Numbers 26:49
the Jezerite clan from Jezer, and the Shillemite clan from Shillem.
The descendants of Jezer
The name "Jezer" is derived from the Hebrew root "yatsar," which means "to form" or "to fashion." This root is often associated with the creative acts of God, as seen in Genesis 2:7, where God forms man from the dust of the ground. The Jezerites, therefore, can be seen as a clan that carries the legacy of being shaped and fashioned by divine purpose. Historically, the Jezerites were part of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. This positioning highlights their role in the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, symbolizing a people formed by God for a specific inheritance.

The Jezerite clan
The term "clan" in Hebrew is "mishpachah," which signifies a family or a group of related families. In the context of ancient Israel, clans were essential social units that provided identity, support, and structure. The Jezerite clan, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, would have had responsibilities and roles within the community, contributing to the collective mission of the Israelites. This highlights the importance of community and belonging in the biblical narrative, where each clan played a part in the unfolding account of God's people.

The descendants of Shillem
The name "Shillem" is believed to be derived from the Hebrew root "shalem," meaning "to be complete" or "to be at peace." This root is closely related to "shalom," the Hebrew word for peace. The Shillemites, therefore, can be seen as a clan embodying the ideals of completeness and peace. In the broader biblical context, peace is a significant theme, representing the wholeness and harmony that God desires for His creation. The Shillemites' identity as descendants of Shillem underscores their role in pursuing and embodying this divine peace.

The Shillemite clan
Like the Jezerite clan, the Shillemite clan is a "mishpachah," a family unit within the larger tribal structure. The Shillemites were part of the tribe of Naphtali, one of the northern tribes of Israel. Their mention in this census underscores the importance of each clan in maintaining the social and spiritual fabric of the nation. The Shillemites' association with peace and completeness serves as a reminder of the biblical call to live in harmony with God and others, reflecting the ultimate peace that God promises to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jezer
A descendant of Naphtali, Jezer is the progenitor of the Jezerite clan. His name is mentioned in the context of the census taken by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab.

2. Shillem
Another descendant of Naphtali, Shillem is the forefather of the Shillemite clan. His lineage is also recorded in the census, highlighting the continuity of the tribes of Israel.

3. The Census
Conducted by Moses and Eleazar, this census was a significant event for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It was a way to organize the people and ensure that each tribe was accounted for.

4. The Plains of Moab
The location where the census was taken, just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. This place holds historical significance as a point of transition for the Israelites.

5. The Tribe of Naphtali
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe's lineage is detailed in this census, emphasizing their role in the nation of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity. Just as the Israelites were reminded of their lineage, Christians are encouraged to remember their spiritual ancestry in Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Transition
The census was taken during a time of transition for the Israelites. Similarly, believers can trust in God's faithfulness during times of change in their own lives.

Community and Accountability
The detailed recording of clans emphasizes the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ. Each member is significant and has a role to play.

Preparation for Promises
The census was a preparatory step for entering the Promised Land. Believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for the fulfillment of God's promises.

The Role of Leadership
Moses and Eleazar's leadership in conducting the census highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and organizing the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ impact your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can you see God's faithfulness during times of transition in your life?

3. How can you contribute to the community and accountability within your local church?

4. What steps can you take to prepare for the fulfillment of God's promises in your life?

5. How can you support and pray for the leaders in your church or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
The census in Numbers 26 is connected to the earlier census in Numbers 1, showing the growth and changes in the Israelite community over time.

The mention of the tribes and their descendants ties back to Genesis 46, where the original family of Jacob is listed as they enter Egypt.

The division of the land among the tribes in Joshua 19 is a fulfillment of the promises and preparations made during this census.
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, Jezer, Jezerite, Jezerites, Je'zerites, Shillem, Shillemite, Shillemites, Shil'lemites
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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