Numbers 26:31
And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 6
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
הָֽאַשְׂרִֽאֵלִ֑י
of the Asrielites
H845
הָֽאַשְׂרִֽאֵלִ֑י
of the Asrielites
Strong's:
H845
Word #:
3 of 6
an asrielite (collectively) or descendant of asriel
וְשֶׁ֕כֶם
and of Shechem
H7928
וְשֶׁ֕כֶם
and of Shechem
Strong's:
H7928
Word #:
4 of 6
shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites
Historical Context
Shechem sat in the strategic pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where Moses commanded blessing and cursing to be proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27). The Shechemites' tribal connection to this pivotal city gave them prominence despite the city's checkered past. Abimelech, Gideon's son, later made Shechem his headquarters (Judges 9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's redemption of the 'Shechem' name from massacre to covenant site demonstrate His power to redeem our worst family failures?
- What does the inclusion of clans with morally complex namesakes teach about grace in genealogy and church membership?
- How might Asriel's name ('vow of God') challenge us to see our family identity as bound by divine oath rather than human achievement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites—Asriel (אַשְׂרִיאֵל, 'vow of God' or 'upright toward God') and Shechem (שְׁכֶם, 'shoulder/ridge') carry theological weight. Asriel's name suggests covenant loyalty, while Shechem's connection to the city where Abraham first built an altar (Genesis 12:6) and where Jacob's sons committed massacre (Genesis 34) creates complex typology.
That Manasseh had a Shechemite clan while the city itself sat in Ephraim's territory (Joshua 20:7) illustrates inter-tribal complexity. Shechem became a Levitical city and refuge, site of covenant renewal under Joshua (Joshua 24), and later Jeroboam's first capital. This clan name thus carries both shame (Dinah's violation) and glory (covenant renewal)—Scripture's refusal to whitewash family history.