God’s faithfulness to the tribe of Ephraim is affirmed through this census of distinct family branches.
In the middle of a census recounting Israel’s tribes, the text states, “These are the sons of Ephraim by their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.” (v.35). Here the LORD lists the familial lines stemming from Ephraim, the second son of Joseph who lived around the nineteenth century BC. Joseph himself was sold into slavery in Egypt, rose to power, and ultimately brought his family into Egypt (Genesis 37-50). By the time of the wilderness wanderings, Ephraim’s descendants had multiplied and formed a recognizable segment of Israel’s tribal structure. The names Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan reflected distinct familial clans within Ephraim, revealing the importance of preserving each family’s heritage.
In broader biblical history, Ephraim was granted special favor despite being the younger son of Joseph, supplanting his older brother Manasseh in the blessing of their grandfather Jacob (Genesis 48:5-20). This set the stage for Ephraim’s tribe to hold prominence in the Promised Land, ultimately dwelling in central Canaan, an area known for its rich pasturelands and strategic location. The census in Numbers 26 ensured knowledge of how many men of fighting age each family possessed, providing preparation for entering Canaan and underscoring how God’s covenant promises remained active through every generation.
Ephraim’s detailed lineage in this passage also highlights how the LORD’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob carried into the lines of Joseph’s children. Genealogies like this established each family’s right to an inheritance, emphasizing that the promise made to their forefathers continued in force. It also points to the way each Israelite clan was precious in God’s eyes, woven into His redemptive plan for all of Israel.
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Numbers 26:35 meaning
In the middle of a census recounting Israel’s tribes, the text states, “These are the sons of Ephraim by their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.” (v.35). Here the LORD lists the familial lines stemming from Ephraim, the second son of Joseph who lived around the nineteenth century BC. Joseph himself was sold into slavery in Egypt, rose to power, and ultimately brought his family into Egypt (Genesis 37-50). By the time of the wilderness wanderings, Ephraim’s descendants had multiplied and formed a recognizable segment of Israel’s tribal structure. The names Shuthelah, Becher, and Tahan reflected distinct familial clans within Ephraim, revealing the importance of preserving each family’s heritage.
In broader biblical history, Ephraim was granted special favor despite being the younger son of Joseph, supplanting his older brother Manasseh in the blessing of their grandfather Jacob (Genesis 48:5-20). This set the stage for Ephraim’s tribe to hold prominence in the Promised Land, ultimately dwelling in central Canaan, an area known for its rich pasturelands and strategic location. The census in Numbers 26 ensured knowledge of how many men of fighting age each family possessed, providing preparation for entering Canaan and underscoring how God’s covenant promises remained active through every generation.
Ephraim’s detailed lineage in this passage also highlights how the LORD’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob carried into the lines of Joseph’s children. Genealogies like this established each family’s right to an inheritance, emphasizing that the promise made to their forefathers continued in force. It also points to the way each Israelite clan was precious in God’s eyes, woven into His redemptive plan for all of Israel.