Numbers 26:25
These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300.
These were the clans
The term "clans" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe of Issachar. In Hebrew, the word used is "mishpachot," which denotes family groups or extended families. This highlights the importance of family lineage and structure in ancient Israelite society. The clans were integral to maintaining the social and religious order, ensuring that each family group had its place and role within the larger community. This structure reflects God's design for order and community among His people, emphasizing the value of family and heritage.

of Issachar
Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Issachar. The tribe is often associated with strength and labor, as seen in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:14-15, where Issachar is likened to a strong donkey. Historically, the tribe of Issachar was known for its agricultural prowess and wisdom, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32, where the men of Issachar are described as having understanding of the times. This highlights the tribe's role in providing stability and insight within the nation of Israel.

and their registration
The concept of "registration" refers to the census or counting of the people. In Hebrew, the word is "paqad," which can mean to number, visit, or appoint. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Eleazar to account for the new generation of Israelites after the wilderness wanderings. It served not only as a military count but also as a means of organizing the community for inheritance and leadership purposes. This act of registration underscores God's sovereignty and His intimate knowledge of His people, as each individual is accounted for and valued.

numbered 64,300
The specific number, 64,300, represents the men of fighting age within the tribe of Issachar. This figure indicates a significant increase from the previous census recorded in Numbers 1, reflecting God's blessing and faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people despite the challenges faced in the wilderness. The precise recording of numbers in the Bible often signifies God's attention to detail and His providential care over the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises, as He continues to fulfill His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Issachar
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe is known for its agricultural prowess and wisdom.

2. Clans of Issachar
The subdivisions within the tribe of Issachar, each representing a family lineage. The census in Numbers 26 was conducted to determine the number of men eligible for military service.

3. Census in the Wilderness
This event was a divinely commanded census of the Israelites in the wilderness, conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest. It was the second census, following the one in Numbers 1, and was crucial for organizing the Israelites for the conquest of Canaan.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The census reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous. Despite the wilderness journey, the tribes continued to grow.

Importance of Order and Organization
The detailed census underscores the importance of order and organization in God's plans. It reminds believers of the need for structure in their spiritual and communal lives.

Role of Community and Family
The mention of clans emphasizes the significance of family and community in God's design. Believers are encouraged to value and invest in their spiritual families.

Preparation for Future Challenges
The census was a preparation for entering the Promised Land. Similarly, believers are called to prepare spiritually for future challenges and opportunities.

Trust in Divine Provision
Despite the harsh conditions of the wilderness, the tribes thrived. This serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision and care in difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the growth of the tribe of Issachar reflect God's promises to the patriarchs, and what does this teach us about His faithfulness today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of order and organization from the census to our personal and church lives?

3. How does the concept of clans and family in the tribe of Issachar inform our understanding of community within the church?

4. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves spiritually for the challenges and opportunities God has for us, similar to how the Israelites prepared for entering the Promised Land?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a difficult situation. How can this encourage you to trust Him more in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:13
This verse lists the sons of Issachar, providing the genealogical background for the clans mentioned in Numbers 26:25.

1 Chronicles 7:1-5
Chronicles the descendants of Issachar, offering additional details about the tribe's growth and military strength.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Moses' blessing on the tribe of Issachar, highlighting their role and prosperity in the Promised Land.
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
64, 300, Hundred, Issachar, Is'sachar, Numbered, Ones, Sixty, Sixty-four, Thousand, Threescore
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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