Numbers 26:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 26:42
42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
Chapter Context
Numbers 26 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, sacrifice. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-65: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 26:42
42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
Analysis
Of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites—Dan's census records only one surviving family line (שׁוּחָם), though Genesis 46:23 mentions Hushim. Either Shuham and Hushim are variant names for the same son, or other sons died without descendants. Dan's single clan grew remarkably: 64,400 men, making it the second-largest tribe. From one seed came a multitude—God's blessing doesn't depend on multiple starting points.
The repetition These are the families of Dan after their families (מִשְׁפְּחֹת דָּן) emphasizes tribal completeness despite minimal subdivision. Quality over quantity in lineages: one faithful line can become a mighty nation.
Historical Context
Dan descended from Rachel's handmaid Bilhah. Though Rachel's direct son Joseph produced two tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh), her handmaid's son produced the second-largest single tribe. This census occurred 38 years after the first (Numbers 1), where Dan numbered 62,700—an increase of 1,700 despite wilderness judgments.
Reflection
- How does Dan's growth from one family line demonstrate that God measures blessing by faithfulness, not by initial advantages?
- What does the preservation of single lineages teach about God's ability to multiply the remnant?
- How might Dan's increase despite limited family structure encourage those from small or broken family backgrounds?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 46:23