Numbers 26:38

The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:

The sons {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} after their families {H4940}: of Bela {H1106}, the family {H4940} of the Belaites {H1108}: of Ashbel {H788}, the family {H4940} of the Ashbelites {H789}: of Ahiram {H297}, the family {H4940} of the Ahiramites {H298}:

The descendants of Binyamin, by their families were: of Bela, the family of the Bal'i; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbeli; of Achiram, the family of the Achirami;

These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram,

The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites;

Commentary

Numbers 26:38 introduces us to the family divisions within the tribe of Benjamin during the second census of Israel. This detailed genealogical record is crucial for understanding the tribal structure and the impending division of the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is part of a comprehensive census recorded in Numbers chapter 26, taken in the plains of Moab. This census follows the devastating plague mentioned in Numbers 25:9 and serves as a vital update to the first census taken at Mount Sinai nearly forty years prior (Numbers 1:1). Unlike the first census, which focused on military readiness, this second count was primarily for the purpose of allocating land upon entry into Canaan, with the size of each tribe determining the extent of their inheritance (Numbers 26:54). The tribe of Benjamin, named after one of Jacob's youngest sons (Genesis 35:18), is here shown with its primary family branches.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Preservation: The meticulous listing of families underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the tribal identities of Israel, even after a generation had passed away in the wilderness. It highlights divine order in preparation for their future.
  • Continuity of God's Covenant: Despite the failures and rebellions of the previous generation, God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob endured through their descendants. The survival and organization of these families were evidence of God's ongoing plan for His chosen people.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: The primary practical purpose of this census was to establish the basis for land distribution. Each family's strength contributed to the overall tribal count, directly impacting their share of the Promised Land.

Linguistic Insights

The structure "of Bela, the family of the Belaites" is a standard Hebrew genealogical pattern. The suffix "-ite" (as in Belaites, Ashbelites, Ahiramites) simply means "descendants of" or "belonging to" the named individual. These names—Bela, Ashbel, and Ahiram—are identified as sons of Benjamin in earlier genealogies (Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 7:6), confirming the continuity of these family lines from the original entry into Egypt.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list might seem dry, Numbers 26:38 subtly teaches us about God's attention to detail and His commitment to His promises across generations. It reminds us that:

  • God values order and identity: He carefully records and preserves the lineage of His people, signifying His care for each individual and family within His larger plan.
  • God's plans transcend individual lives: Even when a generation fails, God's overarching purposes for His people continue through their descendants. This offers hope that God's work will prevail despite human shortcomings.
  • Preparation is key for future blessings: Just as this census prepared Israel for their inheritance, we are called to be prepared spiritually for the blessings and responsibilities God has for us, understanding our place within His ongoing story.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 8:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

  • Genesis 46:2 (2 votes)

    And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here [am] I.

  • 1 Chronicles 7:6 (2 votes)

    [The sons] of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.

  • 1 Chronicles 7:12 (2 votes)

    Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, [and] Hushim, the sons of Aher.

  • Genesis 46:21 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.