To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.
NUMBERS 26:54KJVWhat does Numbers 26:54 mean?
Numbers 26:54 explains that the amount of land each tribe of Israel would receive as an inheritance depended on the size of the tribe: larger tribes would get more land, and smaller tribes would get less. Each tribe’s portion was to be assigned based on the number of people counted in that tribe.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, following a new census of the people. This verse sets out a fair principle for dividing the land, linking the size of each tribe to the land they would receive, and showing that the distribution was to be proportional and orderly, not random or based on favoritism.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:54
- "many" (רַב, rav): This word means "many" or "numerous," and it highlights that larger groups would receive a larger share.
- "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to the portion of land given to each tribe, emphasizing that the land was a lasting possession passed down through generations.
- "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means "counted" or "registered," showing that the census numbers directly determined each tribe’s share.
Why Numbers 26:54 matters
- Numbers 26:54 clarifies that the land was not divided equally, but proportionally, which helps avoid misunderstandings about fairness in the distribution.
- This verse connects the census in Numbers 26 to its practical purpose: ensuring each tribe received a fitting inheritance based on its actual size.
- The principle set here shows the importance of order and equity in the community, reflecting God’s care for each group according to its needs.