Book of Numbers - Chapter 26 - Verse 43

The verse "All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred" is found in the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. This verse is part of a larger passage detailing the census of the Israelites in the wilderness. The Shuhamites were one of the families descended from Shuham, who was a son of Abraham and Keturah. The number given in the verse represents the total count of men who were of Shuhamite descent and were eligible for military service. This detailed record keeping was important for the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness, ensuring that each family knew their place and role within the community. By understanding the significance of this verse, readers can gain insight into the organization and structure of the Israelite community during this time period, as well as the meticulous attention to detail in recording their history and lineage.

In this verse from Numbers 26:43, the mention of the Shuhamites brings up a group of people not often highlighted in scripture. The Shuhamites were descendants of Shuham, the son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2). The numbering of the Shuhamite families in this verse reveals that they were a sizable group, totaling 64,400 individuals. The significance of this number may be seen in the context of the larger census taking place in the book of Numbers, which documents the organization and size of the Israelite tribes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The inclusion of the Shuhamites among these numbered families serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to all of Abraham's descendants, not just those directly descended from Isaac and Jacob. The thoroughness of the census reflects God's attention to detail and his care for every individual within the community of believers.