These are the clans of Levi: the clan of the Libnites, the clan of the Hebronites, the clan of the Mahlites, the clan of the Mushites, the clan of the Korahites. And Kohath was the father of Amram.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though this verse lists the great Levite clans, it discreetly includes "the family of the Korathites," referencing a lineage directly tied to the rebellion against Moses and Aaron that nearly wiped out its men. This inclusion, right alongside other established Levite families, subtly points to God's profound mercy and restoration, allowing even those from a rebellious branch to continue and serve.
These are the clans of Levi: the clan of the Libnites, the clan of the Hebronites, the clan of the Mahlites, the clan of the Mushites, the clan of the Korahites. And Kohath was the father of Amram.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a devastating plague that claimed 24,000 Israelites, this chapter presents a second census of the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This particular passage details the lineage of the Levites, God's chosen tribe, who were counted separately because they would not receive an inheritance of land like the other tribes. It lists their distinct clans, tracing back to their ancestor Levi, and specifically notes the lineage of Kohath, leading to Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron.
Why did the Levites get their own special census, separate from the rest of Israel? What does this tell us about their unique role?
In this passage, the Levites are numbered differently than the other tribes. Unlike the rest of Israel, they weren't assigned a specific territory in the Promised Land. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their role was service to Him and the Tabernacle/Temple.
This distinct numbering highlights their set-apart nature. They weren't counted for land division but for their service. This separation wasn't a punishment but a divine calling, setting them apart for a unique purpose within the community of Israel.
This verse names several Levitical clans. Who are they, and how do they connect to the greater Levitical lineage?
Numbers 26:58 lists five prominent families within the tribe of Levi: Libnites, Hebronites, Mahlites, Mushites, and Korahites. These names trace back to the sons of Levi himself—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
While the verse specifically mentions Kohath as the father of Amram (who was the father of Moses and Aaron), the other families listed trace their lineage through Levi's other sons. For instance, the Libnites are linked to Gershon, and the Hebronites and Korahites to Kohath, while the Mahlites and Mushites belong to Merari.
This genealogical listing emphasizes the importance of ancestry and lineage in understanding the structure and function of the Levitical service. It shows how roles and responsibilities were passed down through specific family lines, all serving under the broader umbrella of Levi.
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The name 'Korahites' appears in this list of Levitical families. What significant event does this name bring to mind, and how does it frame our understanding of the Levites?
The inclusion of the 'Korahites' is particularly striking. In the history of Israel, Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16). This rebellion resulted in a catastrophic judgment where many perished.
However, this verse in Numbers 26, a census taken after this rebellion, still lists the 'family of the Korahites.' This points to a profound truth: God's judgment on rebellion did not eradicate the entire lineage. The sons of Korah, in fact, were spared the worst of the judgment and even went on to serve in the Temple, with some even credited with writing Psalms.
This duality—the shadow of rebellion alongside the enduring light of God's grace and mercy—is woven into the fabric of this list. It reminds us that even when individuals or families stumble through disobedience, God's redemptive plan can still work through their descendants.
This detailed census in Numbers 26 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. Despite severe judgment, the population has been miraculously replenished, echoing His promise of abundant offspring.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, beginning their journey to the Promised Land. This event marks the beginning of their covenant relationship with God.
c. 1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings and Census
Following a rebellion and subsequent plague, God commands a census of the Israelites to be taken. This census in the wilderness of Sinai records the population eligible for military service.
c. 1406 BC
Rebellion of Korah
Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their authority. God intervenes with divine judgment, consuming many but sparing the descendants of Korah.
c. 1367 BC— this verse
Second Census in Moab
After nearly 40 years in the wilderness and following a devastating plague, a second census is taken in the plains of Moab. This census aims to establish land inheritance rights for the new generation entering Canaan.
c. 1367 BC
Levitical Census and Family Records
The tribe of Levi is counted separately. This passage lists the major Levitical clans, including those descended from Kohath, father of Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron.
This passage provides the genealogies of the three sons of Levi (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari) and details their descendants, aligning with the listing of Levitical families in Numbers 26.
Numbers 3:14-39This chapter details the census of the Levites and their divisions, offering another perspective on the structure and numbering of Levi's descendants, which directly relates to the families listed here.
Joshua 21:1-42This passage describes the cities given to the Levites as their inheritance, demonstrating the practical outworking of their tribal identity and its descendants across the promised land.
1 Chronicles 6:1-81This extensive genealogy of the Levites mirrors the information found in Numbers, tracing their lineage through Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and highlighting their spiritual roles.
Numbers 16:1-35This chapter recounts the rebellion of Korah, a descendant of Kohath (and thus related to the families listed in Numbers 26:58), showing the consequences of challenging God's appointed order within the Levitical structure.
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 26:58: "These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram."
The families of the Levites are here numbered by themselves, because they were not to have a distinct share of the land, whence it is that they are not so distinctly and exactly mentioned as the other tribes, but confusedly and imperfectly, some of them being wholly omitted…
Even though this verse lists the great Levite clans, it discreetly includes "the family of the Korathites," referencing a lineage directly tied to the rebellion against Moses and Aaron that nearly wiped out its men. This inclusion, right alongside other established Levite families, subtly points to God's profound mercy and restoration, allowing even those from a rebellious branch to continue and serve.
Following a devastating plague that claimed 24,000 Israelites, this chapter presents a second census of the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This particular passage details the lineage of the Levites, God's chosen tribe, who were counted separately because they would not receive an inheritance of land like the other tribes. It lists their distinct clans, tracing back to their ancestor Levi, and specifically notes the lineage of Kohath, leading to Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron.
Following a devastating plague that claimed 24,000 Israelites, this chapter presents a second census of the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This particular passage details the lineage of the Levites, God's chosen tribe, who were counted separately because they would not receive an inheritance of land like the other tribes. It lists their distinct clans, tracing back to their ancestor Levi, and specifically notes the lineage of Kohath, leading to Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron.
"These are the clans of Levi: the clan of the Libnites, the clan of the Hebronites, the clan of the Mahlites, the clan of the Mushites, the clan of the Korahites. And Kohath was the father of Amram." — Even though this verse lists the great Levite clans, it discreetly includes "the family of the Korathites," referencing a lineage directly tied to the rebellion against Moses and Aaron that nearly wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026