What does Numbers 26:31 teach about God's faithfulness to His people? The Text “through Asriel, the Asrielite clan; through Shechem, the Shechemite clan; through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan; through Hepher, the Hepherite clan.” (Numbers 26:31) Where We Are in the Story • Israel is on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. • A second census is taken after the wilderness deaths (Numbers 26:1–2). • Each tribe and sub-clan is counted to determine land inheritance. Faithfulness in the Names • Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, Hepher—four small clans, yet God records them. • Genesis 15:5; Psalm 147:4—He counts stars and people alike; none forgotten. • Isaiah 43:1—“I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Faithfulness in the Counting • The first generation fell (Numbers 14:29-35), yet God brings a new generation to the same promise. • Hebrews 6:17-18—God’s oath and promise are “unchangeable,” guaranteeing their future. Faithfulness in the Inheritance • The census links directly to land allotment (Numbers 26:52-56). • Joshua 17:3-6—Hepher’s granddaughters (daughters of Zelophehad) receive property, proof that every clan named in Numbers 26:31 actually receives its portion. • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ,” showing the pattern continues into the New Covenant. Faithfulness Across Generations • God keeps promises made centuries earlier to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 15:18). • He preserves lineage despite slavery, wilderness rebellion, and judgment. • Malachi 3:6—“I, the LORD, do not change,” ensuring stability for His people. Living It Today • God knows every believer by name (Luke 10:20; John 10:3). • He numbers our hairs (Luke 12:7), so He surely oversees our inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). • When circumstances make us feel small or overlooked, Numbers 26:31 reminds us: – God records and remembers. – His promises survive our failures. – Our eternal inheritance is as certain as the land grants were for Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, and Hepher. Takeaway Numbers 26:31 may look like a simple roll call, yet every name is a testimony that God faithfully shepherds His people from promise to possession, never losing track of even the smallest clan—or the smallest believer. |
    |