· Translation: KJV

Numbers 26:42These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.

The setting

Plains of Moab, ~1406 BC. Dan's census reveals they have only one major family clan, unlike other tribes with multiple clans. A reminder that size doesn't determine significance, modern-day Jordan Valley.

The emotion here: wonder at how God multiplies the seemingly insignificant into mighty nations

The original word

echad (אֶחָד) — one, unity, the same word used for 'God is one' in the Shema

Why it matters

Dan started with one son but became the second largest tribe at 64,400 men, showing God's multiplication power

Read with care

What most readers miss in Numbers 26:42

Dan means 'judge' - from one son came the tribe that would produce Samson and judge Israel

Common misconceptionPeople assume bigger families or tribes were more blessed, but Dan shows God's power to multiply from the smallest beginnings.

Bible Genome reading

Numbers 26:42 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerNarrator
Eraexodus
Primary emotionresting
Literary typegenealogy

Emotional genome

Comfort power30%
Quotability10%
Memorability20%
Crisis relevance10%
Standalone20%
Themes:tribal identitygenealogy

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Numbers 26

Numbers 26:42 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the genealogy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include tribal identity, genealogy. Notable phrases: sons of Dan; family of the Shuhamites.

Your reflection

What does Numbers 26:42 mean to you, today?

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