Numbers 26:46
And the name of Asher's daughter was Serah.
Now
The word "Now" serves as a transitional term, indicating a continuation or a new point in the narrative. In the context of Numbers 26, it marks a shift in focus within the genealogical record. This transition invites readers to pay attention to the details that follow, emphasizing the importance of each individual mentioned in the lineage of Israel.

the name
In Hebrew culture, names hold significant meaning and often reflect the character or destiny of a person. The mention of "the name" here underscores the importance of identity and legacy within the tribes of Israel. Names were not just labels but carried with them the history and hopes of the family and tribe.

of Asher’s daughter
Asher was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The phrase "of Asher’s daughter" highlights the inclusion of women in the genealogical record, which is not always common in ancient texts. This inclusion signifies the value and recognition of women within the community and God's plan.

was Serah
Serah is a unique figure in the Bible, mentioned only a few times, yet her presence is significant. The Hebrew root of her name, "Serach," can mean "abundance" or "princess," suggesting a person of importance or blessing. Historically, Jewish tradition holds that Serah lived an exceptionally long life and was a keeper of family history, bridging generations. Her mention here serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's promises and the enduring legacy of faith through the generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asher
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Asher was the eighth son, born to Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher is one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Serah
The daughter of Asher, mentioned specifically by name in this verse. Her inclusion in the genealogical record is notable, as women were not often listed in such records unless they had particular significance.

3. The Census of Israel
Numbers 26 records the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness, taken as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census was crucial for organizing the tribes and preparing for the division of the land.
Teaching Points
Significance of Names in Scripture
The mention of Serah by name in the genealogical record emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to God's plan. Each person, regardless of gender or status, has a role in the unfolding of God's purposes.

The Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
Serah's inclusion in the census highlights the often-overlooked roles women played in biblical history. It encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of women in our faith communities today.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The continuity of names from Genesis to Numbers illustrates the faithfulness of God to His promises across generations. It reminds us of the importance of passing down faith and values to future generations.

Preparation for God's Promises
The census in Numbers 26 was a preparation for entering the Promised Land. This teaches us the importance of preparation and organization in fulfilling God's promises in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of Serah in the genealogical record teach us about the value of individuals in God's plan?

2. How can we apply the recognition of women's roles in biblical history to our current church and community settings?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the continuity of the Israelite lineage?

4. How does the preparation for entering the Promised Land in Numbers 26 inspire us to prepare for the promises God has for us today?

5. What other biblical figures, like Serah, are mentioned in genealogies, and what significance do they hold in the broader account of Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:17
This verse also mentions Serah as part of the family of Asher who went to Egypt with Jacob. Her presence in both Genesis and Numbers highlights her significance in the family lineage.

1 Chronicles 7:30
Serah is again mentioned in the genealogies, underscoring her importance in the tribal history of Asher.

Exodus 1:1-5
The listing of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt, including Asher, provides context for the growth of the Israelite nation and the eventual need for a census.
The Second CensusD. Young Numbers 26:1-62
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
Asher, Daughter, Named, Sarah, Serah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-61

     5671   clan

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:12-50

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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