Numbers 26:27

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

These are the families {H4940} of the Zebulunites {H2075} according to those that were numbered {H6485} of them, threescore {H8346} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

These were the families of the Z'vuloni, according to those counted of them, 60,500.

These were the clans of Zebulun, and their registration numbered 60,500.

These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

Context

Numbers chapter 26 details the second census of the Israelites, taken in the plains of Moab, just before they were to enter the promised land of Canaan. This census was crucial for two main reasons: to count the fighting men available for the conquest and to provide a basis for the distribution of the land by tribal inheritance (Numbers 26:55). This registration listed only men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, except for the Levites who were numbered separately for service. The generation that had been counted in the first census in the wilderness (Numbers chapter 1) had largely perished due to disobedience during the wilderness wandering, making this new census necessary to record the new generation ready to inherit the promises.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: God consistently demonstrates His attention to detail in organizing His people, whether for wilderness travel, worship, or preparing for inheritance. The census highlights this divine focus on structure and accountability.
  • Continuation of the Covenant: Despite the failure of the previous generation, God's covenant promises continue through the new generation. This census signifies their readiness to step into God's plan.
  • Tribal Identity and Inheritance: The detailed listing of families within each tribe underscores the importance of lineage for establishing identity and claiming the specific tribal territories within Canaan.
  • Preparation for the Future: The numbering was a practical step, equipping the leaders with knowledge of their strength and facilitating the fair distribution of the land that lay ahead.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "threescore thousand and five hundred" is standard King James Version English for the number 60,500. There are no complex Hebrew linguistic nuances in this verse beyond the numerical count itself, which is presented plainly as the total number of eligible men from the tribe of Zebulun.

Significance and Application

Numbers 26:27 specifically records the count for the tribe of Zebulun in this second census. Their number was 60,500. Interestingly, this represents a slight increase from their count of 57,400 in the first census (Numbers 1:31), unlike many other tribes whose numbers decreased significantly. This detail shows God's sovereign oversight of each tribe's journey and readiness. For us today, this verse, within the context of the larger census, reminds us that God cares about the details of His people's lives and organization. It speaks to themes of divine faithfulness across generations, the importance of being ready for God's purposes, and the reality that God equips and prepares those He calls to inherit His promises, much like this new generation was prepared to enter the promised land.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 2:7 (2 votes)

    [Then] the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon [shall be] captain of the children of Zebulun.

  • Numbers 2:8 (2 votes)

    And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

  • Numbers 1:30 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Zebulun, 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 1:31 (2 votes)

    Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Zebulun, [were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.