Verse:
"The descendants of Ephraim by their clans were these: of Shuthelah, the clan of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the clan of the Becherites; of Tahan, the clan of the Tahanites. These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500. These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans." (Numbers 26:37)

Context and Analysis:
Numbers 26:37 is part of the second census recorded in the Book of Numbers, which takes place in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, near Jericho. This census was conducted as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, following their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The purpose of this census was to account for the men of Israel who were able to go to war, as well as to allocate the land inheritance among the tribes.

The verse specifically addresses the descendants of Ephraim, one of the two sons of Joseph. Ephraim, along with his brother Manasseh, was adopted by Jacob (Israel) as his own sons, thus receiving a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel. This adoption effectively elevated Joseph's lineage, granting him a double portion through his two sons.

Tribal Significance:
The tribe of Ephraim held a significant position among the tribes of Israel. Ephraim was often associated with leadership and strength, as seen in various biblical narratives. The tribe's prominence is further underscored by the fact that Joshua, the successor of Moses and a key figure in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, was from the tribe of Ephraim.

In Numbers 26:37, the clans of Ephraim are enumerated, highlighting the families of Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan. The total number of men registered from the tribe of Ephraim was 32,500. This figure reflects a decrease from the first census recorded in Numbers 1, where the tribe numbered 40,500. The decrease in numbers may be attributed to various factors, including the divine judgments that occurred during the wilderness period.

Theological Implications:
The census and the enumeration of the tribes serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the challenges and failures experienced by the Israelites, God continued to preserve His people and prepare them for the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The tribe of Ephraim, as part of the larger community of Israel, played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Furthermore, the mention of specific clans within the tribe underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where identity and inheritance were closely tied to one's family and tribe.

Conclusion:
Numbers 26:37 provides insight into the structure and composition of the tribe of Ephraim during a pivotal moment in Israel's history. It highlights the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people and sets the stage for the subsequent conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Through the tribe of Ephraim and its descendants, the narrative of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine purposes continue to be revealed.32500 (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:37
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were numbered of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
(See NAS NIV)

32500 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 32500 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:37 These are
the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who ...
/num/32500.htm - 6k

Ephraim (168 Occurrences)
... in the wilderness this tribe numbered 40,500 (Numbers 1:32, 33); forty years later,
when about to take possession of the Promised Land, it numbered only 32,500...
/e/ephraim.htm - 56k

35034 (1 Occurrence)

/num/35034.htm - 6k

32200 (2 Occurrences)

/num/32200.htm - 6k

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