Numbers 26:38
These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram,
These were the descendants of Benjamin
The phrase introduces the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a significant place in Israel's history. The Hebrew root for "descendants" is "בֵּן" (ben), meaning "son" or "children," emphasizing the familial lineage and the continuation of God's covenant promises through generations. The tribe of Benjamin is historically known for its warriors and its strategic location in the land of Israel, often serving as a buffer between the northern and southern tribes.

by their clans
The term "clans" refers to subdivisions within the tribe, indicating a structured and organized society. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּחוֹת" (mishpachot) signifies extended family groups, which were crucial for maintaining social order and inheritance rights. This structure reflects God's design for community and identity among His people, ensuring that each family unit had a role and a place within the larger tribal and national framework.

The Belaite clan from Bela
Bela was the firstborn son of Benjamin, and his descendants formed the Belaite clan. The name "Bela" in Hebrew, "בֶּלַע" (Bela), can mean "destruction" or "devouring," which might reflect the strength or characteristics of this clan. The mention of Bela highlights the importance of firstborns in Hebrew culture, often associated with leadership and inheritance rights. The Belaite clan's inclusion underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.

the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel
Ashbel, another son of Benjamin, is the progenitor of the Ashbelite clan. The name "Ashbel" in Hebrew, "אַשְׁבֵּל" (Ashbel), is less clear in meaning but is part of the rich tapestry of names that carry historical and familial significance. The Ashbelites, like other clans, contribute to the diversity and strength of the tribe of Benjamin, each clan playing a unique role in the unfolding narrative of Israel.

the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram
Ahiram, also a son of Benjamin, leads to the formation of the Ahiramite clan. The name "Ahiram" in Hebrew, "אֲחִירָם" (Ahiram), can be interpreted as "brother of height" or "exalted brother," suggesting a position of honor or distinction. This clan, like others, represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars, each clan contributing to the collective identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin is the patriarch of the tribe mentioned in this verse. His descendants are being counted in this census.

2. Bela
The firstborn son of Benjamin, whose descendants form one of the clans within the tribe of Benjamin.

3. Ard and Naaman
Sons of Bela, who are mentioned as heads of their respective families or clans within the tribe of Benjamin.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The census in Numbers 26 emphasizes the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Israelite community. It reminds us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The preservation and growth of the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises in their own lives.

The Role of Community in Faith
The detailed recording of families and clans underscores the significance of community and belonging in the faith journey. It challenges us to engage actively in our faith communities and support one another.

Accountability and Responsibility
The census serves as a reminder of accountability and responsibility within the community of faith. Each individual and family has a role to play in the larger body of believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout biblical history?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage in our own lives and communities today?

3. How does the census in Numbers 26:38 reflect the importance of community and belonging in the life of a believer?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin's role in the broader account of Israel, particularly in the book of Judges?

5. How can we ensure that we are fulfilling our responsibilities and roles within our faith communities, as reflected in the accountability seen in the census?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:21
This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, providing a genealogical background that connects to the census in Numbers 26:38.

1 Chronicles 7:6-12
Chronicles offers another genealogical account of the tribe of Benjamin, showing the continuity and importance of this tribe in Israel's history.

Judges 20
The tribe of Benjamin plays a significant role in the events of Judges, highlighting their strength and the consequences of their actions within the broader account of Israel.
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
Ahiram, Ahi'ram, Ahiramite, Ahiramites, Ahi'ramites, Ashbel, Ashbelite, Ashbelites, Ash'belites, Bela, Belaite, Belaites, Be'la-ites, Benjamin, Clan, Clans, Families, Family, 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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