Numbers 26:21
And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the clan of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the clan of the Hamulites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's often overlooked is that Hezron and Hamul are listed as the sons of Perez, but they are filling the place of Perez's brothers, Er and Onan, who died without heirs. This act of substitution within the family lineage highlights God's faithfulness in ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage, even when natural succession is broken.
This passage is part of a census, conducted after a plague that had decimated the Israelite camp. It's the second census in Numbers, meticulously listing the families within each tribe to establish inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This particular verse details the descendants of Judah's son Perez, highlighting the continuation of his lineage despite the earlier deaths of two of Judah's sons, Er and Onan.
Ever feel like you're stepping into shoes that were meant for someone else? In the grand story of Israel, this was a recurring theme.
The text here, focusing on the sons of Perez, highlights how God's lineage and promises continued even when the immediate heirs failed.
Why would the Bible spend so much time listing names and numbers? It's more than just a headcount; it's about belonging and destiny.
This census in Numbers 26 serves a critical purpose beyond simply counting the people. It lays the groundwork for the division of the Promised Land.
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
A male descendant, typically a biological son, though it can also refer to a grandson or a member of a tribe or nation. In this context, it designates the ancestral lines of the clans.
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A social or tribal unit, often larger than a family but smaller than a tribe, tracing lineage back to a common ancestor. They were the primary units for organization, military service, and land allotment.
This second census in Numbers 26 is taken nearly 40 years after the first, following a devastating plague and the death of the generation that left Egypt. The detailed listing of families, including those of Perez (Judah's grandson, whose initial sons Er and Onan died childless), underscores the continuity of God's promises and the importance of lineage even after immense loss and judgment.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt, beginning their journey through the wilderness.
c. 1445 BC
Census at Sinai
The first census is taken at Mount Sinai, establishing the initial census count of the adult males.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wandering
Following rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, the Israelites wander for 38 years, and the generation that refused to enter the land perishes.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Plague and Second Census Begins
A plague sweeps through the Israelite camp, followed by the command for a second census to be taken, reflecting the new generation and the land inheritance.
This passage lists the same descendants of Judah, showing the continuity of these family lines from the time of Jacob to the census in Numbers.
1 Chronicles 2:3-5This passage also names Hezron and Hamul as sons of Perez, highlighting their importance and the continuation of their lineage within the tribe of Judah.
Joshua 15:1-6This chapter details the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, and it begins by listing the descendants originating from Perez, including Hezron and Hamul, connecting their lineage to the land inheritance.
Ruth 4:18-22This genealogy traces the lineage from Perez through Hezron to David, demonstrating how this specific family line, mentioned in Numbers, is crucial to the unfolding Messianic promise.
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
pooleNumbers 26:21: "And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites."
The sons of Pharez, though Judah’s grandchildren, are here mentioned among his sons, because they are put in the stead of Er and Onan, which died before.
What's often overlooked is that Hezron and Hamul are listed as the sons of Perez, but they are filling the place of Perez's brothers, Er and Onan, who died without heirs. This act of substitution within the family lineage highlights God's faithfulness in ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage, even when natural succession is broken.
This passage is part of a census, conducted after a plague that had decimated the Israelite camp. It's the second census in Numbers, meticulously listing the families within each tribe to establish inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This particular verse details the descendants of Judah's son Perez, highlighting the continuation of his lineage despite the earlier deaths of two of Judah's sons, Er and Onan.
This passage is part of a census, conducted after a plague that had decimated the Israelite camp. It's the second census in Numbers, meticulously listing the families within each tribe to establish inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This particular verse details the descendants of Judah's son Perez, highlighting the continuation of his lineage despite the earlier deaths of two of Judah's sons, Er and Onan.
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c. 1406 BC
Division of Land by Lot
The land of Canaan is to be divided by lot according to the new census numbers, preparing the people for their inheritance.
"And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the clan of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the clan of the Hamulites." — What's often overlooked is that Hezron and Hamul are listed as the sons of Perez, but they are filling the place of Perez's brothers, Er and Onan, who died without heirs. This act of substitution wit…
