Numbers 26:38
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בִנְיָמִן֮
of Benjamin
H1144
בִנְיָמִן֮
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
2 of 12
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 12
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
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 12
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
הַבַּלְעִ֔י
of the Belaites
H1108
הַבַּלְעִ֔י
of the Belaites
Strong's:
H1108
Word #:
6 of 12
a belaite (collectively) or descendants of bela
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
8 of 12
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
הָֽאַשְׁבֵּלִ֑י
of the Ashbelites
H789
הָֽאַשְׁבֵּלִ֑י
of the Ashbelites
Strong's:
H789
Word #:
9 of 12
an ashbelite (collectively) or descendant of ashbel
Historical Context
Benjamin's territory, though small (roughly 26 x 12 miles), was strategically vital—containing Jerusalem's northern section, Jericho, Gibeon, and the Benjamin plateau controlling access to the highlands. Their position between Joseph and Judah made them kingmakers in future conflicts. This census occurred just before their greatest military challenge—the Conquest—where their ferocity would prove invaluable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Benjamin's preservation despite their 'ravenous wolf' character demonstrate God's grace toward aggressive, difficult personalities in His covenant people?
- What does the inclusion of potentially pagan-derived names (Ashbel/'man of Baal') teach about God's patience with His people's incomplete sanctification?
- How might Benjamin's pattern—small tribe, fierce reputation, producing both King Saul and Apostle Paul—illustrate Romans 11:29 about irrevocable gifts and callings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites—Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, 'son of the right hand') had five primary clans, reflecting Jacob's prophetic description of Benjamin as a 'ravenous wolf' (Genesis 49:27)—fierce, numerous, and strategically positioned. Bela (בֶּלַע, 'swallowing/destruction') headed the clan, a name suggesting military ferocity.
Ashbel (אַשְׁבֵּל, 'man of Baal' or 'fire of Bel') and Ahiram (אֲחִירָם, 'brother of the exalted') show the clan's ancient roots in pre-monotheistic naming conventions, yet God's covenant preserved them. Benjamin, though smallest tribe (besides decimated Levi), punched above their weight—producing King Saul, the Benjamite 'wolf,' and later Saul of Tarsus who 'ravaged the church' before conversion (Acts 8:3). The census preserves their distinct clans before they nearly perished in the civil war of Judges 19-21.