Numbers 26:32 - and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

Generated Verse: Numbers 26:32

What does "Numbers 26:32" mean?


This verse from Numbers 26:32 is part of a census of the Israelite tribes taken after a plague. It lists specific family groups within the tribe of Manasseh. Let's break it down:

"and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites..."
Shemida was a descendant of Manasseh (likely a son or grandson).
"The family of the Shemidaites" refers to all the people who descended from Shemida. They formed a distinct clan or family group within the tribe of Manasseh.

"and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."
Hepher was another descendant of Manasseh (also likely a son or grandson).
"The family of the Hepherites" refers to all the people who descended from Hepher. They constituted a separate clan or family group within the tribe of Manasseh.

Significance:

Genealogy and Identity: The verse highlights the importance of genealogy in ancient Israelite society. Knowing your lineage determined your identity, your land inheritance, and your social standing.
Organization: The census reveals how the tribes were organized into smaller family units. This structure likely played a role in military organization, land allocation, and social support.
Historical Record: The verse provides a snapshot of the population of Manasseh at that time. It gives us insight into who the prominent families were.
Land Inheritance: Later in the book of Numbers (chapter 27), we see the daughters of Zelophehad (who was from the family of Hepher) petitioning for their father's inheritance because he had no sons. This connection underscores how these genealogical records were directly tied to land rights.

In short, this verse is a small piece of a larger census designed to enumerate the Israelite people by tribe and family group. It emphasizes the importance of lineage, social organization, and ultimately, the allocation of land in the Promised Land.

What categories does "Numbers 26:32" have?