Numbers 26:34
These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Numbers 26:34
These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This passage highlights a remarkable increase in Manasseh's tribe since the previous census, nearly doubling in number. This growth directly fulfills Jacob's prophecy to Joseph that his descendants would be incredibly fruitful, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises even after a period of judgment.
Following a devastating plague that struck the Israelites, God commands Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the people. This new count is crucial for determining tribal land inheritance in the Promised Land and highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even after immense loss and rebellion, as evidenced by the significant growth of some tribes since the first census.
After 40 years in the wilderness, a new generation is counted. Why does this census matter so much?
This second census in Numbers 26 is not just a headcount; it's a profound statement of God's faithfulness.
A Generation Renewed
The first census in Numbers 1 was taken as Israel left Egypt, full of promise but untested. The second census, taken as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, comes after a generation's rebellion led to widespread death in the wilderness. It’s remarkable that the total number of Israelites is almost the same as before (over 600,000), despite the immense loss. This isn't just population growth; it's a miracle, showing God's grace in preserving His people and fulfilling His promise of a numerous offspring, even amidst judgment.
Promised Land Proportions
The numbers in this census directly determined how the land would be divided. "To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him" (Numbers 26:54). This census wasn't just about knowing how many there were, but about ensuring equitable distribution of the inheritance God had promised.
The tribe of Manasseh saw an astonishing increase in numbers. What does this tell us about God's promises and their fulfillment?
The census numbers for Manasseh in chapter 26 show a significant growth compared to the first census in chapter 1.
A Prophecy Fulfilled
In the first census (Numbers 1:35), Manasseh's clan numbered 32,200. By the time of the second census (Numbers 26:34), they had grown to 52,700 – an increase of over 20,000!
This dramatic growth echoes Jacob's dying words over his grandsons, Joseph's sons: "his [Ephraim's] younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19, paraphrased). While Ephraim is often highlighted, Manasseh's remarkable population increase demonstrates that God's promise of fruitfulness extended powerfully to both Joseph's sons. It’s a testament to God’s ability to bless and multiply His people beyond human expectation, even after periods of hardship and judgment in the wilderness.
Understand the original words
paqad · Hebrew Verb
The act of recording names in an official registry or census, demonstrating the covenantal faithfulness of God in preserving the identity and number of His people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
This second census, taken after a devastating plague and nearly 40 years of wandering, shows a remarkable increase in the tribe of Manasseh, fulfilling prophecies of Joseph's posterity being fruitful and exceeding their brethren.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites depart from Egypt, beginning their 40-year journey in the wilderness.
c. 1445 BC
First Census at Sinai
Moses and Aaron conduct the first census of Israelite men aged 20 and older, as commanded by God. This census established tribal enrollments and land inheritance expectations.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census after Wandering
Following nearly 40 years of wandering in the desert and a devastating plague, Moses and Eleazar conduct a second census to prepare for entry into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Division of Land by Lot
God instructs Moses that the land of Canaan will be divided by lot based on the tribal enrollments from the second census, ensuring fair inheritance.
This passage contains Jacob's prophecy about Joseph's descendants, foretelling their fruitfulness and expansion, which directly relates to the significant growth of Manasseh's tribe seen between the two censuses.
Numbers 1:34-35This verse provides the initial census number for Manasseh (32,200), allowing for a direct comparison and highlighting the substantial increase in their numbers by the time of the second census in Numbers 26.
Joshua 17:1-6This passage details the inheritance of Manasseh's descendants in the land of Canaan, showing the practical application of their numbers and the fulfillment of God's promise for them to possess the land.
Deuteronomy 29:12-13These verses speak of entering into covenant with God for the sake of future generations, underscoring the importance of the census in establishing the people's identity and their claim to the inheritance in the promised land.
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…
bensonNumbers 26:34: "These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred."
Numbers 26:34 . Fifty-two thousand seven hundred — Whereas they were but thirty-two thousand and two hundred, in Numbers 1:35 . So that they had increased twenty thousand and five hundred, according to the promise made to Joseph’s posterity, Genesis 49:22 .
This passage highlights a remarkable increase in Manasseh's tribe since the previous census, nearly doubling in number. This growth directly fulfills Jacob's prophecy to Joseph that his descendants would be incredibly fruitful, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises even after a period of judgment.
Following a devastating plague that struck the Israelites, God commands Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the people. This new count is crucial for determining tribal land inheritance in the Promised Land and highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even after immense loss and rebellion, as evidenced by the significant growth of some tribes since the first census.
Following a devastating plague that struck the Israelites, God commands Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the people. This new count is crucial for determining tribal land inheritance in the Promised Land and highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even after immense loss and rebellion, as evidenced by the significant growth of some tribes since the first census.
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"These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700." — This passage highlights a remarkable increase in Manasseh's tribe since the previous census, nearly doubling in number. This growth directly fulfills Jacob's prophecy to Joseph that his descendants w…