“Of Jokim came the family of the Jokims: of Shuham came the family of the Shuhamites: of Hupham came the family of the Huphamites.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and it primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. It contains various censuses, laws, and accounts of the Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness.
Genealogical Record: Numbers 26 provides a detailed genealogical record of the descendants of Israel, commonly known as the “census of the new generation.” This chapter accounts for the new generation that arose during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.
Lineage of Jokim: In verse 26, it mentions the family of Jokim. Jokim was one of the descendants of Israel, who were counted among the new generation. The verse highlights that the family of the Jokims descended from Jokim himself.
The Shuhamites and Huphamites: Additionally, the verse mentions the families of the Shuhamites and the Huphamites. These families were derived from Shuham and Hupham, who were also among the descendants of Israel. Their descendants formed separate families and clans within the overall Israelite community.
Importance of Genealogy: Genealogical records were significant in ancient Israel as they established a person’s ancestral lineage and inheritance rights. These records were vital for identifying tribal affiliations, maintaining family histories, and fulfilling various prophecies and promises made to the Israelites.
God’s Faithfulness: This verse is a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Israel. Despite the challenges and the forty years of wandering, God preserved and multiplied the new generation, allowing them to inherit the Promised Land.
Personal Application: While this verse primarily focuses on the genealogical record, we can also draw some practical lessons from it. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and appreciating our roots, heritage, and ancestry. It encourages us to honor and respect our family history, understanding that we are part of a broader narrative of God’s faithfulness throughout generations.
Overall, Numbers 26:26 emphasizes the genealogical lineage within the Israelite community and serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving and multiplying the descendants of Israel.
