Numbers 26:44-46
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While this verse seems like a simple list, it actually highlights how lineage was traced through families (clans) named after individuals. This wasn't just about people; it was about maintaining distinct identities and inheritance rights within the larger structure of Israel.
The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of the Malchielites. And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter details a second census of Israel, conducted after a devastating plague and in preparation for entering the Promised Land. It meticulously lists the descendants of each tribe, highlighting their family divisions and their respective numbers, which will determine their land inheritance. The passage about Asher, where your verse is found, simply enumerates the clans descended from Asher's sons, continuing the detailed record-keeping of the tribes.
Have you ever wondered how ancient tribes maintained their identity? It wasn't just about names, but about structured lineage.
This verse, part of a larger census, shows us how the descendants of Asher were organized. We see the founder, Asher, and then his sons – Imnah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Each son became the progenitor of a distinct clan, bearing his name (the Imnites, Ishvites, and Beriites).
This pattern is crucial for understanding Israelite society. It wasn't a free-for-all; families were organized into larger clans, which in turn formed tribes. This structure provided identity, accountability, and a framework for inheritance and governance.
Think of it like a family tree that extends outward. Each 'branch' (clan) is rooted in a specific ancestor (son), and these branches together make up the larger 'tree' (tribe). This ensured that everyone knew where they belonged and who they were accountable to.
Why did God command these detailed lists of people and families? It was far more than just a headcount.
This verse is embedded within the second census of Israel, taken after the devastating plague and just before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 25:6-9). This census served multiple purposes:
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Understand the original words
Asher · Hebrew Proper Noun
The son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah's handmaid Zilpah, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel; his name means 'happy' or 'blessed.'
shem · Hebrew Noun
A formal designation of an individual's identity, character, and reputation within the covenant community. In biblical thought, it often reflects the person's nature and their standing before God and man.
This census, taken just before entering the Promised Land, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite severe judgment and their impending inheritance. The meticulous listing of family lines within the tribe of Asher shows God's detailed care for each descendant as they prepared to settle the land.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
Following the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites began their 40-year journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
First Census at Sinai
The first census of Israelite males, taken at Mount Sinai, served to organize the people for wilderness travel and as a military register.
c. 1406 BC
Korah's Rebellion
A significant rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron resulted in divine judgment, with many perishing. This event led to a plague that decimated the Israelite population.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Second Census Ordered
After the plague that followed Korah's rebellion, the Lord commanded a second census to be taken, to reassess the people's numbers and prepare for the division of the land.
c. 1405 BC
Division of Canaan Planned
The results of the second census determined the inheritance portions for each tribe in the land of Canaan, to be divided by lot.
This passage lists the sons of Asher, including some of the same names found in Numbers, highlighting the lineage and family structures within the tribe.
1 Chronicles 7:30-32This chapter also enumerates the descendants of Asher, further detailing the clans and families, reinforcing the importance of these genealogies for the continuity of the tribes.
Numbers 1:41This verse provides the initial census count for the tribe of Asher, offering a point of comparison to the later census in chapter 26 and showing the growth or changes within the tribe over time.
Joshua 19:24-31This passage describes the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Asher, showing how these clans and families, enumerated in Numbers, were assigned their territory in the Promised Land.
gillNumbers 26:44: "Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites."
Of the children of Asher, after their families,.... This tribe was numbered next to Dan, because it was under his standard; one of his sons is omitted, very probably dying childless, and so had no family; from the rest sprang the families of the Iimnite, Jesuite, and Benite; and, from the latter, two others, the Heberi…
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…
While this verse seems like a simple list, it actually highlights how lineage was traced through families (clans) named after individuals. This wasn't just about people; it was about maintaining distinct identities and inheritance rights within the larger structure of Israel.
This chapter details a second census of Israel, conducted after a devastating plague and in preparation for entering the Promised Land. It meticulously lists the descendants of each tribe, highlighting their family divisions and their respective numbers, which will determine their land inheritance. The passage about Asher, where your verse is found, simply enumerates the clans descended from Asher's sons, continuing the detailed record-keeping of the tribes.
This chapter details a second census of Israel, conducted after a devastating plague and in preparation for entering the Promised Land. It meticulously lists the descendants of each tribe, highlighting their family divisions and their respective numbers, which will determine their land inheritance. The passage about Asher, where your verse is found, simply enumerates the clans descended from Asher's sons, continuing the detailed record-keeping of the tribes.
"The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of th…" — While this verse seems like a simple list, it actually highlights how lineage was traced through families (clans) named after individuals. This wasn't just about people; it was about maintaining di…
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Last reviewed October 2026
