“These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.”
Numbers 26:35 provides us with a genealogical record of the sons of Ephraim, who was one of the twelve sons of Joseph. The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. This particular verse is part of a larger census conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest in the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land.
Ephraim: Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph, the son of Jacob. The other son was Manasseh. Ephraim and Manasseh were born to Joseph in Egypt during the time of famine. Ephraim’s descendants eventually became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim was allotted a portion of land in the northern part of Canaan when the Israelites conquered the Promised Land.
Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan: These three names mentioned in the verse represent the founding fathers of significant family clans within the tribe of Ephraim. Each clan formed an extended family unit within the larger tribe. These names indicate the patriarchs of these families and may have represented specific lineages or divisions within the tribe.
It is worth noting that the genealogies mentioned in the book of Numbers and other parts of the Bible served various purposes. They were not only used to keep a record of the descendants of certain individuals or families but also to determine inheritance rights, tribal allocations, and to establish the lineage of important figures, including kings and priests.
While this verse may seem like a simple listing of names, it provides historical context by tracing the lineage of the tribe of Ephraim back to its ancestral roots. Understanding these genealogical records can help us grasp the heritage and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Israelites.
Overall, Numbers 26:35 contributes to the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey, their division into tribes, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with the descendants of Abraham.
