And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the clan of the Eranites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This might seem like just another name in a long list, but it's a subtle reminder that even in the grand sweep of Israel's history, lineage mattered deeply. "Eran" is listed as a son of Shuthelah, and from him comes the "clan of the Eranites" – demonstrating how a single individual's descendants formed a distinct family group within the larger tribe of Ephraim.
And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the clan of the Eranites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter marks a pivotal moment: after a devastating plague, God commands a new census to be taken. The purpose is to re-establish the census of Israel's fighting men and allot land for inheritance, reflecting a renewed beginning after judgment. The focus then shifts to meticulously listing the descendants of each tribe, ensuring every family and clan is accounted for as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land.
Why did God command Moses to take a census, not once, but twice? This wasn't just for counting heads; it was a profound act of divine remembrance and faithfulness.
This chapter, the second census, happens after a devastating plague and nearly 40 years in the wilderness. It's remarkable that the total number of Israelites is almost identical to the first census taken at Sinai (Numbers 1). The scholars point out this incredible feat isn't due to chance, but God's miraculous preservation and multiplication of His people. This census serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham—that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Even after judgment, God's grace ensures His people continue to grow, fulfilling His covenant.
What's in a name? In ancient Israel, a name carried lineage, identity, and destiny. Even the smallest family unit has its place in God's vast tapestry.
The detailed listing of sons, families, and clans, like Shuthelah and the Eranites, highlights the importance of lineage and identity in the Old Testament. Each name represents a branch on the family tree, and each clan is a vital part of the larger tribe. While some names mentioned here might seem obscure to us, they were crucial for inheritance, identity, and understanding one's place within the covenant community. The scholars note that some names might even have variations in different books, but the underlying lineage remains consistent, emphasizing God's careful attention to every detail of His people's existence.
Understand the original words
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ben · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to male descendants of a common ancestor; in the context of the tribes of Israel, it denotes lineage, identity, and inheritance rights within the covenant community.
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A social or familial group descended from a common ancestor; in Numbers, these represent the primary sub-units of the tribes of Israel used for organizing the census, military service, and land allotment.
This detailed recounting of tribal lineages and their numbers, particularly following a plague and rebellion, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people and preparing them to inherit the promised land, even amidst judgment.
c. 1446 BC
Census at Sinai
The first census of the Israelites was taken at Mount Sinai shortly after the Exodus, establishing the initial numbers of fighting men for each tribe.
c. 1406 BC
Rebellion of Korah
A significant rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron's authority, resulting in divine judgment and the death of many, but not the families of Korah.
c. 1406 BC
Plague in the Camp
A devastating plague struck the Israelite camp, likely following the rebellion and idolatry, causing a significant loss of life and necessitating a new census.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census
God commands Moses and Eleazar to take a second census of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. This census reflects the dramatic population changes after 38 years in the wilderness and the recent plague.
This passage also lists the descendants of Ephraim, including Shuthelah and his son Eran, providing another genealogical link and reinforcing the importance of lineage within the tribes.
Genesis 46:16-20This passage details the families of the tribes of Israel as they entered Egypt, including those descended from Ephraim, showing the foundational familial structures that would later be enumerated in Numbers.
Exodus 6:14-16This lists the sons of Reuben and Simeon, brothers to Levi and Joseph's line, highlighting the broader family structures within Israel and showing how these lineages are traced throughout the Old Testament.
Joshua 17:1-2This passage shows the inheritance of Manasseh, son of Joseph, whose tribe is closely related to Ephraim, illustrating how these tribal divisions and genealogies played a role in the division of 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…
pooleNumbers 26:36: "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."
Eran, called Edan or Laadan , 1 Chronicles 7:26 ; the letters daleth and resh being alike in the Hebrew tongue, and therefore oft changed, as is evident from Scripture instances.
This might seem like just another name in a long list, but it's a subtle reminder that even in the grand sweep of Israel's history, lineage mattered deeply. "Eran" is listed as a son of Shuthelah, and from him comes the "clan of the Eranites" – demonstrating how a single individual's descendants formed a distinct family group within the larger tribe of Ephraim.
This chapter marks a pivotal moment: after a devastating plague, God commands a new census to be taken. The purpose is to re-establish the census of Israel's fighting men and allot land for inheritance, reflecting a renewed beginning after judgment. The focus then shifts to meticulously listing the descendants of each tribe, ensuring every family and clan is accounted for as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land.
This chapter marks a pivotal moment: after a devastating plague, God commands a new census to be taken. The purpose is to re-establish the census of Israel's fighting men and allot land for inheritance, reflecting a renewed beginning after judgment. The focus then shifts to meticulously listing the descendants of each tribe, ensuring every family and clan is accounted for as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land.
"And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the clan of the Eranites." — This might seem like just another name in a long list, but it's a subtle reminder that even in the grand sweep of Israel's history, lineage mattered deeply. "Eran" is listed as a son of Shuthelah, an…
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Last reviewed October 2026