Numbers 26:18
These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 9
a 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
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֖ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֖ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
4 of 9
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
H6485
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
Historical Context
This census occurred approximately 38 years after the first (Numbers 1), measuring the second generation who would conquer Canaan. The population decline served as sobering testimony to divine judgment—those who rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea died in the wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua survived from the first generation of fighting men.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Gad's population decline teach about the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and corporate sin?
- How does God's continued use of Gad despite their reduced numbers demonstrate that faithfulness matters more than strength?
- In what ways do census numbers in Scripture serve both practical (land distribution) and theological (judgment/blessing) purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Forty thousand and five hundred (אַרְבָּעִים אֶלֶף וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת)—Gad's census total shows a dramatic decrease of 5,150 men from the first census (45,650 in Numbers 1:25). This decline likely resulted from plague judgments during the wilderness rebellions, particularly Korah's rebellion (ch. 16) and Baal-Peor's immorality (ch. 25). Only Simeon suffered a larger percentage loss.
The phrase according to those that were numbered (le-pheqūdehem) emphasizes precision—this wasn't estimation but exact military registry of males twenty years and older. Despite population decline, Gad still fielded a substantial army, demonstrating that God's purposes don't depend on numerical superiority (cf. Gideon's 300).