Numbers 26:5
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
son of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
son of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of whom cometh the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of whom cometh the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
7 of 11
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
הַֽחֲנֹכִ֔י
of the Hanochites
H2599
הַֽחֲנֹכִ֔י
of the Hanochites
Strong's:
H2599
Word #:
8 of 11
a chanokite (collectively) or descendants of chanok
Cross References
1 Chronicles 5:3The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.Exodus 6:14These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.1 Chronicles 5:1Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.
Historical Context
Reuben lost his birthright privileges but retained numerical priority in tribal listings. The Reubenite families descended from Jacob's four grandsons through Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. This census occurred approximately 250 years after Jacob's family entered Egypt with these same ancestral names (Genesis 46).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuben's loss of birthright yet continued inclusion in the covenant community reveal both divine justice and mercy?
- What does the careful preservation of family lineages teach about God's attention to detail in fulfilling His promises?
- How does your spiritual heritage connect you to the broader story of God's covenant faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel (רְאוּבֵן בְּכוֹר יִשְׂרָאֵל)—the census begins with Reuben by birthright, though he forfeited leadership privileges through sexual sin with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). The enumeration of mishpachot (families/clans) preserves tribal genealogical records essential for land inheritance.
The listing of Reubenite families—Hanoch... Pallu—roots this census in Jacob's historical sons from Genesis 46:9. This genealogical continuity demonstrates God's faithfulness across generations: the promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5) to make his descendants numerous is being fulfilled despite 40 years of wilderness wandering and judgment. Each family name represents covenant preservation through centuries of slavery and desert sojourn.