Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

And the sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063} after their families {H4940} were; of Shelah {H7956}, the family {H4940} of the Shelanites {H8024}: of Pharez {H6557}, the family {H4940} of the Pharzites {H6558}: of Zerah {H2226}, the family {H4940} of the Zarhites {H2227}.

The sons of Y'hudah who had descendants were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelani; of Peretz, the family of the Partzi; and of Zerach, the family of the Zarchi.

These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah.

And the sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites.

Commentary

Numbers 26:20 is part of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This meticulous record details the families within each tribe, specifically focusing on the descendants of Judah in this verse.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Numbers documents Israel's wilderness journey from Sinai to the borders of Canaan. Chapter 26 records a vital census taken approximately 38 years after the first census (recorded in Numbers 1). The generation that rebelled against God and was condemned to die in the wilderness had largely passed away (see Numbers 14:29-35). This new census was crucial for several reasons:

  • To prepare for the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes, with larger tribes receiving more extensive territories (Numbers 26:52-56).
  • To demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people despite their past failures.
  • To establish the military strength of the new generation ready for conquest.

Judah was already a prominent tribe, having the largest population in the first census, and maintaining a significant number in this second count, reflecting its future leadership role.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness and Preservation: Despite the previous generation's disobedience, God remained true to His covenant promises, raising a new generation ready to inherit the land (Genesis 12:2).
  • Generational Continuity: The detailed listing of families like the Shelanites, Pharzites, and Zarhites highlights the unbroken lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.
  • Order and Organization: God's plan for His people is characterized by order, structure, and careful record-keeping, essential for their societal and spiritual well-being.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: This census served as a direct preparation for the distribution of the land, ensuring that each family knew its tribal affiliation and potential inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Shelanites," "Pharzites," and "Zarhites" are patronymic, meaning they are derived from the names of their ancestral fathers: Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah, who were all sons of Judah. This naming convention was common in ancient Israel, clearly delineating family lines and tribal affiliations. The name Pharez (Hebrew: ืคึผึถืจึถืฅ, Perets) means "breach" or "bursting forth," given by his mother Tamar in Genesis 38:29 because he "burst forth" ahead of his twin brother Zerah.

Significance and Application

The meticulous record of Judah's families in Numbers 26:20 underscores the tribe's enduring importance in God's redemptive plan. It is from the lineage of Judah, and specifically through Pharez, that the line of King David would emerge, and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This is affirmed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:3, which explicitly mentions Pharez and Zerah.

For believers today, this verse reminds us of God's incredible attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness across generations. His plans are not thwarted by human failure; instead, He works through the generations to bring about His purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan for history and for our own lives, knowing that He is meticulously working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 11:24 (4 votes)

    And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, [was] at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.

  • Genesis 46:12 (4 votes)

    And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

  • Genesis 38:26 (2 votes)

    And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

  • Genesis 38:30 (2 votes)

    And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

  • Genesis 38:11 (2 votes)

    Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren [did]. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.

  • Genesis 38:14 (2 votes)

    And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which [is] by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.

  • Luke 3:33 (2 votes)

    Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,