This verse is part of a census taken in the book of Numbers, chapter 26. It's a straightforward statement about the size of one specific family or clan within the tribe of Dan:
"All the families of the Shuhamites..." The Shuhamites were a clan or sub-group descended from Shepham, who was one of the sons of Dan (Numbers 26:42).
"...according to those who were counted of them..." This refers to the men within that clan who were counted in the census. This census was specifically for men 20 years of age or older who were able to go to war.
"...were sixty-four thousand four hundred." This is the total number of men, 20 years and older, within the Shuhamite clan that were counted in the census.
In essence, the verse provides a headcount of the men of fighting age in the Shuhamite clan within the tribe of Dan.
Significance:
Population Size: The numbers provide insight into the size and strength of different families and tribes.
Military Potential: This census was directly related to the potential military strength of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Genealogy and Tribal Structure: It shows how the Israelites were organized into tribes, families, and clans, which was important for land allocation, military duties, and social order.
Historical Record: Whether taken literally or with some allowance for symbolic interpretation, the passage provides historical information about the composition of the Israelite tribes.
This verse is part of a census taken in the book of Numbers, chapter 26. It's a straightforward statement about the size of one specific family or clan within the tribe of Dan:
"All the families of the Shuhamites..." The Shuhamites were a clan or sub-group descended from Shepham, who was one of the sons of Dan (Numbers 26:42).
"...according to those who were counted of them..." This refers to the men within that clan who were counted in the census. This census was specifically for men 20 years of age or older who were able to go to war.
"...were sixty-four thousand four hundred." This is the total number of men, 20 years and older, within the Shuhamite clan that were counted in the census.
In essence, the verse provides a headcount of the men of fighting age in the Shuhamite clan within the tribe of Dan.
Significance:
Population Size: The numbers provide insight into the size and strength of different families and tribes.
Military Potential: This census was directly related to the potential military strength of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Genealogy and Tribal Structure: It shows how the Israelites were organized into tribes, families, and clans, which was important for land allocation, military duties, and social order.
Historical Record: Whether taken literally or with some allowance for symbolic interpretation, the passage provides historical information about the composition of the Israelite tribes.
