Wesley Corpus

One whole family of that tribe, (Ohad mentioned Exo 6:15) was extinct in the wilderness. Some think most of the twenty four thousand, cut off by the plague for the iniquity of Peor, were of that tribe. For Zimri, a ring - leader in that iniquity, was a prince of that tribe. Simeon is not mentioned in Moses's blessing, Deu 33:1 - 29. And the lot of that tribe in Canaan was inconsiderable, only a canton out of Judah's lot, Jos 19:9. Children of Gad - Fewer by above five thousand than there were in their last numbering. The families of Judah - About two thousand more than they were, Nu 1:27, whereas the foregoing tribes were all diminished. Fifty two thousand and seven hundred - Whereas they were but thirty two thousand and two hundred, in Nu 1:35. So they are now increased above twenty thousand, according to that prophecy, Gen 49:22. The sons of Benjamin - Who were ten, Gen 46:21, whereof only five are here mentioned, the rest probably, together with their families, being extinct. Threescore and four thousand and four hundred - All from one son and family, whereas of Benjamin who had ten sons, and five families, there were only forty five thousand and six hundred, to shew that the increase of families depends singly upon God's blessing and good pleasure. These were the numbered - Very nigh as many as there were before, Nu 1:46. So wisely and marvellously did God at the same time manifest his justice in cutting off so vast a number; his mercy in giving such a speedy and numerous supply; and his truth in both. The land shall be divided - The land was divided into nine parts and an half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part. Of names - Of persons, the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several families, to some more, to some less, according to the number of the persons of each family.