Numbers 26:28
The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֥י
The sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
The sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 5
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
after their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 5
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
Historical Context
This second census (ca. 1406 BC) occurred 38 years after the first census at Sinai (Numbers 1). Joseph's tribes received the most fertile land in Canaan—Ephraim in central hill country, Manasseh on both sides of the Jordan. Their prominence continued through Joshua (an Ephraimite) and later kings like Jeroboam I.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joseph's double portion reflect God's sovereignty in overturning natural birth order for redemptive purposes?
- What does the division between Ephraim and Manasseh teach about God's long-term providence in fulfilling Jacob's prophetic blessing?
- How do these census numbers foreshadow the later tensions between Judah and Joseph/Ephraim in Israel's divided kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim (בְּנֵי יוֹסֵף)—Joseph's tribal inheritance was uniquely divided between his two sons, fulfilling Jacob's deathbed adoption and blessing (Genesis 48:5). This gave Joseph a double portion (חֵלֶק הַבְּכוֹרָה), the birthright forfeited by Reuben, making Joseph's descendants the most numerous and powerful tribal bloc.
The census lists Manasseh first despite Ephraim's precedence in blessing, reflecting Manasseh's larger population (52,700 vs 32,500). Together they totaled 85,200, nearly matching Judah's 76,500. This prominence foreshadows the northern kingdom's later dominance under Ephraim's leadership, while also pointing to Messiah's coming through Judah—sovereignty trumps size.