What is the meaning of Numbers 26:43? All of them • The phrase embraces every individual counted in this portion of the census, showing that none of the descendants were excluded (cf. Numbers 26:42). • It reminds us that God’s covenant promises extend to entire families and generations (Genesis 17:7), underscoring His faithfulness to preserve a people for Himself during forty years in the wilderness. • The completeness hinted by “all” echoes earlier census language, where every man of fighting age was included for service and inheritance (Numbers 1:2-3). were Shuhamite clans • “Shuham” (called “Hushim” in Genesis 46:23) was the sole son of Dan, so every Danite family stemmed from this one forefather. • Despite having only a single ancestral line, the tribe flourished—an example of how God can multiply even the smallest beginnings (Exodus 1:7). • The identification as “clans” points to ordered community life. Each clan carried specific responsibilities in camp arrangement and future land allotment (Numbers 2:31; Joshua 19:40-48). • Their shared lineage fostered unity, yet each clan maintained distinct roles within the larger body—an early picture of many members forming one nation (1 Corinthians 12:12 compares within the church). and their registration • “Registration” refers to the divinely commanded census of the second generation after the Exodus (Numbers 26:1-2). • The count was military in focus—men twenty years and older “fit for service.” It prepared Israel to enter and possess Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:8). • Recording the total also safeguarded equitable distribution of land, since territory would be apportioned “according to the number of names” (Numbers 26:53-56). • The meticulous recordkeeping underlines God’s care for every individual; no warrior and no inheritance was left unaccounted for (Luke 12:7 affirms His detailed concern). numbered 64,400 • This figure marks an increase from the first census total of Dan, 62,700 (Numbers 1:39). Even amid judgments in the wilderness, the tribe grew by 1,700. • Dan’s new total ranks it among the largest tribes, exceeded only by Judah (Numbers 26:22). • Growth testifies to the Lord’s sustaining grace: “Your clothing did not wear out and your feet did not swell” (Deuteronomy 8:4). • The number anticipates Dan’s significant military role on the northern flank of the camp (Numbers 2:25-31) and its future border position in the land (Joshua 19:47-48; Judges 18:1-27). • Practically, 64,400 warriors meant strength and stability for Israel’s forward mission, illustrating how obedience and divine blessing produce readiness for God’s purposes (Ephesians 2:10). summary Numbers 26:43 records the complete, thriving clans of Shuham within the tribe of Dan, totaling 64,400 men. The verse showcases God’s covenant faithfulness: every family counted, every name preserved, every increase acknowledged. From one son came a multitude, prepared for inheritance and battle, demonstrating that the Lord’s promises endure from generation to generation. |
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