Numbers 26:42 - 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.

Generated Verse: Numbers 26:42

What does "Numbers 26:42" mean?


This verse from Numbers 26:42 is a straightforward statement about the lineage of the tribe of Dan as it's being recorded in a census. Let's break it down:

"These are the sons of Dan after their families:" This indicates that the following list will outline the different family groups that trace their descent back to Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel).
"of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites." This identifies Shuham as the primary (or perhaps only surviving) son of Dan at this point. All descendants of Dan are now traced through Shuham, and they are called "Shuhamites."
"These are the families of Dan after their families." This is a summary statement, reiterating that the preceding information outlines the family structure of the tribe of Dan based on their ancestral lineage.

Key takeaways:

Census: This verse is part of a larger census being taken in Numbers 26 to count the people of Israel and organize them by their tribal affiliations. This information was important for dividing the land of Canaan after they entered it.
Lineage: The verse emphasizes the importance of tracing lineage back to Dan, establishing identity and inheritance rights within the tribe.
Shuham: The fact that the entire tribe of Dan is listed through Shuham suggests that other sons of Dan may have died or not had surviving male descendants by this time, or the account may be selective. Shuham is the one who carries on the Danite family line.
Tribal Identity: Maintaining the structure and identity of each tribe was crucial for social order, military organization, and the distribution of land.

In essence, this verse provides a snapshot of the tribe of Dan at this particular point in their history, showing that their lineage is primarily traced through Shuham and his descendants, who are collectively known as the Shuhamites.

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