Numbers 26:25 - These are the families of Issachar according to those who were counted of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred.

Generated Verse: Numbers 26:25

What does "Numbers 26:25" mean?


Numbers 26:25 is a census record. Let's break down what it means within the context of the chapter and the book of Numbers:

"These are the families of Issachar...": This introduces a summary of the tribal breakdown of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel (descendants of Jacob/Israel). In this chapter, Numbers 26, Moses and Eleazar the priest are taking a second census of the Israelite people.

"...according to those who were counted of them...": This clarifies that the following number represents the total number of men age 20 and older who were fit for military service in the tribe of Issachar. This census was taken to determine the size of each tribe for the purpose of land allocation in Canaan after the conquest.

"...sixty-four thousand three hundred.": This is the total number of men in the tribe of Issachar who were counted in the census.

In essence, the verse is stating that the tribe of Issachar, as counted in this census, consisted of 64,300 men of fighting age.

Significance and Context:

Census for Land Allocation: This census was vital for determining how the land of Canaan would be divided among the tribes. Larger tribes would receive larger portions.

Military Strength: The census also provided information about the military strength of each tribe.

Historical Record: It serves as a historical record of the Israelite people at this point in their journey from Egypt to Canaan.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some interpret these census records as fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous.

It's important to remember that these numbers are understood within the context of ancient record-keeping and may not align perfectly with modern demographic methods.

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