King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:36 Mean?
“And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.”
Numbers 26:36 · KJV
Context
34
These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
35
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
36
And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
37
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
38
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites—Eran (עֵרָן, 'watchful/aroused') is the only sub-clan of Ephraim detailed, suggesting special significance. As Shuthelah's son, Eran represents Joshua's direct ancestral line (1 Chronicles 7:25-27). The name 'watchful' is providentially appropriate for the clan producing Israel's military commander who would 'watch' over the Conquest.
This single verse on a sub-clan might seem trivial, but it establishes Joshua's genealogical credentials before he leads Israel. Just as Judah's line was carefully preserved to validate Messiah's descent, Ephraim's line through Shuthelah and Eran validated Joshua's authority. The Eranites' 'watchfulness' would be essential in the coming warfare—reconnaissance, vigilance, strategic awareness. Genealogy isn't mere list-making; it's leadership verification.
This single verse on a sub-clan might seem trivial, but it establishes Joshua's genealogical credentials before he leads Israel. Just as Judah's line was carefully preserved to validate Messiah's descent, Ephraim's line through Shuthelah and Eran validated Joshua's authority. The Eranites' 'watchfulness' would be essential in the coming warfare—reconnaissance, vigilance, strategic awareness. Genealogy isn't mere list-making; it's leadership verification.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The Eranites' prominence through Joshua made them significant in Ephraim's military structure. Joshua's home city of Timnath-serah (Joshua 19:50) likely became an Eranite center. This clan's preservation through the census ensured they could claim their inheritance in Ephraim's hill country, near what became the religious center at Shiloh.
Reflection Questions
- How does the meaning 'watchful' assigned to Joshua's clan encourage us to see God's providential preparation in our family histories?
- What does the brief mention of Eran amid lengthy genealogies teach about how God values quality over quantity in preserving significant lineages?
- How might 'watchfulness' as a clan characteristic challenge modern Christianity's sometimes casual approach to spiritual vigilance?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsבְּנֵ֣י2 of 6
“And these are the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 6
“the family”
H4940a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 26:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.