Numbers 26:42
These are the sons of Dan according to their clans: of Shuham, the clan of the Shuhamites. These are the clans of Dan according to their clans.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Though Dan is listed as having only one son, Shuham, the text emphasizes that his descendants formed multiple "clans" or "families." This highlights how God's blessing can multiply even seemingly small beginnings into a vast people, as seen in the tribe of Dan's significant numbers despite this singular lineage.
This passage is part of a census, a second numbering of Israel's people taken in the plains of Moab after a devastating plague. It lists the descendants of each tribe, specifically for Dan, detailing their clans and sub-clans. This detailed accounting is crucial because it's setting the stage for how the Promised Land will be divided among the tribes by lot.
How can one son give rise to an entire tribe? This verse shows us a surprising expansion of family lines.
In this census, the tribe of Dan is listed as originating from Shuham, who is identified as Dan's only son. However, the text emphasizes that from this single son, numerous 'families' or clans emerged. This highlights God's incredible ability to multiply and bless even from seemingly small beginnings. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s plans often unfold through the expansion of a single lineage, transforming it into a vast people.
Why does this census matter? It's not just a headcount, but a testament to God's faithfulness amidst challenges.
This census in Numbers 26 occurs after a difficult period in Israel's history, including a plague and the rebellion of Korah. The fact that the tribe of Dan, like many others, shows significant numbers (64,400 men, as noted in commentaries) is a testament to God's sustaining power and faithfulness. Despite the losses and judgments that had befallen Israel, God continued to bless their growth and ensure the fulfillment of His promises. This census serves as a divine confirmation that His people, even after trials, were multiplying as He had promised.
Understand the original words
Dan · Hebrew Proper Noun
The son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel's handmaid Bilhah, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel; his name means 'he judges' or 'vindication.'
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Encamp at Mount Sinai
The Israelites encamp at Mount Sinai, where they receive the Law and the first census is taken. This census is used to establish tribal structures and inheritance rights.
c. 1360 BC
Rebellion of Korah
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their authority. This event leads to divine judgment, and the earth swallows many rebels.
c. 1360 BC
The Plague
A plague sweeps through the Israelite camp, resulting in significant loss of life, particularly after the people's sin at Baal-peor. This event necessitates a new census.
c. 1320 BC— this verse
Second Census in Moab
Moses and Eleazar conduct a second census of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River. This census confirms the population size and is used to allocate land in Canaan.
This passage lists Hushim as the son of Dan, which directly relates to Shuham mentioned in Numbers 26:42, showing the lineage of the tribe.
Genesis 49:16-17Jacob's prophetic blessing on Dan speaks of him judging his people and being a serpent by the way, which adds a layer of meaning to the tribe's identity and future role as they are listed here by their clans.
Judges 18:1-31This account of the tribe of Dan migrating and establishing their own territory highlights the practical outworking of their tribal identity and numbers as recorded in this census.
Joshua 19:40-48This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, showing how the numbered families and clans from Numbers 26 would receive their inheritance in the Promised Land.
gillNumbers 26:42: "These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families."
These are the sons of Dan, after their families,.... Though he had but one son, the plural being put for the singular; or by sons are meant his posterity; his son's name was Shuham, and by transposition Hushim, in Genesis 46:23 from him was the family of the Shulamite; and yet, though but one, consisted of 64,400 men; there was an increase…
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…
Though Dan is listed as having only one son, Shuham, the text emphasizes that his descendants formed multiple "clans" or "families." This highlights how God's blessing can multiply even seemingly small beginnings into a vast people, as seen in the tribe of Dan's significant numbers despite this singular lineage.
This passage is part of a census, a second numbering of Israel's people taken in the plains of Moab after a devastating plague. It lists the descendants of each tribe, specifically for Dan, detailing their clans and sub-clans. This detailed accounting is crucial because it's setting the stage for how the Promised Land will be divided among the tribes by lot.
This passage is part of a census, a second numbering of Israel's people taken in the plains of Moab after a devastating plague. It lists the descendants of each tribe, specifically for Dan, detailing their clans and sub-clans. This detailed accounting is crucial because it's setting the stage for how the Promised Land will be divided among the tribes by lot.
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"These are the sons of Dan according to their clans: of Shuham, the clan of the Shuhamites. These are the clans of Dan according to their clans." — Though Dan is listed as having only one son, Shuham, the text emphasizes that his descendants formed multiple "clans" or "families." This highlights how God's blessing can multiply even seemingly sma…
