This verse portrays the familial structure of Manasseh’s descendants and points to Israel’s method of preserving inheritance rights and responsibilities in the Promised Land.
Numbers 26:29 is set within a larger genealogical census of the Israelites, tracing their families and tribes for the purposes of land allocation and inheritance. The verse states: “The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begot Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.” (Numbers 26:29) This description underscores how lines of descent were formally recognized, emphasizing each family unit’s significance in receiving a portion of the Promised Land. Manasseh, who lived in approximately the 19th century B.C., was one of the sons of Joseph (son of the patriarch Jacob), and he became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. By listing these specific names—Manasseh, Machir, and Gilead—this verse reveals a careful record of Israel’s tribal branches, reflecting the importance of heritage among the people of God.
When we see “Machir begot Gilead” (Numbers 26:29), it serves as a reminder that the family of Machir was recognized as a distinct group, the Machirites, as well as the family of Gilead, the Gileadites. Geographically, Gilead was the region located east of the Jordan River, a fertile area that later served as a significant territory for several Israelite tribes. This points to how the organization of the tribal census was also practical: each family needed to understand specifically where they would settle and how they would maintain their inheritance.
In a broader biblical context, genealogical records often highlight the continuity of God’s covenant promises from generation to generation. While this verse focuses on an ancestral line within the tribe of Manasseh, such lineage lines hint at the overall story of Israel that will eventually lead to the promises fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17). These genealogies confirm that God’s covenant extends over centuries and that His faithfulness to His people is unwavering throughout history.
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Numbers 26:29 meaning
Numbers 26:29 is set within a larger genealogical census of the Israelites, tracing their families and tribes for the purposes of land allocation and inheritance. The verse states: “The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begot Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.” (Numbers 26:29) This description underscores how lines of descent were formally recognized, emphasizing each family unit’s significance in receiving a portion of the Promised Land. Manasseh, who lived in approximately the 19th century B.C., was one of the sons of Joseph (son of the patriarch Jacob), and he became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. By listing these specific names—Manasseh, Machir, and Gilead—this verse reveals a careful record of Israel’s tribal branches, reflecting the importance of heritage among the people of God.
When we see “Machir begot Gilead” (Numbers 26:29), it serves as a reminder that the family of Machir was recognized as a distinct group, the Machirites, as well as the family of Gilead, the Gileadites. Geographically, Gilead was the region located east of the Jordan River, a fertile area that later served as a significant territory for several Israelite tribes. This points to how the organization of the tribal census was also practical: each family needed to understand specifically where they would settle and how they would maintain their inheritance.
In a broader biblical context, genealogical records often highlight the continuity of God’s covenant promises from generation to generation. While this verse focuses on an ancestral line within the tribe of Manasseh, such lineage lines hint at the overall story of Israel that will eventually lead to the promises fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17). These genealogies confirm that God’s covenant extends over centuries and that His faithfulness to His people is unwavering throughout history.