Bible Commentaries
Numbers 26

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 26:1, The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab; Numbers 26:52, The law of dividing among them the inheritance of the land; Numbers 26:57, The families and number of the Levites; Numbers 26:63, None was left of them which were numbered at Sinai, but Caleb and Joshua.

Verse 1

Numbers 25:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:4 - a father Genesis 42:13 - Thy servants Genesis 46:15 - Leah Numbers 1:19 - General Numbers 1:21 - General Numbers 26:7 - General Numbers 32:16 - General Ruth 4:11 - Rachel

Verse 2

The plague having swept away the last of that devoted generation, which provoked the Lord to "swear in his wrath that they should not enter" Canaan; he now, after an interval of 38 years, commands another census of the Israelites to be made, to preserve the distinction of families, and to regulate the tribes previous to their entry into the promised land, as well as to ascertain the proportion of land which should be allotted to each tribe. For, though the whole was divided by lot, yet the portions were so disposed, that a numerous tribe did not draw where the lots assigned small inheritances, or the contrary. Numbers 1:2, Numbers 1:3, Exodus 30:12, Exodus 38:25, Exodus 38:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 30:14 - from twenty Numbers 1:19 - General Numbers 32:11 - from twenty

Verse 3

Numbers 26:63, Numbers 22:1, Numbers 31:12, Numbers 33:48, Numbers 35:1, Deuteronomy 4:46-49, Deuteronomy 34:1, Deuteronomy 34:6, Deuteronomy 34:8

Reciprocal: Numbers 36:13 - in the plains of Moab

Verse 4

Numbers 1:1, 1 Chronicles 21:1

Verse 5

the eldest: Genesis 29:32, Genesis 49:2, Genesis 49:3, 1 Chronicles 5:1, thy children, Genesis 46:8, Genesis 46:9, Exodus 6:14, 1 Chronicles 5:3

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:20 - General Numbers 10:18 - the camp Numbers 32:1 - the children 1 Chronicles 2:1 - Reuben

Verse 6

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:14 - The sons Numbers 14:31 - little ones Ecclesiastes 3:3 - a time to heal

Verse 7

Numbers 26:1, Numbers 26:21, Numbers 2:11, Genesis 46:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:14 - these be Numbers 1:21 - General 1 Chronicles 5:6 - Reubenites

Verse 9

Numbers 1:16, Numbers 16:1, Numbers 16:2-35, Psalms 106:17, Jude 1:11

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:24 - Korah Numbers 27:3 - in the company Deuteronomy 11:6 - he did unto 1 Chronicles 9:19 - Korah 1 Chronicles 26:1 - Korhites

Verse 10

earth opened: Numbers 16:2, Numbers 16:31-35, Numbers 16:38, Numbers 27:3, Exodus 16:35, Psalms 106:17, Psalms 106:18

together: The Samaritan text does not intimate that Korah was swallowed up, but that he was burnt, as appears to have been the fact; and the Psalmist also - Psalms 106:17, only mentions Dathan and Abiram as having been swallowed up. "And the earth swallowed them up, what time that company died; and the fire devoured Korah with the 250 men, who became a sign."

they became a sign: Numbers 16:38, 1 Samuel 2:34, Jeremiah 29:22, Ezekiel 14:8, 1 Corinthians 10:6-10, 2 Peter 2:6, Jude 1:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:21 - Korah Numbers 16:1 - Korah Numbers 16:35 - And there Deuteronomy 11:6 - he did unto 2 Samuel 20:19 - swallow 1 Chronicles 6:37 - Korah Proverbs 1:12 - whole

Verse 11

It seems to be intimated in Numbers 16:27, Numbers 16:31-33, that the sons and the little ones of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up; but the text here expressly affirms, that the children of Korah "died not;" and their descendants were famous even in David's time. On a close inspection, however, of Numbers 26:27, we shall find, that the sons and the little ones of Dathan and Abiram alone are mentioned. Numbers 16:5, Exodus 6:24, 1 Chronicles 6:22-28, Psalms 42:1, Psalms 44:1, Psalms 45:1, Psalms 46:1, Psalms 47:1, *titles Psalms 48:1, Psalms 49:1, Psalms 50:1, *titles

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:21 - Korah Numbers 16:32 - all the Numbers 17:12 - Behold 1 Chronicles 6:37 - Korah

Verse 12

Nemuel: Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15, Jemuel

Jachin: 1 Kings 7:21, 1 Chronicles 4:24, Jarib

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:22 - General

Verse 13

Zerah: Genesis 46:10, Zohar

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:15 - sons 1 Chronicles 2:4 - Zerah

Verse 14

The immense decrease of this tribe, no less than 37,100, renders it highly probable, that, influenced by the bad example of Zimri, the Simeonites had been peculiarly criminal in the late wickedness, and that multitudes of them had died of the plague. It is remarkable, that Moses, in Deut. 33, bestows no blessing upon this tribe. Numbers 1:22, Numbers 1:23, Numbers 2:12, Numbers 2:13

Reciprocal: Numbers 25:14 - the Simeonites 1 Chronicles 4:27 - like to Revelation 7:7 - Simeon

Verse 15

Zephon: Numbers 2:14, Genesis 46:16, Ziphion, Haggai

Shuni: Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, Areli

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:24 - General Numbers 32:1 - the children

Verse 16

or, Ezbon, Genesis 46:16

Verse 17

Genesis 46:16, Arodi

Verse 18

Numbers 1:24, Numbers 1:25, Numbers 2:14, Numbers 2:15

Verse 19

Er and Onan: Genesis 38:1-10, Genesis 46:12, 1 Chronicles 2:3-8

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:3 - Er Genesis 38:4 - Onan Genesis 38:7 - Er Genesis 38:10 - him also Numbers 1:26 - General Numbers 2:3 - Nahshon Numbers 10:14 - General

Verse 20

Shelah: Genesis 38:5, Genesis 38:11, Genesis 38:14, Genesis 38:26-30, 1 Chronicles 4:21

Pharez: Genesis 38:27-29, Genesis 46:12, Ruth 4:18-22, 1 Chronicles 2:3-8, Nehemiah 11:4, Nehemiah 11:6, Nehemiah 11:24, Perez, Matthew 1:3, Luke 3:33, Phares

Zerah: Genesis 38:30, Genesis 46:12, Zarah, 1 Chronicles 2:4, Nehemiah 11:24

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:29 - his name Joshua 7:17 - General Ruth 4:12 - the house 1 Chronicles 4:1 - Pharez 1 Chronicles 9:4 - Pharez 1 Chronicles 9:5 - Shilonites 1 Chronicles 9:6 - Zerah 1 Chronicles 27:3 - Perez 1 Chronicles 27:11 - Zarhites Nehemiah 11:5 - Shiloni

Verse 21

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:7 - General 1 Chronicles 2:4 - Pharez 1 Chronicles 2:5 - Hezron 1 Chronicles 4:1 - Pharez Matthew 1:3 - Judas Luke 3:33 - Esrom

Verse 22

Numbers 1:26, Numbers 1:27, Numbers 2:3, Numbers 2:4, Genesis 49:8, 1 Chronicles 5:2, Psalms 115:14, Hebrews 7:14

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 4:27 - like to

Verse 23

the sons: Numbers 2:5, Genesis 30:17, Genesis 30:18, Genesis 46:13, 1 Chronicles 7:1

Pua: or, Phuvah

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:22 - the camp

Verse 24

Jashub: or, Job, Genesis 46:13

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 7:1 - General

Verse 25

threescore: Numbers 1:28, Numbers 1:29, Numbers 2:5, Numbers 2:6

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 20:13 - I said

Verse 26

Genesis 30:19, Genesis 30:20, Genesis 46:14

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:30 - General Numbers 2:8 - General

Verse 27

Numbers 1:30, Numbers 1:31, Numbers 2:7, Numbers 2:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:14 - Zebulun Numbers 26:11 - General

Verse 28

Genesis 41:51, Genesis 41:52, Genesis 46:20, Genesis 48:5, Genesis 48:13-20

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:16 - a multitude

Verse 29

Machir: Numbers 32:39, Numbers 32:40, Numbers 36:1, Genesis 48:14, Deuteronomy 3:15, Joshua 17:1, Judges 5:14, 1 Chronicles 7:14-19

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:2 - the rest 1 Chronicles 2:21 - Machir

Verse 30

Jeezer: called Abiezer, Joshua 17:2, Judges 6:11, Judges 6:24, Judges 6:34, Judges 8:2

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 7:18 - General

Verse 31

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:2 - children of Asriel

Verse 32

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:2 - children of Hepher

Verse 33

Zelophehad: Numbers 27:1, Numbers 36:10-12

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:3 - General 1 Chronicles 7:15 - and Zelophehad

Verse 34

Numbers 1:34, Numbers 1:35, Numbers 2:20, Numbers 2:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:16 - grow into Deuteronomy 33:17 - the ten thousands Joshua 17:14 - one lot

Verse 35

Becher: 1 Chronicles 7:20, 1 Chronicles 7:21, Bered, Tahath, Eladah, Tahath

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:32 - General

Verse 36

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 7:20 - General

Verse 37

Numbers 1:32, Numbers 1:33, Numbers 2:18, Numbers 2:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:16 - grow into Deuteronomy 33:17 - the ten thousands Judges 12:6 - forty

Verse 38

sons of Benjamin: 1 Chronicles 7:6-12

Ahiram: Genesis 46:2, Ehi, 1 Chronicles 8:1, Aharah

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:19 - Joseph Genesis 46:21 - Ehi 1 Chronicles 7:12 - Aher

Verse 39

Shupham: Genesis 46:21, Muppim, and Huppim

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 7:12 - Huppim 1 Chronicles 8:5 - Shephuphan

Verse 40

Ard and Naaman: 1 Chronicles 8:3, Addar

Verse 41

Numbers 1:36, Numbers 1:37, Numbers 2:22, Numbers 2:23, Genesis 46:21

Reciprocal: Judges 20:15 - twenty

Verse 42

Shuham: Genesis 46:23, Hushim

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:25 - the camp

Verse 43

Numbers 1:38, Numbers 1:39, Numbers 2:25, Numbers 2:26

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:23 - Hushim

Verse 44

the children of Asher: Genesis 46:17, Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, 1 Chronicles 7:30, Imnah, Isuah, Ishuai

Verse 46

Sarah: Genesis 46:17, Serah

Verse 47

Numbers 1:40, Numbers 1:41, Numbers 2:27, Numbers 2:28

Verse 48

the sons of Naphtali: Genesis 46:24, 1 Chronicles 7:13

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:29 - the tribe

Verse 49

Shillem: 1 Chronicles 7:13, Shallum

Verse 50

Numbers 1:42, Numbers 1:43, Numbers 2:29, Numbers 2:30

Verse 51

The following comparative statement will show how much some of the tribes had increased, and others had diminished, since the enumeration in chapter 1. Thus we find there was the following increase and decrease in the several tribes:

Tribe Now Before Change + / -

1. Judah 76,500 74,600 1,900 increase

2. Dan 64,400 62,700 1,700 increase

3. Simeon 22,200 59,300 37,100 decrease

4. Zebulun 60,500 57,400 3,100 increase

5. Issachar 64,300 54,400 9,900 increase

6. Naphtali 45,400 53,400 8,000 decrease

7. Reuben 43,730 46,500 2,770 decrease

8. Gad 40,500 45,650 5,150 decrease

9. Asher 53,400 41,500 11,900 increase

10. Ephraim 32,500 40,500 8,000 decrease

11. Benjamin 45,600 35,400 10,200 increase

12. Manasseh 52,700 32,200 20,500 increase

Totals: 601,730 603,550

Decreases 61,020

Increases 59,200

Change -1,820

It should be observed, that among these there was not one of the former census, except Joshua and Caleb. - See note on Numbers 26:64, and see note on Numbers 26:65. Thus, though there was such an amazing increase in seven tribes, yet so great was the decrease in the other five tribes, that the balance against the present census is 1,820, as appears above. Notwithstanding the amazing increase in some, and decrease in other tribes, the same sort of proportion is kept in their several divisions; so as to keep the division in the front the largest, and that in the rear the next. Numbers 1:46, Numbers 2:32, Nehemiah 9:23, Job 12:9, Job 12:10, Job 12:14, Job 12:20-23, Psalms 77:20

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 10:22 - as the stars Judges 20:17 - four hundred

Verse 52

Reciprocal: Joshua 11:23 - according to their

Verse 53

Genesis 12:2, Genesis 12:7, Joshua 11:23, Joshua 14:1, Psalms 49:14, Psalms 105:44, Ezekiel 47:22, Daniel 7:27, Matthew 5:5, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 21:27

Reciprocal: Numbers 33:54 - ye shall divide Joshua 13:7 - General 1 Chronicles 16:18 - inheritance Acts 13:19 - he divided

Verse 54

many: Numbers 32:3, Numbers 32:5, Numbers 33:54, Joshua 17:14

give the more: Heb. multiply his

give the less: Heb. diminish his.

Reciprocal: Numbers 35:8 - from them Joshua 18:6 - that I may cast Joshua 18:28 - according

Verse 55

by lot: Numbers 26:56, Numbers 33:54, Numbers 34:13, Joshua 11:23, Joshua 14:2, Joshua 17:14, Joshua 18:6, Joshua 18:10, Joshua 18:11, Joshua 19:1, Joshua 19:10, Joshua 19:17, Joshua 19:24, Joshua 19:32, Joshua 19:40, Proverbs 16:33, Proverbs 18:18, Acts 1:26, Colossians 1:12, Revelation 7:4-8

Reciprocal: Leviticus 16:8 - cast lots Numbers 36:2 - The Lord commanded Joshua 15:1 - This then was the lot Judges 21:17 - an inheritance

Verse 56

This division by lot seems to have respect only to the quarter, or situation, which each tribe was to possess, and not to the quantity or extent of land, which was to be proportioned to the numbers of each tribe, according to the register now formed. Thus, for instance, it was determined by lot which of the twelve tribes was to inherit in the south, which in the north, etc.: then, in that quarter where the lot fell, a larger or smaller portion of land was assigned them, according to the goodness of the soil, and in proportion as they were more or less numerous. Thus the decreasing of any tribe in the wilderness, proved the decrease of their future political importance and affluence in all succeeding ages. This equal division of property was, under God, the great bulwark and strength of the Hebrew commonwealth. According to the most exact calculations, Canaan contained 14,976,000 acres; which, divided among 600,000 men, will allow of more than 21 acres and a half to each, with a remainder of 1,976,000 acres for the princes of tribes, Levitical cities, etc., so that there was an ample provision to enable each person, with all the advantages of that fertile country and fine climate, to live, if not in affluent, yet in very comfortable circumstances. Canaan lies between lat. 31 degrees and 33 degrees 30 minutes n, and long. 35 degrees and 37 degrees e; its length, from the city of Dan to Beersheba, is about 200 miles; and its breadth, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the eastern borders, about 90. The Canaanites, the descendants of Canaan, son of Ham, and the original inhabitants of the land, were divided into seven principal nations - the Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites, Girgashites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Hivites, and formed themselves into almost as many kingdoms as they had cities. After their defeat by the Israelites, such as escaped the sword became tributary; but in process of time, having seduced them to their idolatries, they recovered many of the strongest places in the country; and even formed themselves into a mighty kingdom in Galilee. They were, however, again defeated by Barak, but were not finally subdued till the reign of David and Solomon; the latter of whom employed 153,600 in the most servile parts of the work of building the temple, palace, etc. Romans 11:7, 1 Corinthians 12:4

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:55 - by lot Numbers 36:2 - The Lord commanded Joshua 14:2 - lot Joshua 15:1 - This then was the lot 1 Chronicles 24:31 - lots

Verse 57

these are: Numbers 35:2, Numbers 35:3, Genesis 46:11, Exodus 6:16-19, 1 Chronicles 6:1, 1 Chronicles 6:16-30

of Gershon: Numbers 3:1 - Numbers 4:49

Reciprocal: Genesis 35:22 - Now the sons Exodus 6:18 - sons Numbers 1:47 - General Numbers 3:17 - General 1 Chronicles 6:19 - Mahli 1 Chronicles 9:14 - of the sons 1 Chronicles 23:6 - Gershon

Verse 58

Numbers 3:17-21, Numbers 16:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:11 - Levi 1 Chronicles 6:19 - Mahli 1 Chronicles 15:9 - Hebron 1 Chronicles 23:6 - Gershon 1 Chronicles 23:12 - sons of Kohath

Verse 59

Exodus 2:1, Exodus 2:2, Exodus 6:20, Leviticus 18:12

Reciprocal: Exodus 2:4 - General Exodus 2:7 - General Exodus 15:20 - sister Numbers 20:1 - Miriam 1 Chronicles 23:13 - The sons

Verse 60

Numbers 3:2, Numbers 3:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:23 - Nadab 1 Chronicles 24:1 - The sons

Verse 61

Numbers 3:4, Leviticus 10:1, Leviticus 10:2, 1 Chronicles 24:1, 1 Chronicles 24:2

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:23 - Nadab Exodus 28:1 - Nadab

Verse 62

those that: Numbers 1:49, Numbers 3:39, Numbers 4:27, Numbers 4:48, Numbers 18:20-24, Numbers 35:2-8, Deuteronomy 10:9, Deuteronomy 14:27-29, Deuteronomy 18:1, Deuteronomy 18:2, Joshua 13:14, Joshua 13:33, Joshua 14:3

they were not: Numbers 1:49

because: Numbers 18:20-24, Numbers 35:2-8, Deuteronomy 10:9, Deuteronomy 14:27-29, Deuteronomy 18:1, Deuteronomy 18:2, Joshua 13:14, Joshua 13:33, Joshua 14:3

Reciprocal: Numbers 3:15 - General Deuteronomy 10:22 - as the stars Joshua 21:41 - forty

Verse 63

Numbers 26:3

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:2 - Take ye the sum Numbers 21:20 - country Numbers 35:1 - General

Verse 64

Numbers 1:1 - Numbers 2:34, Deuteronomy 2:14, Deuteronomy 2:15, Deuteronomy 4:3, Deuteronomy 4:4, 1 Corinthians 10:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:2 - Take ye the sum Numbers 1:44 - General Numbers 14:23 - Surely they shall not see Numbers 14:28 - As truly Numbers 14:29 - all that were Numbers 14:31 - little ones Numbers 26:51 - General Numbers 27:3 - died in the Numbers 32:11 - from twenty Numbers 32:13 - until all Joshua 5:4 - All the Psalms 78:33 - days Ezekiel 20:15 - I lifted Hebrews 3:17 - was it

Verse 65

They shall: Numbers 14:23, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:28-30, Numbers 14:35, Numbers 14:38, Exodus 12:37, Deuteronomy 2:14, Deuteronomy 2:15, Deuteronomy 32:49, Deuteronomy 32:50, Psalms 90:3-7, Romans 11:22, 1 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Hebrews 3:17, Hebrews 3:18, Jude 1:5

save Caleb: Numbers 14:30, Numbers 14:38

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:17 - surely Genesis 35:11 - a nation Numbers 3:17 - Gershon Numbers 13:6 - Caleb Numbers 26:51 - General Numbers 27:3 - died in the Numbers 32:11 - from twenty Numbers 32:12 - for Numbers 34:19 - Caleb Deuteronomy 1:36 - Caleb Deuteronomy 1:38 - Joshua Joshua 5:4 - All the 2 Kings 1:4 - but shalt Psalms 78:33 - days Ezekiel 3:18 - I say Ezekiel 20:15 - I lifted Hosea 9:12 - not John 6:49 - and are Hebrews 3:16 - some