What does Numbers 26:13 mean?

"Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites." - Numbers 26:13

Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."

Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."

Numbers 26:13 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites." This verse is part of a genealogical record found in the book of Numbers, which details the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. The purpose of this genealogy is to determine the inheritance of the promised land among the tribes of Israel. However, within this seemingly mundane list of names, there are deeper themes and spiritual truths that can be gleaned.

The genealogies found in the Bible are more than just lists of names and lineages; they serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His fulfillment of His promises. In the case of Numbers 26:13, the mention of Zerah and Shaul signifies the continuation of the family lines of Israel. This reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make their descendants into a great nation. The inclusion of these names may seem insignificant on the surface, but it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His chosen people and His sovereignty over their lives.

Furthermore, the mention of Zerah and Shaul in this genealogy also points to the theme of individual significance within the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. While these names may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of the biblical narrative, they represent real individuals who were part of God's plan for His people. This serves as a reminder that each person has a unique and valuable role to play in God's greater purpose, no matter how seemingly insignificant their contribution may appear.

In addition to these themes, the context of Numbers 26:13 is significant in understanding its meaning within the broader narrative of the book of Numbers. This verse is located within a section of the book that records the second census of Israel, which was conducted in the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the promised land. This census serves as a method of organizing the tribes and preparing for the distribution of the land among them. Therefore, Numbers 26:13 can be seen as part of the larger narrative of God's fulfillment of His promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Israel. It highlights the orderly and strategic preparation that God orchestrated in order to fulfill His covenant with His people.

Symbolically, the mention of Zerah and Shaul in Numbers 26:13 can also be seen as representing the continuity of God's plan throughout generations. The family lines and descendants of Israel are a tangible sign of God's ongoing relationship with His people and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. These names are not just arbitrary labels, but represent the living and breathing individuals who were part of God's unfolding plan for redemption.

In conclusion, Numbers 26:13 may appear to be a simple and unremarkable verse within the larger context of the book of Numbers. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals important themes of God's faithfulness, the significance of individual lives within His plan, and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the lives of His people and His orderly and strategic preparation for the fulfillment of His covenant. This verse, like all genealogical records in the Bible, symbolizes the continuity of God's plan throughout generations and the importance of each individual in His redemptive work.

Numbers 26:13 Artwork

Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."

Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."

Numbers 26:8 - "And the sons of Pallu; Eliab."

Numbers 26:8 - "And the sons of Pallu; Eliab."

Numbers 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."

Numbers 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."

Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."

Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."

Numbers 13:13 - "Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael."

Numbers 13:13 - "Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael."

Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."

Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."

Numbers 26:52 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 26:52 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 26:36 - "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."

Numbers 26:36 - "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."

Numbers 26:49 - "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."

Numbers 26:49 - "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."

Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"

Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"

Numbers 26:6 - "Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites."

Numbers 26:6 - "Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites."

Numbers 26:24 - "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites."

Numbers 26:24 - "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites."

Numbers 26:39 - "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."

Numbers 26:39 - "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."

Numbers 26:17 - "Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites."

Numbers 26:17 - "Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites."

Numbers 26:26 - "¶ Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites."

Numbers 26:26 - "¶ Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites."

Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."

Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."

Numbers 13:26 - "¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land."

Numbers 13:26 - "¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land."

Numbers 26:16 - "Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:"

Numbers 26:16 - "Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:"

Numbers 7:26 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"

Numbers 7:26 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"

Numbers 26:60 - "And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."

Numbers 26:60 - "And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."

Numbers 26:53 - "Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names."

Numbers 26:53 - "Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names."

Numbers 26:14 - "These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred."

Numbers 26:14 - "These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred."

Numbers 26:28 - "¶ The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim."

Numbers 26:28 - "¶ The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim."

Numbers 14:26 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Numbers 14:26 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Numbers 34:26 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan."

Numbers 34:26 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan."

Numbers 1:13 - "Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Numbers 1:13 - "Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Numbers 10:26 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Numbers 10:26 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Numbers 26:45 - "Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites."

Numbers 26:45 - "Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites."

Numbers 26:30 - "These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:"

Numbers 26:30 - "These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:"

Numbers 13:6 - "Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."

Numbers 13:6 - "Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."