Numbers 26:37
These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500. These clans were the descendants of Joseph.
These were the clans of Ephraim
The term "clans" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the word for "clans" is "מִשְׁפָּחוֹת" (mishpachot), which signifies family groups or extended families. Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, was blessed by Jacob to become a multitude of nations (Genesis 48:19). This blessing is reflected in the growth and organization of his descendants into distinct clans. Historically, the tribe of Ephraim held significant influence in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom. This verse highlights the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing and the importance of family lineage in maintaining tribal identity and heritage.

and their registration numbered 32,500
The "registration" refers to the census or counting of the people, which was a common practice for organizational and military purposes. The Hebrew root for "numbered" is "פָּקַד" (paqad), meaning to count or muster. The specific number, 32,500, indicates the size and strength of the tribe at that time. This census was conducted as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, ensuring that each tribe's inheritance was proportionate to its population. The precision of this number underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the divine order in the distribution of the land.

These were the descendants of Joseph
Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was a pivotal figure in the history of Israel. His life story, marked by trials and triumphs, is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. The Hebrew term for "descendants" is "בְּנֵי" (benei), meaning sons or children. Joseph's legacy continued through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were adopted by Jacob as his own (Genesis 48:5). This adoption elevated them to the status of full tribes within Israel, ensuring Joseph's double portion of inheritance. The mention of Joseph here serves as a reminder of God's promises and the continuity of His covenant through generations.

by their clans
The phrase "by their clans" emphasizes the organization and structure within the tribe. Each clan had its own leadership and responsibilities, contributing to the overall functioning of the tribe. The Hebrew word "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (lemishpechotam) indicates a division based on familial lines, which was crucial for maintaining order and identity. This structure allowed for effective governance and distribution of resources, as well as the preservation of cultural and religious practices. In a broader sense, it reflects the importance of community and belonging within the people of God, where each member plays a vital role in the collective mission and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ephraim
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This tribe was known for its significant role in the history of Israel, often representing the northern kingdom.

2. Shuthelah
A descendant of Ephraim, representing one of the clans within the tribe. The Shuthelahites are mentioned as part of the census in Numbers 26.

3. Beker
Another descendant of Ephraim, forming the Bekerite clan. This clan is part of the enumeration of the tribe of Ephraim.

4. Tahan
A descendant of Ephraim, leading to the Tahanite clan. This clan is also included in the census of the tribe of Ephraim.

5. Eran
A descendant of Shuthelah, forming the Eranite clan. This highlights the continuation of family lines within the tribe of Ephraim.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity in Christ. Just as the Israelites valued their lineage, Christians can find encouragement in their spiritual ancestry through the faith of the apostles and early church.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The growth and establishment of the tribe of Ephraim demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives, just as He did for the tribes of Israel.

The Role of Families in God's Plan
Families and clans played a crucial role in the structure of Israelite society. Today, families remain vital in nurturing faith and passing down spiritual values. Christians are encouraged to invest in their families as a means of discipleship and spiritual growth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Ephraim reflect God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our daily walk with Christ?

3. How does the census in Numbers 26 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people?

4. What lessons can we learn from the structure and importance of families in the tribe of Ephraim for our own family dynamics?

5. How can we apply the concept of spiritual inheritance in our lives today, drawing from the example of Ephraim's descendants?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 48
This chapter describes Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons. Ephraim receives a prominent blessing, which is reflected in the growth and significance of his descendants.

Joshua 16-17
These chapters detail the allotment of land to the tribe of Ephraim, emphasizing their importance and the fulfillment of God's promises to them.

1 Chronicles 7
This passage provides a genealogy of the tribe of Ephraim, offering additional context and details about the clans mentioned in Numbers 26:37.
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
32, Descendants, Ephraim, E'phraim, Families, Hundred, Joseph, Numbered, Ones, Sons, Thirty, Thirty-two, Thousand
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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