Numbers 26:27
These were the clans of Zebulun, and their registration numbered 60,500.
These were the clans of Zebulun
The tribe of Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The mention of "clans" indicates the subdivisions within the tribe, which were often based on family lines. In the context of Numbers 26, this census was taken as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, and it was important for organizing the distribution of land and military responsibilities. Zebulun's territory would later be located in the northern part of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee, which was significant for trade and commerce.

and their registration numbered 60,500
The census number of 60,500 reflects the military strength of the tribe of Zebulun at that time. This was an increase from the previous census in Numbers 1, where Zebulun had 57,400 men. The increase in numbers could be seen as a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His promise to multiply the descendants of Abraham. The tribe's growth also underscores the importance of Zebulun in the collective strength of Israel as they prepared to conquer Canaan. In a broader biblical context, the tribe of Zebulun is mentioned in the blessings of Jacob (Genesis 49:13) and Moses (Deuteronomy 33:18-19), where their future prosperity and role in trade and maritime activities are highlighted.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asher
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Asher is known for its prosperity and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20.

2. Imnah
A descendant of Asher, representing the Imnite clan. The name Imnah means "right hand" or "prosperity," reflecting the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher.

3. Ishvi
Another descendant of Asher, representing the Ishvite clan. The name Ishvi means "equal" or "level," indicating a sense of balance or fairness.

4. Beriah
A descendant of Asher, representing the Beriite clan. The name Beriah means "in trouble" or "a gift," which can signify the dual nature of challenges and blessings.

5. Clans of Asher
The passage lists the clans within the tribe of Asher, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Just as the Israelites valued their lineage, Christians can find strength in their spiritual ancestry through faith in Christ.

God's Blessings and Responsibilities
The tribe of Asher was blessed with abundance, but with blessings come responsibilities. Christians are called to steward their blessings wisely and use them to serve others.

Unity in Diversity
The various clans within the tribe of Asher remind us of the diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has unique gifts and roles, contributing to the unity and strength of the church.

Facing Challenges with Faith
The name Beriah, meaning "in trouble," suggests that challenges are part of life. However, with faith, these challenges can become opportunities for growth and blessings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the heritage of the tribe of Asher reflect the importance of spiritual lineage in your own life?

2. In what ways can you identify and steward the blessings God has given you, similar to the tribe of Asher?

3. How can the diversity within your church community be a source of strength and unity, as seen in the clans of Asher?

4. Reflect on a time when a challenge in your life turned into a blessing. How can the account of Beriah inspire you to face future challenges with faith?

5. How do the blessings and responsibilities of the tribe of Asher connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about using our gifts and resources for God's kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:20
Jacob's blessing to Asher highlights the tribe's future prosperity and abundance, which is reflected in the census of Numbers 26.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing to Asher speaks of strength and favor, reinforcing the themes of prosperity and divine blessing.

1 Chronicles 7:30-40
This passage provides a genealogical record of the descendants of Asher, offering additional context to the clans mentioned in Numbers 26:27.
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
60, 500, Hundred, Numbered, Ones, Sixty, Thousand, Threescore, Zebulun, Zebulunite, Zebulunites, Zeb'ulunites
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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