“And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains a census of the Israelites, laws and regulations, and various historical accounts.
The Tribe of Manasseh:Numbers 26 records a census conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest in the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This verse specifically mentions two families within the tribe of Manasseh: the Asrielites and the Shechemites.
The Asrielites:The Asrielites were a family descended from Asriel, who was one of the sons of Manasseh. Manasseh was one of the twelve sons of Joseph, who was sold into slavery in Egypt but eventually rose to a position of power. After being reunited with his family, Joseph’s descendants, including Manasseh, became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Shechemites:The Shechemites were another family within the tribe of Manasseh. They were descended from Shechem, who was also one of the sons of Manasseh. Shechem was named after the city of Shechem, which played a significant role in the history of the Israelites. It was in Shechem that Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, avenged their sister Dinah’s violation (Genesis 34).
Significance:The mention of these families highlights the importance of maintaining records and lineage within the Israelite community. The census helped determine the number of eligible men for military service and the division of the Promised Land among the tribes. It also served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make their descendants as numerous as the stars.
