Numbers 26:29
These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.
These were the descendants of Manasseh
The phrase introduces the lineage of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons and a significant tribe in Israel. The Hebrew root for "descendants" is "בֵּן" (ben), meaning "son" or "children," emphasizing the continuation of a family line. Manasseh's tribe was known for its valor and significant role in Israel's history, inheriting land on both sides of the Jordan River. This lineage highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham regarding his descendants.

through Makir, the Makirite clan
Makir is identified as the firstborn of Manasseh, and his descendants formed the Makirite clan. The name "Makir" in Hebrew (מָכִיר) means "sold" or "bartered," possibly reflecting a historical or familial significance. The Makirites were known for their strength and valor, as seen in their conquest of Gilead. This phrase underscores the importance of family clans in maintaining tribal identity and heritage within Israel.

(Makir was the father of Gilead)
This parenthetical note provides additional genealogical detail, linking Makir to Gilead. The name "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד) is significant, as it refers to both a person and a region east of the Jordan River. Gilead was a fertile and strategic area, often associated with balm and healing. The mention of Gilead here highlights the expansion and influence of Manasseh's descendants, fulfilling God's promise of land and prosperity.

through Gilead, the Gileadite clan
The Gileadite clan, descending from Gilead, further emphasizes the growth and establishment of Manasseh's lineage. The repetition of "Gilead" reinforces its importance both as a person and a region. Historically, the Gileadites played a crucial role in Israel's military and political landscape. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's providence and the fulfillment of His covenant promises through the generations, encouraging believers to trust in His faithfulness across time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants are significant in the division of the Promised Land.

2. Makir
The son of Manasseh, known for his valor and leadership. His lineage is important in the inheritance of land east of the Jordan River.

3. Gilead
The son of Makir, representing a clan that settled in a region known for its balm and fertile land. Gilead is both a person and a geographical area.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Legacy
The passage highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
The detailed genealogies in Numbers remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life.

Role of Leadership
Makir's leadership and valor are noted in Scripture. Consider how God calls us to lead in our families, communities, and churches with integrity and courage.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the tribes of Israel received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to be co-heirs with Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Manasseh reflect God's promises to the patriarchs, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a godly legacy for the next generation, similar to the heritage of Makir and Gilead?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in the Old Testament relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ as described in the New Testament?

4. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Makir, and how can we apply these in our roles today?

5. How do the genealogies and land allocations in Numbers 26 encourage us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it is not immediately clear?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:51
This verse introduces Manasseh, providing context for his significance as Joseph's son and the meaning of his name, which relates to forgetting past troubles.

Joshua 17:1-6
This passage details the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, including the land allocations for the descendants of Makir and Gilead, emphasizing their role in Israel's history.

Judges 5:14
This verse mentions the warriors from Machir, highlighting their contribution to Israel's military efforts during the time of the judges.
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
Begat, Begot, Begotten, Clan, Family, Gilead, Gileadite, Gileadites, Machir, Machirite, Machirites, Ma'chirites, Makir, Makirite, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Sons
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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