The Bible verse Numbers 26:43 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that records a census of the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt. In this particular verse, the focus is on the Shuhamites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context in which it is situated. The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites and their preparations for entering the Promised Land. Throughout the book, there are numerous censuses and enumerations of the various tribes and clans that make up the nation of Israel. These censuses serve several purposes, including the organization of the people for military and administrative purposes, as well as the allocation of land once they enter Canaan.

In Numbers 26, the second census of the Israelites is conducted as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census is a reflection of God’s faithfulness to His promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. Each tribe and clan is counted, and their numbers are recorded to ensure the equitable division of the land among the Israelite tribes.

The specific mention of the Shuhamites in Numbers 26:43 serves to highlight the numerical strength and significance of this particular clan within the tribe of Manasseh. The Shuhamites were a part of the larger tribe of Manasseh, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The fact that their numbers are specifically recorded indicates their importance within the broader context of the Israelite nation.

In a broader sense, this verse also reflects the meticulous care with which God oversees His people. Every individual and every family is counted and known by God. This attention to detail emphasizes the value of each person and the importance of community within the nation of Israel.

Moreover, the specific number mentioned in Numbers 26:43, "threescore and four thousand and four hundred," carries symbolic significance. The number 64 represents strength and stability, while the number 400 symbolizes a period of completion or fulfillment. In this way, the numerical value of the Shuhamites serves to underscore their resilience and completeness as a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

From a thematic perspective, this verse reinforces the themes of God’s faithfulness, His sovereignty, and the fulfillment of His promises. The meticulous recording of the numbers reflects the order and precision with which God directs the affairs of His people. It also serves as a reminder that God is intimately acquainted with every aspect of His creation, including the numbering of the Israelite clans.

In conclusion, Numbers 26:43 in the King James Version (KJV) holds symbolic, thematic, and contextual significance within the broader narrative of the book of Numbers. This verse underscores the meticulous care with which God oversees His people and emphasizes the importance of community within the nation of Israel. It also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to His people.