Numbers 26:50

These [are] the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and four hundred.

These are the families {H4940} of Naphtali {H5321} according to their families {H4940}: and they that were numbered {H6485} of them were forty {H705} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967}.

These are the families of Naftali according to their families; those of them that were counted were 45,400.

These were the clans of Naphtali, and their registration numbered 45,400.

These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 26:50

Numbers 26:50 is part of a detailed census recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically the second general numbering of the Israelite men twenty years old and upward, taken in the plains of Moab. This census occurred near the end of the forty years of wilderness wandering, just before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land. The first census, documented in Numbers chapter 1, was taken at Mount Sinai at the beginning of their journey. The command for this second census is given in Numbers 26:1-4, and its primary purpose was to organize the nation for the upcoming conquest and, crucially, to determine the allocation of land inheritance in Canaan, as stated in Numbers 26:52-56, where the size of each tribe's inheritance was to be proportional to its registered population.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: This verse, like the entire chapter, highlights God's meticulous attention to order and structure within His people. The detailed counting of each tribe, family by family, demonstrates a divine blueprint for the nation's military readiness and future settlement.
  • Faithfulness to Promises: Despite the disobedience and rebellion of the first generation that led to their death in the wilderness, God remained faithful to His covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his descendants (see Genesis 12:2). This new generation was prepared to inherit the land.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: The census was not merely a head count but a vital step in preparing for the division of the Promised Land. The population figures directly influenced how the land would be distributed among the tribes, ensuring fairness and proper administration.
  • Continuity of the Nation: The census underscores the enduring nature of Israel as God's chosen people. A new generation had risen, ready to fulfill the divine mandate, demonstrating God's persistent work through human history.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "families" is mishpachot (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื—ึนืช), which refers to clans or extended family units. This emphasizes that the census was not just about individuals but about the distinct social and genealogical structures within each tribe, which were essential for maintaining tribal identity and for the distribution of land. The word "numbered" comes from the root paqad (ืคึธึผืงึทื“), which can mean to visit, muster, appoint, or count. In this context, it implies a divine overseeing and registration of the people, not just a simple human tabulation, highlighting God's active involvement in the nation's affairs.

Significance of Naphtali's Count

Numbers 26:50 specifically details the population of the tribe of Naphtali, stating their total as forty-five thousand and four hundred (45,400). It is interesting to compare this number with their count in the first census recorded in Numbers 1:43, where they numbered fifty-three thousand and four hundred (53,400). This indicates a decrease of 8,000 men for the tribe of Naphtali between the two censuses, a trend shared by several other tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Ephraim), while others increased. This fluctuation reflects the challenging realities of the wilderness journey, including plagues and rebellions, yet the overall population of Israel remained strong, underscoring God's preservation.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly just a numerical record, reminds us of God's meticulous care and foresight. It teaches us that God is a God of order, who cares about the details of His people's lives and future. For us today, it can be a reminder that:

  • God has a plan and purpose for our lives and for the church, and He works through generations.
  • Preparation and organization are important for fulfilling God's purposes, whether individually or corporately.
  • Even through periods of decline or challenge (as some tribes experienced), God's overarching plan for His people continues to advance. His faithfulness endures beyond human failings or numerical shifts.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 2:29 (2 votes)

    Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali [shall be] Ahira the son of Enan.

  • Numbers 2:30 (2 votes)

    And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

  • Numbers 1:42 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Naphtali, throughout 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 1:43 (2 votes)

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