The sons of Benjamin according to their clans: of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though this passage reads like a simple list of names, it's actually highlighting how God’s promises endure through the generations. Notice how the descendants are organized by "clan" or "family"—these divisions reveal God’s faithfulness in preserving people and their heritage, even after hardship. This meticulous record-keeping shows that every individual and every lineage matters to God, not just the prominent figures.
The sons of Benjamin according to their clans: of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter follows a devastating plague and is part of a census God commanded Moses to take in the plains of Moab, just before Israel was to enter the Promised Land. The purpose was to determine how the land would be divided among the tribes, reflecting God's faithfulness in multiplying their numbers despite recent judgment. This specific passage lists the founding families of the tribe of Benjamin, preparing for the allocation of territory.
Why does this list of names and clans matter so much to God's people?
This passage from Numbers lists the descendants of Benjamin, organizing them by clans. It might seem like just a dry recitation of names, but these genealogies were incredibly important for ancient Israel.
Identity and Inheritance
God's people were not a faceless mass; they were a collection of interconnected families, each with a unique place in His unfolding plan.
Not all sons led to new families. What does this tell us about God's plan?
While the verse names three sons of Benjamin (Bela, Ashbel, and Ahiram) and their resulting clans, historical commentary notes that Benjamin had ten sons, but only five are listed here. Some of his descendants likely died out.
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God's Grace in Preservation
The continuation of Israel wasn't guaranteed by sheer numbers or the success of every single family line, but by God's deliberate, providential care.
Understand the original words
Binyamin · Hebrew Noun
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, whose tribe became a significant force in Israel; the name signifies the strength and tenacity associated with his descendants.
This census of Benjamin's clans, taken just before entering the Promised Land, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite the decimation of the previous generation due to their rebellion in the wilderness.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness. This marks the generation that will eventually be excluded from entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
First Census at Sinai
The first census of Israelite men aged 20 and older is taken at Mount Sinai, establishing the initial numbers for each tribe and their inheritance in the land.
c. 1405 BC - c. 1366 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites wander in the wilderness for 38 years due to disobedience, during which the generation counted at Sinai largely perishes.
c. 1366 BC— this verse
Second Census in Moab
A second census is taken by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, bordering the Jordan River, just before entering the Promised Land. This census lists the surviving generation and determines land inheritance.
This passage lists the sons of Benjamin, showing variations in names and the number of families compared to this census, highlighting the dynamic nature of tribal lineage over time.
1 Chronicles 7:6This chapter provides further genealogical details for Benjamin's descendants, offering alternative names and further illustrating the complexity and potential evolution of family lines.
Numbers 1:46This earlier census from Sinai serves as a point of comparison, showing the total number of Israelites before the wilderness wanderings, and hinting at the miraculous preservation of the people despite judgment.
Numbers 26:63-65These verses explain the reason for the census and the judgment that befell the older generation, underscoring the importance of obedience and the consequence of rebellion, which impacted who was included in this new count.
gillNumbers 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 of Benjamin, after their families,.... This tribe was numbered next to Ephraim, being under his standard. Five of the sons of Benjamin are omitted, perhaps because they died without issue, and so no families sprang from them; the names of the five sons mentioned vary a little from the names of them in Genesis…
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…
Even though this passage reads like a simple list of names, it's actually highlighting how God’s promises endure through the generations. Notice how the descendants are organized by "clan" or "family"—these divisions reveal God’s faithfulness in preserving people and their heritage, even after hardship. This meticulous record-keeping shows that every individual and every lineage matters to God, not just the prominent figures.
This chapter follows a devastating plague and is part of a census God commanded Moses to take in the plains of Moab, just before Israel was to enter the Promised Land. The purpose was to determine how the land would be divided among the tribes, reflecting God's faithfulness in multiplying their numbers despite recent judgment. This specific passage lists the founding families of the tribe of Benjamin, preparing for the allocation of territory.
This chapter follows a devastating plague and is part of a census God commanded Moses to take in the plains of Moab, just before Israel was to enter the Promised Land. The purpose was to determine how the land would be divided among the tribes, reflecting God's faithfulness in multiplying their numbers despite recent judgment. This specific passage lists the founding families of the tribe of Benjamin, preparing for the allocation of territory.
"The sons of Benjamin according to their clans: of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites;" — Even though this passage reads like a simple list of names, it's actually highlighting how God’s promises endure through the generations. Notice how the descendants are organized by "clan" or "family…
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Last reviewed October 2026