Numbers 26:21
And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְנֵי
And the sons
H1121
בְנֵי
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 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
לְחֶצְרֹ֕ן
were of Hezron
H2696
לְחֶצְרֹ֕ן
were of Hezron
Strong's:
H2696
Word #:
4 of 9
chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 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
הַֽחֶצְרֹנִ֑י
of the Hezronites
H2697
הַֽחֶצְרֹנִ֑י
of the Hezronites
Strong's:
H2697
Word #:
6 of 9
a chetsronite or (collectively) descendants of chetsron
Historical Context
Hezron was born in Canaan before the descent to Egypt (Genesis 46:12) and likely died in Egypt. His son Ram continued the line through the Egyptian bondage, emerging with Amminadab and Nahshon at the Exodus. This genealogical continuity demonstrates God's preservation of the messianic seed through four centuries of slavery.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the census single out Pharez's subdivision when other tribes stop at the second generation, and what does this reveal about God's redemptive plan?
- How does Hezron's name ('enclosed') and position in the genealogy picture God's protective preservation of the messianic line through hostile circumstances?
- What does the prominence of Pharez over Shelah (Judah's legitimate son by Bathshua) teach about God's sovereign election based on grace rather than human merit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Pharez were; of Hezron...of Hamul—Judah's genealogy uniquely extends to a third generation, listing Pharez's sons Hezron and Hamul. Hezron (חֶצְרוֹן, 'enclosed' or 'courtyard') became the ancestor of the Hezronites, the clan that produced Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, and eventually David (Ruth 4:18-22). This makes Hezron a critical link in the messianic genealogy.
The subdivision into mishpachōṯ (family clans) within Pharez's line emphasizes its dominance within Judah—the royal line would emerge from Hezron, not Shelah or Zerah. Hamul (חָמוּל, 'spared' or 'pitied') represents divine mercy preserving Judah's line despite the Er/Onan judgments. No other tribe receives this three-generation detail, highlighting Judah's messianic significance.