What is the meaning of Numbers 26:39?

Setting the census

• Numbers 26 recounts the second wilderness census, taken near the end of Israel’s forty-year journey (cf. Numbers 26:1–4; Numbers 1:1–3).

• Unlike the first census—which identified fighting men for the march out of Egypt—this tally prepares a fresh generation to receive its tribal inheritance in Canaan (Numbers 26:52–56; compare Joshua 14:1–2).

• Verse 38 introduces Benjamin’s descendants, anchoring them to Jacob’s beloved youngest son (Genesis 46:21). Verse 39 then lists two specific clans.

---

The Shuphamite clan from Shupham

“the Shuphamite clan from Shupham” (Numbers 26:39a)

• Shupham (elsewhere called Shuppim, 1 Chronicles 7:12) is a grandson of Benjamin.

• His descendants form a recognized sub-tribe—“clan”—within Benjamin, ensuring their place in the promised land allotment (Joshua 18:21–24).

• God’s meticulous recordkeeping highlights that no believer is overlooked; every family has a stake in His covenant promises (Isaiah 49:16; Luke 12:7).

---

The Huphamite clan from Hupham

“and the Huphamite clan from Hupham” (Numbers 26:39b)

• Hupham (also Huppim, Genesis 46:21) is another grandson of Benjamin.

• Scripture pairs Hupham with sibling Muppim in earlier lists (1 Chronicles 7:12), yet here the Spirit singles him out to emphasize individual lineage.

• By preserving his name, the Lord showcases steadfast faithfulness to generational blessings first promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:7) and reaffirmed to every tribe (Deuteronomy 7:9).

---

Why these names still matter

• They confirm the literal fulfillment of God’s word: specific families, centuries later, inherited tangible territory exactly as promised (Joshua 18:28).

• They testify that covenant identity is communal yet personal—each clan bears responsibility to trust and obey (Judges 21:15–18).

• They foreshadow the even greater registry of the redeemed whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27).

---

summary

Numbers 26:39 records two Benjaminite clans—the Shuphamites and the Huphamites—underscoring that every family line counts in God’s unfolding plan. By faithfully preserving their names, Scripture assures us of God’s unfailing attention to detail, His commitment to generational promises, and His invitation for every believer to take an assured place within His covenant community.