Numbers 26:8
Now the son of Pallu was Eliab,
The son of Pallu
This phrase introduces us to a genealogical record, which is a common feature in the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew word for "son" is "ben," which signifies not only a direct descendant but also a member of a larger family or tribe. "Pallu" is one of the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, and his name means "distinguished" or "separated." This highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. The genealogies serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of each individual's role within the larger narrative of God's people.

was Eliab
"Eliab" is the son of Pallu, and his name means "God is Father" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep theological truth about the identity and relationship of the Israelites with God. In the context of the wilderness journey, where the Israelites often faced challenges and doubts, the name "Eliab" serves as a reminder of God's paternal care and authority over His people. Historically, Eliab is noted as the father of Dathan and Abiram, who were involved in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16). This connection underscores the theme of obedience and rebellion that runs throughout the Book of Numbers. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's ordained leadership and commands. Eliab's mention in this genealogical record is a testament to the enduring nature of family legacies, both positive and negative, and the impact they have on the unfolding account of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pallu
Pallu is one of the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. He is part of the tribe of Reuben, which is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His lineage is significant in the census of the Israelites.

2. Eliab
Eliab is the son of Pallu. He is mentioned in the context of the census taken in the wilderness, which is a critical event in the history of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. The Census
This event is part of the second census of the Israelites, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. It was conducted to count the new generation of Israelites who would enter the Promised Land after the previous generation had perished in the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites were counted and their lineage recorded, Christians are part of a spiritual lineage through faith in Christ.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The census reflects God's faithfulness in preserving His people. Despite the failures of the previous generation, God continues His plan through their descendants.

Preparation for God's Promises
The census was a preparation for entering the Promised Land. Similarly, believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Accountability and Responsibility
Each individual counted in the census had a role in the community. Christians are reminded of their responsibility within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of the tribes of Israel enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of spiritual heritage in our own lives today?

3. How does the concept of preparation for entering the Promised Land apply to our spiritual journey as Christians?

4. What responsibilities do we have as members of the body of Christ, and how can we fulfill them?

5. How can we ensure that we are part of God's ongoing plan, just as the new generation of Israelites was counted in the census?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:9
This verse lists the sons of Reuben, including Pallu, providing a genealogical connection to the patriarchs and the early history of Israel.

Exodus 6:14
This passage also mentions the sons of Reuben, including Pallu, as part of the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel.

Numbers 1:20-21
The first census of the Israelites, where the tribe of Reuben is counted, showing the continuity and importance of tribal lineage.
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
Eliab, Eli'ab, Pallu, Phallu, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-61

     5671   clan

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

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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