Numbers 26:18

These [are] the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.

These are the families {H4940} of the children {H1121} of Gad {H1410} according to those that were numbered {H6485} of them, forty {H705} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

These were the families of the sons of Gad, according to those counted of them, 40,500.

These were the clans of Gad, and their registration numbered 40,500.

These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

Numbers 26:18 is a concise verse detailing the population count of the tribe of Gad during the second census of Israel. This census, recorded in Numbers chapter 26, took place on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is part of a comprehensive demographic survey conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest. Unlike the first census in Numbers chapter 1, which counted the generation that left Egypt, this second count enumerated the new generation. This was crucial because the previous generation, due to their disobedience and unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea, had been condemned to die in the wilderness (see Numbers 14:29-30). The purpose of this new census was multifaceted:

  • To confirm the number of fighting men ready to conquer Canaan.
  • To prepare for the division of the land by inheritance, with larger tribes receiving more territory.
  • To demonstrate God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after judgment.

The tribe of Gad, descended from Jacob's seventh son, Gad (Genesis 30:11), is here recorded with 40,500 fighting men. This number shows a slight decrease compared to their count in the first census (45,650 in Numbers 1:25), reflecting the harsh realities of the wilderness journey.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Preparation: The meticulous numbering of each tribe underscores God's orderly nature and His careful preparation of His people for their future inheritance.
  • God's Faithfulness Across Generations: Despite the failures of the previous generation, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, raising up a new generation ready to enter the Promised Land.
  • Tribal Identity and Continuity: The verse highlights the enduring importance of tribal and family structures in ancient Israel, essential for maintaining identity and for the equitable distribution of land.
  • Accountability and Purpose: Each individual and family within the tribe had a place and purpose in God's grand plan for Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "numbered" is paqad (ืคึผึธืงึทื“), which carries a broader meaning than simply counting. It can imply a visitation, inspection, or a mustering for a specific purpose. In this context, it signifies an authoritative and purposeful count by God, indicating His oversight and readiness to fulfill His plans for the new generation of Israel.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:18, though seemingly a dry list of numbers, offers valuable lessons for today:

  • God is a God of Order: He works with purpose and precision. This encourages believers to also live lives of order and intentionality in their walk with Him.
  • God's Promises Endure: Even when human generations fail, God's promises do not. He is faithful to complete what He starts, providing hope and assurance.
  • Preparation is Key: Just as Israel was prepared for their inheritance, believers are called to prepare themselves for God's purposes in their lives and for the eternal inheritance to come (1 Peter 1:4).
  • Every Individual Matters: Each person, though part of a larger group, is accounted for and has a role in God's kingdom.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 2:14 (2 votes)

    Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad [shall be] Eliasaph the son of Reuel.

  • Numbers 2:15 (2 votes)

    And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.

  • Numbers 1:24 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

  • Numbers 1:25 (2 votes)

    Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.