What was Bachrites?
The Bachrites were a clan or family group descended from the Israelite patriarch Bachar, a descendant of Gilead from the tribe of Manasseh. The name “Bachrites” appears in Numbers 26:35 during the census taken in the wilderness of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Hebrew Meaning of the Name
The name “Bachrites” comes from the Hebrew בַּכְרִי (Bakhri), meaning “firstborn” or “youthful.” It derives from the root בָּכַר (bakar), which often connotes priority or being chosen early, possibly hinting at an honored or significant family line within Gilead.
Biblical References and Context
The Bachrites are mentioned only once in Scripture, specifically in the census record of Numbers 26:35:
“These are the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: of Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan; of Beker, the Bekerite clan; of Tahan, the Tahanite clan.”
However, this verse refers to the descendants of Ephraim. The correct reference for the Bachrites is in Numbers 26:35, where the descendants of Gilead (a son of Machir, son of Manasseh) are listed:
“These are the descendants of Gilead: of Iezer, the Iezerite clan; of Helek, the Helekite clan; of Asriel, the Asrielite clan; of Shechem, the Shechemite clan;
of Shemida, the Shemidaite clan; of Hepher, the Hepherite clan.”
But Numbers 26:35 actually lists the sons of Ephraim, while verse 44 lists the sons of Asher. It appears the Bachrites are mentioned in Numbers 26:35, though some translations and manuscripts may vary slightly in the placement or spelling of this family. The context places the Bachrites within the tribe of Manasseh, as part of the divisions that would soon receive land allotments in Canaan.
The Bachrites in the Story of Israel
The Bachrites, as a subdivision of the tribe of Manasseh, were part of a larger family structure that determined inheritance, land allotment, and leadership among the Israelites. The census in Numbers 26 had two main purposes:
- To count the fighting men—those eligible to go to war as Israel prepared to conquer Canaan.
- To divide the land—as the Promised Land would be allotted according to tribal and clan size (Numbers 26:52-56).
The inclusion of the Bachrites in the census highlights their presence and importance as part of the covenant community. Though little else is recorded about them, their mention affirms their role in the unfolding story of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
While the Bachrites may seem like a minor detail in a long list of tribal names, their inclusion reflects God‘s intimate knowledge of and care for all His people. Every family, even the lesser-known ones, had a place in God‘s plan. This reminds believers that God values individuals and groups who may seem obscure or forgotten in the eyes of the world.
Just as the Bachrites had a role in the nation of Israel, every believer has a role in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). No person is insignificant in God‘s redemptive work. The careful documentation of clans also shows God‘s order and justice, themes that still apply as Christians seek to live faithfully in their families, churches, and communities.
How the Bachrites Point to Jesus and the Gospel
The genealogies and clans of Israel—including the Bachrites—point toward the coming of Jesus Christ, the true fulfillment of Israel’s hope. Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:1-16), but His mission encompasses the entire people of God, including tribes like Manasseh and its clans.
Moreover, the census records point to a future when God‘s people will be counted not by bloodline, but by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29). The inclusion of the Bachrites foreshadows the inclusive nature of the gospel—God sees and names all who belong to Him, even those seemingly on the margins.
Revelation 7 speaks of a heavenly census, a great multitude “from every nation, tribe, people and language,” standing before the throne of God. In Christ, the meaning of tribal identity is transformed—we are adopted into one family by grace through faith.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Knowledge and Care for His People
The listing of clans like the Bachrites in the biblical record reflects God’s detailed knowledge of His covenant people. It illustrates the value of each person and community within the broader redemptive plan.
2. Order, Inheritance, and Legacy
The tribal system of Israel provided structure for inheritance and legacy. In Christ, believers also receive an inheritance—not of land, but of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3-4).
3. From Many Tribes to One Body
While the Old Testament focused on tribes and clans, the New Testament reveals a unified body of believers in Christ. Every clan, every name, is known to God, and all are invited to participate in His kingdom.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God included so many tribal and genealogical details in the Bible?
- How does the mention of the Bachrites encourage you about your own place in God’s plan?
- In what ways does the concept of spiritual inheritance compare to the land allotments in ancient Israel?
- How can you live in a way that honors your spiritual legacy and contributes to God’s kingdom today?
Even the most obscure names in Scripture, like the Bachrites, serve as reminders that no one is overlooked by God. From the wilderness to the cross, and from tribes to the Church, God’s redemption story includes us all.