Numbers 26:36
And the descendants of Shuthelah were the Eranite clan from Eran.
These were the descendants
This phrase introduces a genealogical record, a common feature in the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew word for "descendants" is "בְּנֵי" (benei), meaning "sons" or "children." This emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite culture, reflecting God's covenantal promises to Abraham about his offspring. Genealogies served not only as historical records but also as a means to establish identity and continuity of God's people.

of Shuthelah
Shuthelah is a name that appears in the genealogies of the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons. The name Shuthelah may derive from a root meaning "to plant" or "to shoot forth," symbolizing growth and continuity. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply the descendants of Israel. The mention of Shuthelah underscores the significance of family lines in maintaining the tribal structure and inheritance rights within Israel.

the Eranite clan
The term "clan" in Hebrew is "מִשְׁפָּחָה" (mishpachah), which refers to a family group larger than a household but smaller than a tribe. Clans were essential in organizing the social and military structure of ancient Israel. The Eranite clan, named after Eran, signifies a sub-division within the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting the detailed organization and record-keeping that characterized the Israelite community.

from Eran
Eran is a descendant of Shuthelah, and his name is associated with the Eranite clan. The name Eran may be related to a root meaning "watchful" or "vigilant," suggesting qualities valued in the leadership and protection of the clan. This reflects the broader biblical theme of vigilance and faithfulness in following God's commands. The mention of Eran and his clan serves as a reminder of the individual contributions to the collective identity and mission of the Israelites.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shuthelah
A descendant of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph. Shuthelah is the progenitor of the Shuthelahite clan.

2. Eran
A descendant of Shuthelah, from whom the Eranite clan is named.

3. Eranite Clan
A family group within the tribe of Ephraim, named after Eran, a descendant of Shuthelah.

4. Tribe of Ephraim
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Ephraim, the son of Joseph and Asenath.

5. Census of Israel
The event in Numbers 26 where Moses and Eleazar the priest conduct a census of the Israelite men able to go to war, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding one's spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites traced their lineage, Christians are encouraged to recognize their spiritual lineage in Christ.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of specific clans underscores the importance of faithfulness across generations. Believers are called to pass down their faith to future generations.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The census and the detailed recording of clans remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants.

Community and Identity
The identity of the Israelites was closely tied to their tribal affiliations. Similarly, Christians find their identity in the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of the tribes of Israel, such as the Eranite clan, enhance our appreciation of God's promises in the Old Testament?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith is passed down to future generations, similar to the lineage of Shuthelah and Eran?

3. How does the concept of spiritual heritage apply to our lives today, and how can we trace our spiritual lineage in Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the detailed genealogies and censuses in the Bible about God's attention to detail and care for His people?

5. How can we strengthen our sense of community and identity within the body of Christ, drawing parallels from the tribal affiliations of the Israelites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 48
This chapter describes Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, which sets the stage for the prominence of the tribe of Ephraim.

1 Chronicles 7
Provides genealogical details about the descendants of Ephraim, including Shuthelah, offering a broader context for the family lineage.

Joshua 16-17
These chapters describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Joseph.
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, Eran, Eranite, Eranites, E'ranites, Family, Shuthelah, Shuthe'lah, 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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