Numbers 26:13

Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.

Of Zerah {H2226}, the family {H4940} of the Zarhites {H2227}: of Shaul {H7586}, the family {H4940} of the Shaulites {H7587}.

of Zerach, the family of the Zarchi; and of Sha'ul, the family of the Sha'uli.

the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul.

of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.

Commentary

Context

The book of Numbers recounts Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab, specifically detailing their wilderness wanderings. Numbers 26 is particularly significant as it records the second national census of the Israelite tribes, taken approximately 38 years after the first census documented in Numbers 1. This census served crucial purposes: to assess the nation's military strength for the impending conquest of Canaan and, more importantly, to prepare for the equitable division of the promised land among the families, as stipulated in Numbers 26:55. Verse 13 specifically lists two families: the Zarhites, descended from Zerah, who was a son of Judah (Genesis 46:12), and the Shaulites, descendants of Shaul, a son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10). This meticulous detail highlights the preservation of tribal and familial identity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The continued existence and growth of these families, despite decades of wilderness wandering and the previous generation's rebellion, underscore God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring (Genesis 12:2).
  • Order and Organization: The detailed genealogical record emphasizes God's meticulous nature and His desire for order within His people. Every family and individual is accounted for, reflecting divine precision.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: The census directly links to the upcoming distribution of the land. Each family's strength determined its portion, demonstrating that God's promises come with practical implications and organization.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Zarhites" (Hebrew: ื”ึทื–ึผึทืจึฐื—ึดื™, ha-Zarchi) and "Shaulites" (Hebrew: ื”ึทืฉึผืึธืื•ึผืœึดื™, ha-Sha'uli) are formed by adding the Hebrew suffix '-i' (or '-ite' in English transliteration) to the ancestral name. This suffix denotes belonging, descent, or origin, clearly identifying these as the families of Zerah and of Shaul. This consistent naming convention across the census reinforces the tribal and family structure crucial for ancient Israelite society.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:13, though seemingly just a list of names, reminds us of several profound truths. First, God sees and knows every individual and family, even those seemingly lost in a vast population or long historical record. Our identity and lineage matter to Him. Second, God's plans are meticulously laid out; He is a God of order and preparation, ensuring His people are ready for the inheritance He has for them. Just as these families were counted for their physical inheritance in Canaan, believers today are part of a spiritual family, heirs to a heavenly inheritance. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and His detailed oversight of our lives, knowing that He prepares us for His purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 46:10 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.