Numbers 26:38
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)
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Even in this straightforward listing of tribal lineages, there's a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. Notice how, despite the passage of 40 years and the judgment that fell upon a generation, the tribe of Benjamin's families are still enumerated, showing that God's promises, even through trials, endure. This detailed census highlights how God remembers and accounts for every part of His people.
This passage is part of a census ordered by God after a devastating plague, meant to assess the strength of Israel's tribes as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Following the recounting of Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Dan, the focus shifts to Benjamin. This section details the clans within Benjamin, listing them according to their descendants, which is crucial for the future division of the land.
Why does the Bible list so many names and family lines? It might seem like just a roll call, but there's so much more here.
Even in a chapter focused on census numbers and tribal divisions, God ensures that the individual family lines are remembered.
Names Matter
This passage from Numbers 26 is a census, a count of people. But it’s not just about the total number; it’s about who makes up that number. The text meticulously lists the clans and families springing from Benjamin. Notice how it says, 'of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites.'
A Covenantal Commitment
This detailed accounting highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even though some of Benjamin’s descendants might have died out (as noted by commentators like Wesley and Poole, suggesting fewer than the original ten sons had surviving lines), God preserves the names of those who did carry on.
It’s a powerful reminder that God sees and values every individual and every family, not just the prominent figures. He knows our names, and He remembers the lineage of His people.
This isn't just a historical record; this census in Numbers 26 serves a vital purpose for Israel's future. What is it?
This census isn't just about counting heads; it’s about God’s provision for His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Inheritance and Identity
The primary goal of this census, occurring as Israel was about to cross the Jordan, was to determine how the land would be divided. As the text later explains (Numbers 26:53-56), the size of each tribe's inheritance was directly tied to the number of people counted in the census.
Divine Order and Faithfulness
Each name, each family, each clan listed in this chapter had a place and a portion secured for them by God's decree. Even though some families from Benjamin didn't survive to this point (as commentators note), the ones that did were accounted for, ensuring their inheritance.
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 in Numbers 26 is a crucial moment, revealing how the generation that left Egypt had dwindled due to God's judgment but was miraculously renewed, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises even after severe discipline.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Wilderness Wanderings Begin
The Israelites leave Egypt and begin their 40-year journey through the Sinai wilderness. The first census was taken during this period.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census in the Plains of Moab
Following a devastating plague that wiped out many, a second census is ordered by God to recount the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Division of the Land by Lot
The census numbers determine the size of each tribe's inheritance in the land of Canaan, to be distributed by lot.
This passage lists the sons of Benjamin, providing a foundational connection to the tribal lineage discussed in Numbers 26, though with some variations in names.
1 Chronicles 7:6This passage offers another genealogical listing for Benjamin's descendants, highlighting potential discrepancies and variations in names across different biblical accounts, which adds depth to understanding these tribal records.
1 Chronicles 8:1This chapter continues the genealogical records of Benjamin, showing how these family lines were traced and preserved, underscoring the importance of lineage in ancient Israel.
Numbers 26:3-4These verses introduce the census itself, explaining the divine command behind numbering the people and their families, setting the context for the specific listing of Benjamin's clans.
Joshua 18:11-20This passage describes the inheritance of the land of Canaan by the tribes, including Benjamin, showing how these numbered clans would eventually receive their allotted portions.
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 in this straightforward listing of tribal lineages, there's a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. Notice how, despite the passage of 40 years and the judgment that fell upon a generation, the tribe of Benjamin's families are still enumerated, showing that God's promises, even through trials, endure. This detailed census highlights how God remembers and accounts for every part of His people.
This passage is part of a census ordered by God after a devastating plague, meant to assess the strength of Israel's tribes as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Following the recounting of Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Dan, the focus shifts to Benjamin. This section details the clans within Benjamin, listing them according to their descendants, which is crucial for the future division of the land.
This passage is part of a census ordered by God after a devastating plague, meant to assess the strength of Israel's tribes as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Following the recounting of Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Dan, the focus shifts to Benjamin. This section details the clans within Benjamin, listing them according to their descendants, which is crucial for the future division of the land.
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This census, therefore, is a testament to God’s orderly plan and His faithfulness in providing for His people, grounding their future in His established structure.
"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 in this straightforward listing of tribal lineages, there's a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. Notice how, despite the passage of 40 years and the judgment that fell upon a generation, t…
