Numbers 26:29
These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.
These were the descendants of Manasseh:
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly in the settlement of the Promised Land. The tribe of Manasseh was divided into two half-tribes, one settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other on the west. This division is significant in understanding the tribal allotments and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The Machirite clan from Machir:
Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh and is often associated with strength and valor. The Machirites were known for their military prowess, which is highlighted in the conquest narratives. Machir's descendants settled in the region of Gilead, a fertile and strategically important area east of the Jordan River. This settlement is confirmed by archaeological findings that suggest a strong presence of Israelite culture in Gilead during the period of the Judges.

The father of Gilead:
Machir is referred to as the father of Gilead, indicating his significant role in the establishment and leadership of this region. Gilead was a mountainous area known for its balm, a valuable commodity in ancient times. The term "father" here signifies not only biological descent but also leadership and foundational influence. Gilead's importance is seen in various biblical narratives, including the stories of Jephthah and Elijah.

And the Gileadite clan from Gilead:
The Gileadites were a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh, known for their distinct identity and contributions to Israel's history. The region of Gilead was often a site of conflict and refuge, playing a crucial role in the narratives of the Judges and the monarchy. The Gileadites' identity is further explored in the context of their interactions with other tribes and nations, highlighting themes of unity and division within Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants are significant in the division of the Promised Land.

2. Makir
The son of Manasseh, known for his valor and leadership. His lineage is important in the inheritance of land east of the Jordan River.

3. Gilead
The son of Makir, representing a clan that settled in a region known for its balm and fertile land. Gilead is both a person and a geographical area.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Legacy
The passage highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
The detailed genealogies in Numbers remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life.

Role of Leadership
Makir's leadership and valor are noted in Scripture. Consider how God calls us to lead in our families, communities, and churches with integrity and courage.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the tribes of Israel received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to be co-heirs with Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Manasseh reflect God's promises to the patriarchs, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a godly legacy for the next generation, similar to the heritage of Makir and Gilead?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in the Old Testament relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ as described in the New Testament?

4. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Makir, and how can we apply these in our roles today?

5. How do the genealogies and land allocations in Numbers 26 encourage us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it is not immediately clear?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:51
This verse introduces Manasseh, providing context for his significance as Joseph's son and the meaning of his name, which relates to forgetting past troubles.

Joshua 17:1-6
This passage details the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, including the land allocations for the descendants of Makir and Gilead, emphasizing their role in Israel's history.

Judges 5:14
This verse mentions the warriors from Machir, highlighting their contribution to Israel's military efforts during the time of the judges.
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
Begat, Begot, Begotten, Clan, Family, Gilead, Gileadite, Gileadites, Machir, Machirite, Machirites, Ma'chirites, Makir, Makirite, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Sons
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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