Who was Bekerite?
The Bekerite refers to the descendants of Beker, one of the sons of Benjamin. In Numbers 26:38, during the second wilderness census conducted near the end of Israel‘s 40 years of wandering, the Bekerites are listed among the clans that made up the tribe of Benjamin. Their name identifies them as the clan or family group that descended from Beker.
Hebrew Meaning
The name Beker (Hebrew: בֶּכֶר, Bekher) means “young camel” or “firstborn”—a fitting designation as he is often listed early among Benjamin‘s sons (cf. Genesis 46:21). The suffix “-ite” forms the term “Bekerite,” designating a people group or clan descending from an ancestor.
Biblical References
- Genesis 46:21 – Beker is listed as one of the sons of Benjamin who came into Egypt with Jacob.
- Numbers 26:38 – The Bekerite clan is named in the second census of Israel in the wilderness:
“The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: through Bela, the Belaite clan; through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan; through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan; through Shupham, the Shuphamite clan; through Hupham, the Huphamite clan.”
(Note: In some textual traditions, Beker may be included in variations of these genealogies.)
- 1 Chronicles 7:6-8 – Beker is mentioned again in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, with further elaboration on his sons and descendants.
What Happened in the Bible?
The Bekerites were one of the clans that formed part of the tribe of Benjamin. While the Bible does not record specific actions or events attributed directly to the Bekerites as a group, they played a role in the national life of Israel through their tribal identity.
The second census in Numbers 26 was important because it recorded the new generation of Israelites after the first generation had died in the wilderness due to unbelief (Numbers 14). The inclusion of the Bekerite clan confirms that Beker’s descendants were part of the faithful remnant who would inherit the Promised Land.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
While the Bekerites are not central to the dramatic narratives of the Old Testament, their inclusion in the census serves as a reminder that God values every individual and every family line. No clan was overlooked. Each was counted and assigned territory in the Promised Land. This reflects God’s concern for heritage, continuity, and covenant faithfulness.
Christians today are reminded that God knows each of His people by name and includes them in His redemptive plan. Though some may seem obscure or insignificant in the grand storyline, every believer is part of the spiritual family of God.
How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The genealogies and tribal records, such as those that include the Bekerites, were vital for preserving the lineage of the Messiah. Though Jesus did not come from the tribe of Benjamin (He came from Judah), the preservation of all tribal lines emphasizes God‘s sovereignty and providence in history.
Moreover, the Bekerites—like all the tribes—remind us that Jesus came to redeem people from every tribe, nation, and language (Revelation 7:9). The census in Numbers foreshadows a greater gathering of God’s people in Christ, who unites all into one family by faith.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant People
The presence of the Bekerites in the second census illustrates that God preserved His people, even through a generation of judgment. He remained faithful to His promise to bring Israel into the land of Canaan.
2. The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
The recording of clans and genealogies underscores the value of generational faithfulness. In the New Testament, believers are also called to pass on the faith to spiritual and physical descendants (2 Timothy 2:2).
3. Inclusion in God’s Plan
Even the less prominent clans of Israel had a role in the inheritance of the land. In the body of Christ, there are no unimportant members (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). Every believer has a purpose in God‘s kingdom.
4. Redemption of All Peoples
Tribal identities in Israel pointed to the coming day when all families of the earth would be blessed through the Seed of Abraham—Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16).
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Bible takes time to list the names of clans like the Bekerites?
- How can you see God‘s faithfulness to His promises reflected in your own family or community?
- Do you sometimes feel “insignificant” in the body of Christ? How does the story of the Bekerites challenge that perspective?
- How can we honor our spiritual heritage and ensure it is passed on to the next generation?
- What does the inclusion of obscure names and clans in the Bible teach us about the character of God?
The Bekerites may not be famous, but their presence in Scripture reminds us that God sees, remembers, and works through every person and family who belongs to Him.