continue His work through unexpected means. We are called to live faithfully, passing on a legacy of devotion and service to future generations, confident in God's sustained presence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous order in ancient Israel inform your view of His design for your own life and the church today?**
* **In what specific ways do you recognize your unique "Levitical" calling or sacred service within your community or the body of Christ?**
* **What does the preservation of the Korathites teach you about God's grace and His ability to redeem or work through imperfect lineages or circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites counted separately in the census?**

Answer: The Levites were counted separately because they had a distinct and sacred role in Israel that differed from the other tribes. Unlike the other tribes, who were counted for military service and land allocation, the Levites were set apart for service to the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). They were responsible for its care, transport, and the assistance of the priests in their duties. They did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land but were supported by tithes and lived in designated cities among the other tribes. This distinct enumeration highlights their unique spiritual function within the covenant community, as detailed in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Levites' Sacred Role").

**Who were the Kohathites, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main branches of the Levite tribe, descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. They held the most sacred responsibilities regarding the Tabernacle. Specifically, they were charged with carrying the holy furnishings of the Tabernacle—such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Altars—when the Israelites moved camp. This was a highly sensitive duty, requiring careful adherence to divine instructions, as outlined in [Numbers 4:4-15](/numbers/4-4 "Numbers 4:4-15 - Duties of the Kohathites"). Their lineage was also significant because Moses and Aaron, the foundational leaders of Israel, were descendants of Kohath through Amram, as mentioned in [Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Moses and Aaron's Lineage").

**What is the significance of the Korathites being mentioned, given Korah's rebellion?**

Answer: The mention of the Korathites is highly significant because it demonstrates God's sovereign grace and the preservation of a remnant, even after severe judgment. Korah, a Kohathite Levite, led a major rebellion against Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed authority, resulting in God's judgment where Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their immediate households were swallowed by the earth (see [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). However, [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - Korah's Sons Did Not Die") explicitly states that "the children of Korah died not." This verse confirms that a branch of Korah's lineage survived and continued to be recognized as a legitimate family within the Levite tribe. Later, descendants of Korah became prominent temple musicians and gatekeepers, serving faithfully (e.g., [1 Chronicles 6:31-38](/1_chronicles/6-31 "1 Chronicles 6:31-38 - Korahite Musicians") and various Psalms attributed to the "sons of Korah"). This highlights God's mercy and His ability to continue His purposes through those who remain faithful, even from a lineage marked by rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:58, with its meticulous listing of Levite families and the lineage leading to Moses and Aaron, points forward to the ultimate High Priest and perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ. The Levites, particularly the Kohathites, were set apart for sacred service, bearing the holy furnishings of the Tabernacle and assisting in the sacrificial system—a system that inherently foreshadowed Christ. Their role as mediators between God and Israel, though imperfect and temporary, finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and our [great High Priest who has passed through the heavens](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our High Priest"). The genealogical continuity, culminating in Amram, father of Moses and Aaron, prefigures the perfect lineage of Christ, through whom God's covenant promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Moreover, the inclusion of the Korathites, a lineage marked by rebellion but preserved by grace, powerfully illustrates the expansive mercy of God that culminates in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus not only redeems individuals but also reconciles entire lineages and brings those who were formerly alienated into the family of God, making them a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to serve Him with a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")).

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.