Numbers 26:5

5 The tribe of Reuben, the first son born to Israel, was counted. From Hanoch came the Hanochite family group; from Pallu came the Palluite family group;

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 Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke to the people on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River, across from Jericho. They said,

4 "Count the men twenty years old or older, as the Lord commanded Moses."

5 The tribe of Reuben, the first son born to Israel, was counted. From Hanoch came the Hanochite family group; from Pallu came the Palluite family group;

6 from Hezron came the Hezronite family group; from Carmi came the Carmite family group.

7 These were the family groups of Reuben, and the total number of men was 43,730.