Bamidbar 26:5

5 Reuven, the Bechor Yisroel: the Bnei Reuven; Chanoch, of whom cometh the Mishpakhat HaChanochi; of Pallu, the Mishpakhat HaPallu’i;

Bamidbar 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.

Bamidbar 26:5 In-Context

3 And Moshe and Eleazar HaKohen spoke with them in the arevot Mo’av (plains of Moav) by Yarden near Yericho, saying,

4 Take the census of the people, from twenty years old and upward, just as Hashem commanded Moshe and the Bnei Yisroel, which went forth out of Eretz Mitzrayim.

5 Reuven, the Bechor Yisroel: the Bnei Reuven; Chanoch, of whom cometh the Mishpakhat HaChanochi; of Pallu, the Mishpakhat HaPallu’i;

6 Of Chetzron, Mishpakhat HaChetzroni; of Carmi, the Mishpakhat HaCaremi.

7 These are the Mishpekhot HaReuveni; and they that were numbered of them were 43,730.