“Of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament and focuses on the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 26, the Israelites are nearing the end of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and Moses is instructed by God to conduct a census of the new generation of Israelites.
Explanation:
In Numbers 26:39, the verse mentions two family names: the Shuthalhites and the Bachrites. These family names were derived from two individuals mentioned earlier in the chapter. Shuthelah was the son of Ephraim, who was the son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Becher, on the other hand, was the son of Benjamin, who was also a son of Jacob.
The purpose of the census was to count the number of men who were eligible for military service within each tribe. This was important because the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land and needed to know the size and strength of their fighting force. By recording the family names, the census allowed for the identification of each individual’s ancestral line, ensuring the preservation of tribal inheritance.
Though this verse may appear to be a simple record of family names, it serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The descendants of these individuals were part of the new generation that would eventually inherit the land promised to their forefathers. It also highlights the significance of lineage and the importance of keeping track of family histories within the Israelite community.
Overall, Numbers 26:39 provides valuable historical information about the descendants of Shuthelah and Becher, while also emphasising the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises and the importance of preserving tribal identities within the Israelite community.
