of Jezer, the clan of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the clan of the Shillemites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the meticulousness of God's census, emphasizing that even the smallest family units, like the Jezerites and Shillemites, were distinctly accounted for. It reveals that God's vision extends beyond the broad strokes of tribes to every individual family, ensuring none are overlooked in His plan.
of Jezer, the clan of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the clan of the Shillemites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the census of Israel, taken after a plague had decimated the population. It meticulously lists the families within each tribe, determining land inheritance based on these numbers and preparing the people for entry into the Promised Land, while also acknowledging the fates of those who rebelled.
Why does the Bible list so many names? It's more than just a record; it's about God's faithfulness through generations.
This passage, numbering the descendants of Israel, emphasizes how God preserves His people. Even after hardship and judgment (like the plague mentioned at the beginning of the chapter), the families continue.
God's Covenantal Faithfulness
The repetition of family names and their specific designations ('clan of the Jezerites,' 'clan of the Shillemites') shows God's detailed care. He isn't just keeping track of a crowd; He knows and remembers each lineage. This connects to His promises to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation. Even when individuals sinned (like Korah's rebellion), God's covenant faithfulness meant the continuation of the people and the land inheritance through these established family lines.
After judgment, what's next for God's people? This census reveals hope and God's enduring purpose.
This census in Numbers 26 takes place after a significant plague. This context is crucial. It's not just a headcount; it's a testament to God's mercy and His plan for the future of Israel, even after facing His wrath due to sin.
God's Grace in Re-establishing the People
The fact that the people are numbered again, and their numbers are substantial, demonstrates God's restorative power. Despite the loss of life, the tribes and their families endure and are positioned to inherit the promised land. The specific mention of families like the Jezerites and Shillemites points to the rebuilding and re-establishment of Israel under God's guiding hand, showing that judgment is not the final word for those in covenant with Him.
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This census in Numbers 26 occurred nearly 40 years after the first one at Sinai. The fact that the total number of people remained remarkably similar, despite the immense losses from plague and divine judgment, served as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people as promised to Abraham.
c. 1446 BC
Wilderness Census at Sinai
The first census of Israelite males capable of military service is taken in the wilderness of Sinai, as commanded by God.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census after the Plague
Following a plague that decimated 24,000 Israelites due to idolatry and sexual immorality, a second census is ordered by God. This census, recorded in Numbers 26, serves to update the rolls and prepare for the division of the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Division of the Land Ordered
God instructs Moses that the land of Canaan is to be divided by lot according to the numbers of the tribes, ensuring fair inheritance based on the census results.
c. 1406 BC
Levitical Families Registered
The families of the Levites are also counted in this census, distinct from the other tribes, as they were not assigned an inheritance of land.
This passage lists the descendants of Simeon, including an unnamed son whose lineage is preserved, similar to how the clans of Jezer and Shillem are listed in Numbers 26.
1 Chronicles 4:24-27This passage also lists descendants of Simeon, showing how family lines and names continued to be important throughout Israel's history, echoing the genealogical focus of Numbers 26.
Joshua 19:2-4This passage describes the territory allotted to the tribe of Simeon, directly referencing many of the same family names and clans that are enumerated in the census of Numbers 26, illustrating the practical outcome of this census.
Nehemiah 11:4-9This passage records families who returned from Babylonian exile and resettled in Jerusalem, again showing the importance of tribal and clan lineages, similar to the census in Numbers 26.
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 26:49: "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This verse highlights the meticulousness of God's census, emphasizing that even the smallest family units, like the Jezerites and Shillemites, were distinctly accounted for. It reveals that God's vision extends beyond the broad strokes of tribes to every individual family, ensuring none are overlooked in His plan.
This passage continues the census of Israel, taken after a plague had decimated the population. It meticulously lists the families within each tribe, determining land inheritance based on these numbers and preparing the people for entry into the Promised Land, while also acknowledging the fates of those who rebelled.
This passage continues the census of Israel, taken after a plague had decimated the population. It meticulously lists the families within each tribe, determining land inheritance based on these numbers and preparing the people for entry into the Promised Land, while also acknowledging the fates of those who rebelled.
"of Jezer, the clan of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the clan of the Shillemites." — This verse highlights the meticulousness of God's census, emphasizing that even the smallest family units, like the Jezerites and Shillemites, were distinctly accounted for. It reveals that God's vis…
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Last reviewed October 2026