What does Numbers 26:47 mean?
"These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred." - Numbers 26:47
Numbers 26:47 (KJV) reads: "These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred."
This verse is found in the Old Testament book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Bible. The book of Numbers is a historical account of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and it includes detailed records of the census and genealogy of the twelve tribes of Israel. In this particular verse, the focus is on the tribe of Asher and the number of men within that tribe.
The meaning of Numbers 26:47 can be understood on several levels. On a literal level, the verse provides a specific count of the men who belonged to the tribe of Asher at the time the census was taken. This demonstrates the thoroughness and attention to detail with which the Israelites kept track of their tribal identities and lineage.
On a broader level, the verse reflects the importance of genealogy and heritage in the culture and society of the ancient Israelites. The number of men counted in each tribe was significant for several reasons. It determined the size and strength of the tribe, the allocation of land, and the distribution of responsibilities within the community. Additionally, the genealogical record was crucial for maintaining the purity of the bloodline and ensuring the fulfillment of certain prophecies and promises related to specific tribes and families within Israel.
The tribe of Asher, in particular, held a significant place within the twelve tribes of Israel. Asher was one of the sons of Jacob and therefore one of the foundational ancestors of the Israelite people. According to tradition, Asher was born to Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and he became the eponymous ancestor of the tribe of Asher. The territory of Asher was located in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast, and it was known for its rich agricultural land. The tribe of Asher played a role in the history and conquest of the Promised Land, and its significance is reflected in the detailed record of its numbers and lineage in this verse.
Symbolically, the enumeration of the tribes and families in the book of Numbers can also be seen as a reflection of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The meticulous recording of the tribes and their numbers serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites and His commitment to them as His chosen people. It underscores the orderly and intentional manner in which God was guiding and preserving his people through the generations, and it reinforces the idea that God's plan for His people is specific and purposeful.
In conclusion, Numbers 26:47 provides a detailed account of the number of men in the tribe of Asher at a specific point in Israel's history. While the verse may appear to be a simple record of genealogical data, it carries deep meaning in terms of the Israelite society, the significance of tribal identity, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding our heritage and the faithfulness of God in preserving and guiding His people throughout history.
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Numbers 26:47 - "These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred."
"These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred." - Numbers 26:47
Numbers 1:47 - "¶ But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them."
Numbers 33:47 - "And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo."
"¶ But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them." - Numbers 1:47
Numbers 7:47 - "And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel."
Numbers 16:47 - "And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people."
Numbers 3:47 - "Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)"
Matthew 26:47 - "¶ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people."
"And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." - Numbers 33:47
Genesis 47:26 - "And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's."
Numbers 4:47 - "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 26:8 - "And the sons of Pallu; Eliab."
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 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."
Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."
Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."
Numbers 31:47 - "Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."
Israelites taking census in Numbers 26
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 26:53 - "Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names."
Numbers 26:39 - "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."
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 26:49 - "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."
Numbers 26:24 - "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites."
Numbers 26:17 - "Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites."
Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."