Numbers 26:5

5 Ruben the first-born of Israel: and the sons of Ruben, Enoch, and the family of Enoch; to Phallu belongs the family of the Phalluites.

Numbers 26:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 26:5

Reuben, the eldest son of Israel
the number of his tribe is taken first on that account; there were four families that descended from him, the Hanochite, Palluite, Hesronite, and Carmite, and the number of men from twenty years old and upwards, fit for war, were 43,730; so that, since the last numbering, this tribe was decreased 2770; which may in part be accounted for by the families of Dathan and Abiram being cut off for their rebellion, who were this tribe, and whose affair is briefly related in the following verses, and it may be to point out this unto us.

Numbers 26:5 In-Context

3 And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke in Araboth of Moab at the Jordan by Jericho, saying,

4 from twenty years old and upward as the Lord commanded Moses. And the sons of Israel that came out of Egypt :

5 Ruben the first-born of Israel: and the sons of Ruben, Enoch, and the family of Enoch; to Phallu belongs the family of the Phalluites.

6 To Asron, the family of Asroni: to Charmi, the family of Charmi.

7 These the families of Ruben; and their numbering was forty-three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.