Numbers 26:35
These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Becherite clan from Becher, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan.
These were the descendants of Ephraim
The phrase highlights the lineage of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons, who was blessed by Jacob in Genesis 48. Ephraim's descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel, often representing the Northern Kingdom. The Hebrew root for "descendants" (בְּנֵי, b'nei) emphasizes the continuation of a family line, reflecting God's promise to Abraham about his numerous offspring.

by their clans
The term "clans" (מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, mishp'ḥotam) refers to subdivisions within the tribes of Israel, indicating a structured and organized society. This structure was crucial for maintaining order and identity among the Israelites, especially during their wilderness journey. It also underscores the importance of family and community in God's covenantal plan.

the Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah
Shuthelah is one of Ephraim's sons, and his name means "plant" or "shoot," symbolizing growth and new beginnings. The mention of the Shuthelahite clan signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Ephraim's descendants. This clan's presence in the census reflects their role in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

the Bekerite clan from Beker
Beker, another son of Ephraim, means "young camel" or "firstborn." The Bekerite clan's inclusion in the census highlights the diversity within Ephraim's lineage. Historically, each clan contributed to the military and social structure of Israel, ensuring the tribe's strength and resilience.

the Tahanite clan from Tahan
Tahan, whose name means "camp" or "encampment," represents another branch of Ephraim's descendants. The Tahanite clan's mention underscores the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It also reflects the adaptability and perseverance required to fulfill God's promises amidst challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the prominent tribes of Israel, often representing the northern kingdom in later biblical history.

2. Shuthelah
Shuthelah was a descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Shuthelahites. This clan is part of the census taken in Numbers 26, which was conducted to prepare for the division of the Promised Land.

3. Beker
Beker was another descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Bekerites. The mention of Beker highlights the detailed record-keeping of the Israelite tribes.

4. Tahan
Tahan was also a descendant of Ephraim, and his descendants formed the clan of the Tahanites. The inclusion of Tahan's clan in the census underscores the importance of family lineage in Israelite society.

5. Census of Israel
The event of the census in Numbers 26 was a significant moment for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It was a way to organize the people and ensure that each tribe received its inheritance.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage
The detailed listing of clans emphasizes the importance of heritage and lineage in God's plan. Believers today can reflect on their spiritual heritage and the legacy they are building for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
The census and the preparation for entering the Promised Land remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.

Community and Identity
The organization of the tribes into clans highlights the value of community and identity. As Christians, we are part of a spiritual family and should find our identity in Christ and His body, the Church.

Preparation for Inheritance
Just as the Israelites prepared to receive their inheritance, believers are called to prepare for their eternal inheritance in Christ. This involves living faithfully and stewarding the gifts God has given us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the listing of clans in Numbers 26:35 reflect the importance of family and community in the life of the Israelites, and how can we apply this to our church communities today?

2. In what ways does the tribe of Ephraim's prominence in Israel's history encourage us to consider the impact of our spiritual legacy?

3. How does the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites inspire us to trust Him with the promises He has made to us in Scripture?

4. What steps can we take to prepare for our spiritual inheritance, and how does this preparation affect our daily lives?

5. How can understanding our identity in Christ and our place in the body of believers help us navigate challenges and opportunities in our faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
The tribe of Ephraim is often mentioned in the context of the blessings given by Jacob in Genesis, where Ephraim receives a prominent blessing over his older brother Manasseh. This connection highlights the importance of Ephraim's descendants in Israel's history.

In the book of Joshua, the land allotment for the tribe of Ephraim is detailed, showing the fulfillment of the promises made to the descendants of Joseph.

The division of the kingdom of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms often sees Ephraim representing the northern tribes, as seen in the prophetic books like Hosea and Isaiah.
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
Becher, Becherites, Beker, Bekerite, Clan, Clans, Ephraim, Families, Family, Shuthelah, Shuthelahite, Shuthelahites, Sons, Tahan, Tahanite, Tahanites
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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