Numbers 26:6

KJV

Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Hezron {H2696}, the family {H4940} of the Hezronites {H2697}: of Carmi {H3756}, the family {H4940} of the Carmites {H3757}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of Hetzron, the family of the Hetzroni; and of Karmi the family of the Karmi.

Berean Standard Bible

the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi.

American Standard Version

of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:6 meticulously records the families of the Hezronites and the Carmites, descendants of Reuben’s sons, Hezron and Carmi. This verse is an integral part of Israel's second census, conducted on the plains of Moab, nearly four decades after the first census and the demise of the wilderness generation. It profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, His divine order in preparing a new generation for the Promised Land, and the practical basis for the equitable distribution of tribal inheritances in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:6 is deeply embedded within the comprehensive account of Israel's second census, a pivotal moment in the book of Numbers. This enumeration, taken on the plains of Moab, directly opposite Jericho ([Numbers 26:3](/numbers/26-3 "Numbers 26:3 - Location of the Second Census")), serves as a stark and significant contrast to the first census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census and Organization of Israel"), which occurred almost 38 years prior at Mount Sinai. The intervening period witnessed the tragic demise of the entire generation of fighting men who had departed Egypt, a consequence of their disobedience and rebellion, particularly at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26-35 "Numbers 14:26-35 - Judgment on the Wilderness Generation")). Chapter 26, therefore, marks the emergence of a new generation, poised to enter and conquer the Promised Land. The meticulous listing of families, including the Hezronites and Carmites from the tribe of Reuben, highlights the enduring continuity of God’s covenant people despite past failures and establishes the administrative foundation for the upcoming division of the land ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Population")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this census is the plains of Moab, strategically located east of the Jordan River, directly opposite Jericho. This region served as the final staging ground before the Israelites crossed into Canaan. In ancient Near Eastern societies, genealogies and censuses were far more than mere historical records; they were indispensable for military organization, taxation, and, critically for Israel, the precise allocation of land and inheritance. For a nomadic people on the cusp of settling into an agrarian society, knowing the exact population and intricate family structures was essential for establishing a stable and ordered society. The emphasis on specific family units like the Hezronites and Carmites underscores the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where identity, rights, and responsibilities flowed through established family lines. This meticulous record-keeping ensured the preservation of tribal distinctives and facilitated the equitable distribution of the land promised to their ancestors, preventing disputes and maintaining social cohesion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though seemingly a dry genealogical entry, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Continuity**. Despite the catastrophic failure and subsequent judgment upon the previous generation, God remains utterly faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, preserving a new generation destined to inherit the land ([Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")). Second, it highlights **God's Order and Preparation**. The meticulous counting and organization of the tribes demonstrate God's precise and purposeful planning for His people's future, ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for the challenges of conquest and settlement. This divine order is foundational to the successful establishment of the nation in Canaan. Finally, the census directly relates to the theme of **Inheritance and Land Allocation**. The specific mention of family units, as seen with the Hezronites and Carmites, was crucial because the size of each clan directly determined the proportion of land it would receive ([Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Allotment Based on Size")), linking individual family identity directly to their promised portion in the land. This detailed administrative preparation foreshadows the comprehensive land divisions found in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezron (Hebrew, _Chetsrôwn'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "court-yard," Hezron is the name of one of Reuben's sons, as well as a place and another Israelite. In this context, it specifically refers to the son of Reuben, establishing a direct paternal lineage within the tribe. The formation of the "Hezronites" from "Hezron" signifies a patronymic derivation, clearly indicating descent and tribal affiliation, emphasizing the continuity of this family line.
* **Carmi (Hebrew, _Karmîy'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word meaning "gardener" or "my vineyard," Carmi is another son of Reuben. Like Hezron, his name forms the basis for the "Carmites," denoting a distinct family unit within the tribe of Reuben. This naming convention underscores the importance of ancestral identity and the continuity of family lines within the broader tribal structure, vital for the upcoming land distribution.
* **Family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This crucial term refers to a clan or extended family unit descending from a common ancestor. In the context of the census, the _mishpâchâh_ was the fundamental unit for tribal organization, military recruitment, and, most importantly, the equitable distribution of land. Its repeated use in this verse underscores the meticulous nature of the census and the foundational importance of these familial divisions for the future of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites:"** This clause precisely identifies a specific clan within the tribe of Reuben. Hezron, as a direct son of Reuben, serves as the patriarch from whom this entire "family" or clan (the Hezronites) descended. This highlights the genealogical precision of the census, tracing the lineage from the tribal patriarch (Reuben) down to his immediate offspring and their subsequent descendants. It confirms the continuity and distinct identity of this particular family line despite the wilderness wanderings and the passage of a generation.
* **"of Carmi, the family of the Carmites."** Similarly, this clause identifies another distinct clan originating from Carmi, also a son of Reuben. The parallel structure with the previous clause reinforces the systematic and exhaustive nature of the census. It demonstrates that each son of the tribal patriarchs established a distinct family unit, which was then meticulously counted and recorded for the explicit purpose of tribal organization, military assessment, and, crucially, land inheritance. The repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the enumeration, ensuring no recognized family unit was overlooked.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:6, though concise, employs several literary devices characteristic of biblical genealogies and censuses. The most prominent is **Patronymic Naming**, where the names of the family units ("Hezronites," "Carmites") are directly derived from their ancestral patriarchs ("Hezron," "Carmi"). This device serves to clearly delineate lineage, establish identity within the larger tribal structure, and reinforce the continuity of family lines. **Repetition** is also evident in the identical phrasing "the family of the X-ites," which creates a rhythmic, formulaic quality common in lists and enumerations. This repetition underscores the systematic and exhaustive nature of the census, ensuring that every recognized family unit is accounted for without omission. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as **Enumeration**, systematically listing individuals and groups. This serves a practical administrative purpose (facilitating land distribution, assessing military readiness) but also carries profound theological significance, demonstrating God's meticulous knowledge and sovereign oversight of His people, down to the smallest family unit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:6, seemingly a mere list of names, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the face of profound human failure and rebellion. The meticulous accounting of these families, specifically the Hezronites and Carmites, underscores that despite the severe judgment on the previous generation, God faithfully preserves a remnant and meticulously prepares a new generation to inherit what was promised. It speaks to God's sovereign order and His intricate attention to detail in bringing His redemptive plan to fruition. This divine faithfulness is not abstract; rather, it is deeply personal, ensuring that every family unit, no matter how small, has a designated place and a secure inheritance within His grand design for His people.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Initial Promise to Abraham") - God's foundational promise of land to Abraham and his descendants, which this census meticulously prepares to fulfill.
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's Faithfulness to His Covenant") - Emphasizes God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, which is powerfully demonstrated by His preservation of Israel despite their rebellion and wilderness judgment.
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "God's Everlasting Covenant") - A profound reminder that God remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded for a thousand generations, ensuring its ultimate fulfillment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:6, though a fragment of a genealogical list, offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of impeccable order, divine purpose, and enduring faithfulness. Even after a generation's catastrophic failure and demise, He meticulously accounts for the new generation, preparing them with precision for their promised inheritance. This speaks volumes about God's unwavering commitment to His promises, demonstrating that His sovereign plans will never be thwarted by human disobedience or historical setbacks. For us today, this verse highlights that our identity and place within God's spiritual family are intimately known to Him. Just as each family in ancient Israel had a specific, divinely appointed inheritance, so too do believers have a secure and glorious spiritual inheritance in Christ. It encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic, when past failures loom large, or when the future appears uncertain. He is always faithfully working to bring His people into their promised land, both literally for Israel and spiritually for the Church, culminating in the eternal Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census encourage you about His personal care for your own life and unique circumstances?**
* **What does the continuity of God's promises, despite the previous generation's profound failures, teach us about His enduring faithfulness and grace today?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as the "new generation" of believers, actively prepare ourselves to fully receive and faithfully live out our spiritual inheritance in Christ?**
* **How does understanding our place within God's larger family (the Church) parallel the importance of family units and their distinct identities in ancient Israel?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies and censuses so important in the Bible, especially in books like Numbers?**

Answer: Genealogies and censuses in the Bible serve multiple critical and interwoven purposes, extending far beyond mere record-keeping. First, they establish **identity and lineage**, meticulously tracing the descent of individuals and groups from their patriarchs. This was crucial for tribal affiliation, determining land inheritance ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Population")), and validating priestly or kingly service. Second, they powerfully validate **covenant promises**, particularly the promise to Abraham of a numerous offspring and a vast land inheritance ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Promise of Numerous Descendants")). The very act of counting demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply His people. Third, they provide essential **administrative and military organization**, enabling the leaders to know the fighting strength of the nation and to allocate resources efficiently for conquest and settlement ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Counting Men for Military Service")). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, they underscore **God's unwavering faithfulness**, showing how He meticulously preserves His people and brings His redemptive plans to fruition across generations, even through periods of severe judgment and prolonged wilderness wandering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 26:6 is a seemingly dry genealogical entry, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several significant ways. The meticulous counting of families for an inheritance in the earthly Promised Land powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as a new generation of Israelites was prepared to enter Canaan, so too are believers, through their union with Christ, part of a new covenant generation, spiritual heirs according to the promise given to Abraham ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). The unwavering faithfulness of God in preserving these family lines, despite the rebellion and demise of the wilderness generation, prefigures His ultimate faithfulness in providing salvation through Jesus. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, who fulfills the Old Covenant and inaugurates a new and better covenant, established on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Our true identity and belonging are no longer primarily defined by earthly lineage or tribal affiliation, but by our adoption into God's eternal family through Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons through Christ")). The ultimate "Promised Land" for believers is not a physical territory but the eternal kingdom of God, an inheritance secured irrevocably by Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection ([Colossians 1:12-14](/colossians/1-12-14 "Colossians 1:12-14 - Inheritance in Light and Redemption")). Thus, these seemingly mundane census records point to God's unwavering commitment to His people, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, through whom all the promises of God find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.