Numbers 26:26

[Of] the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

Of the sons {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074} after their families {H4940}: of Sered {H5624}, the family {H4940} of the Sardites {H5625}: of Elon {H356}, the family {H4940} of the Elonites {H440}: of Jahleel {H3177}, the family {H4940} of the Jahleelites {H3178}.

The descendants of Z'vulun, by their families, were: of Sered, the family of the Sardi; of Elon, the family of the Eloni; and of Yachle'el, the family of the Yachle'eli.

These were the descendants of Zebulun by their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered, the Elonite clan from Elon, and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel.

The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

Commentary

Numbers 26:26 is part of the second census of the Israelites, specifically detailing the family divisions within the tribe of Zebulun. This verse lists the three primary family lines that descended from Zebulun through his sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel, identifying them by their respective family names (Sardites, Elonites, and Jahleelites).

Context

This verse is found within a comprehensive census recorded in Numbers chapter 26. This crucial enumeration took place on the plains of Moab, prior to Israel's entry into the Promised Land, and roughly 38 years after the first census detailed in Numbers 1. The first generation, which largely rebelled and died in the wilderness, had passed away. This new census served several vital purposes:

  • To register all males twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, preparing for the upcoming conquest of Canaan.
  • To provide an accurate count for the equitable division of land by lot among the tribes and families once they entered Canaan.
  • To demonstrate God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, preserving and multiplying His people despite their rebellion and the harsh realities of the wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous detail of this census, including family lines within each tribe, highlights God's orderly nature and His careful planning for His people's future. Every individual and family had a place within His divine structure.
  • Continuity of God's Promises: Despite the failure and death of the rebellious generation, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob persevered. This new generation, accounted for here, was the recipient of the promises concerning the land and nation, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness.
  • Identity and Inheritance: Knowing one's family and tribal affiliation was crucial for Israelite identity and for receiving their rightful share of the inheritance in the Promised Land. This verse reinforces the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The names Sered, Elon, and Jahleel are transliterations from Hebrew, representing the direct descendants of Zebulun from whom these families originated. While the meanings of these specific names are not central to the verse's main message, the structure "of [name], the family of the [name]ites" is a standard biblical genealogical pattern, emphasizing the patriarchal head from whom the family line derives its identity. This reinforces the concept of tribal and family identity crucial to ancient Israelite society.

Practical Application

Even seemingly administrative or genealogical passages like Numbers 26:26 hold valuable lessons:

  • God's Attention to Detail: This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of His creation and His people. He cares about individuals, families, and communities, and His plans are precise.
  • The Enduring Nature of God's Plan: Despite setbacks, sin, and generational changes, God's purposes for His people continue. We can trust that His plans for His church and for our lives will ultimately prevail.
  • Our Place in God's Family: Just as every family within Zebulun had a designated place and future inheritance, believers today have an identity and inheritance in Christ. We are part of a larger spiritual family, with a divinely appointed purpose and a guaranteed future.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 46:14 (4 votes)

    And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

  • Genesis 30:19 (2 votes)

    And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

  • Genesis 30:20 (2 votes)

    And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.