Numbers 26:30
These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek,
These were the descendants of Gilead
This phrase introduces the lineage of Gilead, a significant figure in the tribe of Manasseh. Gilead, the grandson of Manasseh, represents a branch of the tribe that settled in the region east of the Jordan River. The name "Gilead" itself is often associated with a mountainous region known for its balm, a healing ointment, symbolizing the restorative power of God’s promises to His people. The descendants of Gilead are a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as they continue to multiply and inhabit the land.

the Iezerite clan from Iezer
The mention of the "Iezerite clan" highlights the specific family lineage within the broader Gileadite group. The name "Iezer" is derived from the Hebrew root "עָזַר" (azar), meaning "to help" or "to support." This etymology suggests that the Iezerites were seen as a supportive and integral part of the community, embodying the spirit of mutual aid and cooperation that is central to the covenant community of Israel. The Iezerites, like other clans, played a crucial role in maintaining the social and spiritual fabric of the nation.

the Helekite clan from Helek
The "Helekite clan" is another family group within the descendants of Gilead. The name "Helek" comes from the Hebrew root "חֵלֶק" (chelek), meaning "portion" or "inheritance." This term underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the Israelite identity, as each clan received a specific portion of the Promised Land. The Helekites, by their very name, remind us of the divine allocation of land as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and provision. Their inheritance is not just a physical territory but a spiritual legacy, calling them to live in accordance with God's laws and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and fertile land. Gilead is also a descendant of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, and represents a significant clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

2. Iezer
A descendant of Gilead, Iezer is the progenitor of the Iezerite clan. His name is mentioned in the context of the census taken by Moses and Eleazar.

3. Iezerite Clan
A family group within the tribe of Manasseh, named after Iezer. This clan is part of the larger census that accounts for the Israelites before entering the Promised Land.

4. Helek
Another descendant of Gilead, Helek is the progenitor of the Helekite clan. His name is also recorded in the census.

5. Helekite Clan
A family group within the tribe of Manasseh, named after Helek. This clan is part of the enumeration of the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding one's spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites were counted by their clans, Christians are part of a spiritual lineage through faith in Christ.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The census in Numbers 26 is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Role of Community in Faith
The mention of clans emphasizes the importance of community and belonging within the body of Christ. Believers are called to support and encourage one another.

Preparation for Inheritance
Just as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, Christians are called to prepare for their eternal inheritance through faithful living and obedience to God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of the Israelites enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout history?

2. In what ways can we trace our spiritual heritage, and how does this impact our identity as Christians?

3. How does the concept of community within the Israelite clans relate to the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the preparation of the Israelites for entering the Promised Land that apply to our spiritual journey today?

5. How can we ensure that we are living in a way that prepares us for our eternal inheritance, as promised in the Scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 48
The blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, by Jacob, establishes the significance of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh in Israel's history.

Joshua 17
The allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh, including the descendants of Gilead, highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel.

1 Chronicles 7
Provides additional genealogical details about the descendants of Manasseh, including the clans of Iezer and Helek.
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
Clan, Family, Gilead, Helek, Helekite, Helekites, He'lekites, Helkites, Iezer, Ie'zer, Iezerite, Iezerites, Ie'zerites, Jeezer, Jeezerite, Jeezerites, 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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