What is the meaning of Numbers 26:34? These were the clans of Manasseh • Manasseh, firstborn of Joseph, was adopted and blessed by Jacob alongside Ephraim (Genesis 48:5–20), placing him among the twelve tribes. • Numbers 26:29–33 lists the families that came from Manasseh: – Machir (who fathered Gilead) – Gilead’s sons: Iezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, Hepher – From Hepher came Zelophehad, remembered for his daughters’ faith (Numbers 27:1–7). • Each family line shows God preserving identity across the wilderness years, just as He promised Abraham that his descendants would be countless (Genesis 22:17). • The verse’s opening phrase affirms that these family lines were real, traceable, and intact as Israel prepared to enter Canaan, fulfilling God’s covenant faithfulness (Joshua 17:1–6). and their registration • “Registration” points to the second national census, taken on the plains of Moab (Numbers 26:1–4). • Scripture highlights three purposes: – Military readiness for the upcoming conquest (Numbers 1:3; Deuteronomy 20:1). – Allocation of land by size of tribe (Numbers 26:52–56). – Testimony that the unbelieving generation had died, while a new, obedient generation now stood ready (Numbers 14:29–31). • The record underscores orderly leadership; God commands counting because every person matters to Him (Exodus 30:12). • By including Manasseh’s registration with the other tribes, the text reminds us that God’s covenant community functions under His clear direction (1 Corinthians 14:40 echoes this principle of order). numbered 52,700 • The first census, taken a generation earlier, counted 32,200 fighting men from Manasseh (Numbers 1:35). • An increase of 20,500 shows remarkable growth during a strict wilderness period—a sign of divine blessing reminiscent of Exodus 1:7 and Psalm 105:24, where Israel “became very fruitful and mighty.” • This expansion contrasts with tribes that declined (e.g., Simeon fell from 59,300 to 22,200, Numbers 1:23; 26:14), illustrating both judgment and grace operating together (Romans 11:22). • The specific number reminds readers that God keeps precise track of His people (Luke 12:7), and it prefigures the inheritance accords that split Manasseh between east and west of the Jordan (Joshua 17:5–18). • Manasseh’s growth positioned the tribe for significant influence, producing leaders like Gideon (Judges 6:11–16) and King Hezekiah’s reform supporters (2 Chronicles 30:1, 11). summary Numbers 26:34 affirms that the family lines of Manasseh remained intact, were officially recorded, and had flourished to 52,700 men of fighting age. The verse testifies to God’s covenant faithfulness, His orderly care for His people, and His power to bless and multiply even in wilderness conditions, preparing Israel for the promised land. |
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