Context and Background:

Numbers 26:27 is part of a larger passage in the Book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament. This book is traditionally attributed to Moses and is a continuation of the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Numbers 26 is particularly significant as it records the second census of the Israelites, taken on the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, near Jericho. This census was conducted to prepare for the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.

Verse Text :

"The descendants of Asher by their clans were: Imnah, the Imnite clan; Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; Beriah, the Beriite clan."

Analysis:

In Numbers 26:27, the focus is on the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse lists the clans within the tribe, specifically naming the descendants of Asher's sons: Imnah, Ishvi, and Beriah. This enumeration is part of the broader census that serves both a practical and theological purpose.

Practical Purpose:

The census was essential for organizing the Israelite community as they prepared to enter and settle in the Promised Land. By counting the men eligible for military service, the Israelites could assess their strength and readiness for the upcoming conquest. Additionally, the census data was crucial for the equitable distribution of land among the tribes, ensuring that each tribe received an inheritance proportionate to its size.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the census underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the previous generation's failures and the resulting 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, God preserved the nation and prepared a new generation to inherit the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed recording of each clan within the tribes highlights the importance of lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Tribe of Asher:

The tribe of Asher, named after Jacob's eighth son by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, is noted for its prosperity and abundance. In Jacob's blessing (Genesis 49:20), Asher is described as having rich food and providing royal delicacies. Moses' blessing (Deuteronomy 33:24-25) also emphasizes Asher's blessed status among the tribes. The listing of Asher's clans in Numbers 26:27 reflects the tribe's continued presence and role within the nation of Israel.

Conclusion:

Numbers 26:27, while seemingly a simple genealogical record, is a testament to the continuity and faithfulness of God's plan for His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community, heritage, and divine promise in the unfolding narrative of the Israelites. Through the census, the Israelites were not only preparing for a physical inheritance but also reaffirming their identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes.60500 (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:27
These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred.
(See NAS NIV)

60500 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 60500 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:27 These are
the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were ...
/num/60500.htm - 6k

61000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/61000.htm - 6k

60000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/60000.htm - 6k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... men of war (Numbers 1:30), the prince of the tribe being Eliab, son of Helon (Numbers
1:9). At the second census the men of war numbered 60,500 (Numbers 26:27 ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

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