Numbers 26:13

Analysis & Commentary

Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites (זֶרַח, 'rising' or 'shining')—Zerah was one of Simeon's five clan heads listed in this census. The name appears elsewhere in Scripture (Judah's son by Tamar, Genesis 38:30), showing its popularity in Israel.

The verse continues the genealogical pattern, adding Shaul and his descendants. This methodical enumeration serves legal and theological purposes: each family name represents a covenant unit entitled to land inheritance and obligated to covenant faithfulness. The inclusion of smaller clans like the Zarhites alongside larger clans demonstrates God's care for all His people, not merely prominent families. In Christ, this principle finds fulfillment: there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

Historical Context

The Zarhite clan descended from Zerah, son of Simeon and a Canaanite woman (Genesis 46:10, where he's called Zohar). Despite Simeon's overall numerical decline, the individual clan structure remained intact for land distribution purposes. Simeonite cities would be allocated within Judah's territory after the conquest.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the census's inclusion of every clan—large and small—reflect God's valuing of each family within the covenant community?
• What does the preservation of clan identity through 40 years of wilderness wandering reveal about God's faithfulness to families?
• In what ways does the New Testament principle of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28) fulfill and transcend Old Testament tribal distinctions?