Numbers 26:42-51

What does the final census total show?

Berean Standard Bible

42 These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan. 43 All of them were Shuhamite clans, and their registration numbered 64,400. 44 These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah. 45 And these were the descendants of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber and the Malchielite clan from Malchiel. 46 And the name of Asher’s daughter was Serah. 47 These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 53,400. 48 These were the descendants of Naphtali by their clans: The Jahzeelite clan from Jahzeel, the Gunite clan from Guni, 49 the Jezerite clan from Jezer, and the Shillemite clan from Shillem. 50 These were the clans of Naphtali, and their registration numbered 45,400. 51 These men of Israel numbered 601,730 in all.

What is the context?

Dan, Asher, and Naphtali complete the tribal lists. Asher’s register also names Serah, while the military totals remain the chapter’s stated counting category.

The reported total is 601,730. The earlier census in Numbers 1:46 reported 603,550. The totals are close even though the chapter will identify a change of generation; a similar total does not mean the same individuals have remained throughout.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the near equality as displaying both judgment on the earlier generation and mercy in the continuing people. That is his theological reflection on the comparison. The census itself reports the tribal and overall numbers without explaining every family’s history.

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?

No deeper study linked yet.

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