Numbers 26:35

These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Becherite clan from Becher, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan.

Study Bible

These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans:
Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph, born to him in Egypt. The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most prominent tribes in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom. The division by clans indicates the organization and structure within the tribe, which was important for maintaining order and distributing land. This tribal structure is a reflection of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants becoming a great nation.

The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah:
Shuthelah was the first son of Ephraim, and his descendants formed one of the primary clans within the tribe. The mention of Shuthelah highlights the continuity of the family line and the importance of genealogies in maintaining tribal identity. This clan, like others, would have had its own leaders and responsibilities within the larger tribal framework.

The Becherite clan from Becher:
Becher is not mentioned as a son of Ephraim in other genealogical lists, which has led to some debate among scholars. It is possible that Becher was a descendant further down the line or that there was a textual variation. The presence of this clan underscores the complexity and sometimes fluid nature of tribal affiliations in ancient Israel.

And the Tahanite clan from Tahan:
Tahan is another descendant of Ephraim, and his clan is listed among the prominent families. The Tahanite clan, like the others, would have played a role in the social and military organization of the tribe. The listing of these clans serves to document the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply the descendants of Israel and to provide a record for the allocation of the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the prominent tribes of Israel, often representing the northern kingdom in later biblical history.

2. Shuthelah
Shuthelah was a descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Shuthelahites. This clan is part of the census taken in Numbers 26, which was conducted to prepare for the division of the Promised Land.

3. Beker
Beker was another descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Bekerites. The mention of Beker highlights the detailed record-keeping of the Israelite tribes.

4. Tahan
Tahan was also a descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Tahanites. The inclusion of Tahan's clan in the census underscores the importance of family lineage in Israelite society.

5. Census of Israel
The event of the census in Numbers 26 was a significant moment for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It was a way to organize the people and ensure that each tribe received its inheritance.

Teaching Points

Importance of Heritage
The detailed listing of clans emphasizes the importance of heritage and lineage in God's plan. Believers today can reflect on their spiritual heritage and the legacy they are building for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
The census and the preparation for entering the Promised Land remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.

Community and Identity
The organization of the tribes into clans highlights the value of community and identity. As Christians, we are part of a spiritual family and should find our identity in Christ and His body, the Church.

Preparation for Inheritance
Just as the Israelites prepared to receive their inheritance, believers are called to prepare for their eternal inheritance in Christ. This involves living faithfully and stewarding the gifts God has given us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the listing of clans in Numbers 26:35 reflect the importance of family and community in the life of the Israelites, and how can we apply this to our church communities today?

2. In what ways does the tribe of Ephraim's prominence in Israel's history encourage us to consider the impact of our spiritual legacy?

3. How does the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites inspire us to trust Him with the promises He has made to us in Scripture?

4. What steps can we take to prepare for our spiritual inheritance, and how does this preparation affect our daily lives?

5. How can understanding our identity in Christ and our place in the body of believers help us navigate challenges and opportunities in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The tribe of Ephraim is often mentioned in the context of the blessings given by Jacob in Genesis, where Ephraim receives a prominent blessing over his older brother Manasseh. This connection highlights the importance of Ephraim's descendants in Israel's history.

In the book of Joshua, the land allotment for the tribe of Ephraim is detailed, showing the fulfillment of the promises made to the descendants of Joseph.

The division of the kingdom of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms often sees Ephraim representing the northern tribes, as seen in the prophetic books like Hosea and Isaiah.