Numbers 26:16
the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri,
the Oznite clan from Ozni
The mention of the Oznite clan from Ozni refers to one of the families within the tribe of Gad. Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after one of the sons of Jacob. The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its good pastureland, which was suitable for their large flocks and herds. This geographical location is significant as it highlights the tribe's role as protectors of Israel's eastern border. The name "Ozni" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "ear," which may symbolize listening or obedience, a valued trait in the Israelite community. The clan structure within the tribes of Israel was crucial for maintaining order and distributing land and resources, as well as for military organization.

the Erite clan from Eri
The Erite clan from Eri is another family within the tribe of Gad. The name "Eri" is associated with the Hebrew word for "watchful" or "vigilant," which could reflect the characteristics or the role of this clan within the tribe. The tribe of Gad, including the Erite clan, was known for its warriors and played a significant role in the military campaigns of Israel. The division into clans and families was essential for maintaining the social and religious structure of the Israelites, as each clan had specific roles and responsibilities. This clan system also ensured the preservation of heritage and identity within the larger tribal framework. The mention of these clans in the census of Numbers 26 underscores the importance of lineage and inheritance in the Israelite community, as well as the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ozni
A descendant of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Oznites are his descendants, forming a clan within the tribe of Gad.

2. Eri
Another descendant of Gad, whose descendants are known as the Erites. Like Ozni, Eri's lineage contributes to the tribal structure of Israel.

3. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

4. Census of Israel
Numbers 26 records the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness, taken to prepare for the conquest of Canaan. This census was crucial for organizing the tribes and distributing the land.

5. Wilderness Journey
The context of this passage is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, a time of testing and preparation before entering the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Importance of Lineage and Identity
Understanding one's heritage and identity in Christ is crucial. Just as the Israelites were organized by clans and tribes, Christians are part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role and purpose.

God's Faithfulness in Promises
The census and subsequent land allotment demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.

Preparation for Inheritance
The census was a preparation for entering the Promised Land. Similarly, Christians are called to prepare their hearts and lives for the inheritance of God's kingdom.

Community and Accountability
The organization of the tribes into clans emphasizes the importance of community and accountability. Believers are encouraged to live in community, supporting and holding each other accountable in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ impact your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you see God's faithfulness in your life, similar to how He fulfilled His promises to the Israelites?

3. How are you preparing your heart and life for the inheritance of God's kingdom?

4. What role does community play in your spiritual journey, and how can you contribute to the body of Christ?

5. How can the organization and structure seen in the Israelite tribes inspire you to bring order and purpose to your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46
This chapter lists the descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt, including the sons of Gad, providing a genealogical background for the clans mentioned in Numbers 26:16.

Joshua 13
This chapter describes the land allotment for the tribe of Gad, connecting the census to the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan.

1 Chronicles 5
Chronicles the genealogy and exploits of the tribe of Gad, highlighting their role and contributions in Israel's history.
The Second CensusD. Young Numbers 26:1-62
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
Clan, Eri, Erite, Erites, Family, Ozni, Oznite, Oznites
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-61

     5671   clan

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:12-50

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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