Numbers 26:12-27

What do the next five tribal lists contribute?

Berean Standard Bible

12 These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jachinite clan from Jachin, 13 the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul. 14 These were the clans of Simeon, and there were 22,200 men. 15 These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni, 16 the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri, 17 the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli. 18 These were the clans of Gad, and their registration numbered 40,500. 19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. 20 These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. 21 And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul. 22 These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500. 23 These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Punite clan from Puvah, 24 the Jashubite clan from Jashub, and the Shimronite clan from Shimron. 25 These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300. 26 These were the descendants of Zebulun by their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered, the Elonite clan from Elon, and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel. 27 These were the clans of Zebulun, and their registration numbered 60,500.

What is the context?

The census moves through Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, naming their clans and giving each tribal total. These are distinct households within the people being prepared to enter the land.

Judah’s list recalls the deaths of Er and Onan in Canaan before continuing through the surviving family lines. The register records both loss and continuing descent. Its totals will matter for the inheritance instructions later in the chapter.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley compares the second census with the first and reflects on the different increases and decreases. The numbers establish the reported differences; they do not independently establish why every tribe changed or assign every loss to a particular plague.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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