Numbers 26:27
These were the clans of Zebulun, and their registration numbered 60,500.
These were the clans
The term "clans" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe of Zebulun. In Hebrew, the word for clan is "mishpachah," which signifies a family or a group of families descending from a common ancestor. This highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in ancient Israelite society. The clans were integral to maintaining the social and religious structure of the Israelites, ensuring that each family group had its place and role within the larger community. This reflects the biblical emphasis on community and belonging, reminding us of the value of our spiritual family in the body of Christ.

of the Zebulunites
The Zebulunites were descendants of Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The name Zebulun is believed to mean "dwelling" or "honor." Historically, the tribe of Zebulun was known for its strategic location in the northern part of Israel, which facilitated trade and interaction with other cultures. This positioning allowed them to be a bridge between different peoples, symbolizing the call of God's people to be a light to the nations. The Zebulunites' role in Israel's history serves as a reminder of our call to engage with the world while maintaining our distinct identity in Christ.

The number of those numbered
This phrase refers to the census taken of the Israelite tribes, a practice that was both practical and symbolic. The Hebrew word for "numbered" is "paqad," which can mean to count, muster, or appoint. This census was not merely for logistical purposes but also served as a reminder of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. It underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of each individual within the community of believers.

was 60,500
The specific number of 60,500 reflects the size and strength of the tribe of Zebulun at that time. In the context of the wilderness journey, this number signifies a robust and growing community, ready to take possession of the Promised Land. It serves as a testament to God's provision and blessing upon His people. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us that God is attentive to the details of our lives and that each person is counted and valued in His kingdom. The growth of the Zebulunites encourages us to trust in God's plan for increase and fruitfulness in our own lives as we walk in obedience to Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asher
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Asher is known for its prosperity and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20.

2. Imnah
A descendant of Asher, representing the Imnite clan. The name Imnah means "right hand" or "prosperity," reflecting the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher.

3. Ishvi
Another descendant of Asher, representing the Ishvite clan. The name Ishvi means "equal" or "level," indicating a sense of balance or fairness.

4. Beriah
A descendant of Asher, representing the Beriite clan. The name Beriah means "in trouble" or "a gift," which can signify the dual nature of challenges and blessings.

5. Clans of Asher
The passage lists the clans within the tribe of Asher, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Just as the Israelites valued their lineage, Christians can find strength in their spiritual ancestry through faith in Christ.

God's Blessings and Responsibilities
The tribe of Asher was blessed with abundance, but with blessings come responsibilities. Christians are called to steward their blessings wisely and use them to serve others.

Unity in Diversity
The various clans within the tribe of Asher remind us of the diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has unique gifts and roles, contributing to the unity and strength of the church.

Facing Challenges with Faith
The name Beriah, meaning "in trouble," suggests that challenges are part of life. However, with faith, these challenges can become opportunities for growth and blessings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the heritage of the tribe of Asher reflect the importance of spiritual lineage in your own life?

2. In what ways can you identify and steward the blessings God has given you, similar to the tribe of Asher?

3. How can the diversity within your church community be a source of strength and unity, as seen in the clans of Asher?

4. Reflect on a time when a challenge in your life turned into a blessing. How can the account of Beriah inspire you to face future challenges with faith?

5. How do the blessings and responsibilities of the tribe of Asher connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about using our gifts and resources for God's kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:20
Jacob's blessing to Asher highlights the tribe's future prosperity and abundance, which is reflected in the census of Numbers 26.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing to Asher speaks of strength and favor, reinforcing the themes of prosperity and divine blessing.

1 Chronicles 7:30-40
This passage provides a genealogical record of the descendants of Asher, offering additional context to the clans mentioned in Numbers 26:27.
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
60, 500, Hundred, Numbered, Ones, Sixty, Thousand, Threescore, Zebulun, Zebulunite, Zebulunites, Zeb'ulunites
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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