Simeon: Son of Jacob: His Sons
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Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the tribes of Israel. His life and lineage are chronicled in various passages of the Old Testament, providing insight into his role and the legacy of his descendants.

Biblical Background

Simeon was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 29:33: "Again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, 'Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.' So she named him Simeon." His name, derived from the Hebrew word "shama," meaning "to hear," reflects Leah's belief that God had heard her plight.

Simeon's Sons

The sons of Simeon are listed in several genealogical records within the Scriptures. In Genesis 46:10, during the account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt, the sons of Simeon are named: "The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman." This passage highlights the six sons of Simeon, with Shaul being noted as the son of a Canaanite woman, indicating a union outside the Israelite community.

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 4:24-27 provide further details about Simeon's descendants: "The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul. The descendants of Shaul: Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma. The sons of Mishma: Hammuel, Zaccur, and Shimei. Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children; so their entire clan did not multiply as much as the sons of Judah."

Tribal Significance

The tribe of Simeon, descended from Simeon's sons, played a unique role among the tribes of Israel. Initially, the tribe was counted among the twelve tribes that inherited the Promised Land. However, their inheritance was within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1: "The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon, and their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah."

This integration into Judah's territory is significant, as it reflects the tribe's eventual absorption and loss of distinct identity over time. The tribe of Simeon is not mentioned in the blessings of Moses in Deuteronomy 33, which some scholars interpret as indicative of their diminished status or integration into Judah.

Historical Context

The tribe of Simeon, like other tribes, experienced various challenges and changes throughout Israel's history. During the period of the Judges and the monarchy, the tribe's influence waned, and they are less frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative. The assimilation into Judah's territory may have contributed to this decline in prominence.

Conclusion

The sons of Simeon, as progenitors of the tribe, represent a lineage that, while initially significant, became less distinct over time. Their account is a testament to the complex dynamics of tribal identity and inheritance in ancient Israel. The biblical accounts of Simeon and his descendants provide valuable insights into the history and development of the Israelite tribes.
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Genesis 46:10
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
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Exodus 6:15
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
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1 Chronicles 4:24-37
The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:
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Strong's Hebrew
8095. Shimon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite ...
... Word Origin from shama Definition a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also ... Simeon. From
shama'; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from ...
/hebrew/8095.htm - 6k
Library

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... I was born of Jacob my father, his second son; and my mother Leah
called me Simeon, because the Lord heard her prayer. ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity.
... But Simeon and Levi, the brethren of the damsel by the ... males [38] as also the king,
and his son, with them ... 2. Now while Jacob was astonished at the greatness of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 21 concerning the violation.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... have robbed me of my children: Joseph is no longer living and Simeon is no ... my charge
and I will bring him back to you." Then Jacob said, "My son shall not ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

The Mystery of the Lost Brother
... God be gracious unto you, my son.". ... the eleven men from Canaan; for Joseph had brought
Simeon out of ... He sent also wagons in which Jacob and his sons' wives and ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the mystery of the lost.htm

A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ...
... Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon: and thy ... however,"the one evangelist
saying that "Jacob begat Joseph ... speaking of "Joseph who was the son of Heli ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iii a statement of the.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... Then he brought Simeon out, and they made ready to dine with ... "God be gracious unto
thee my son," and he ... down to dine, he placed the sons of Jacob by themselves ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... Simeon had six"Jamuel, Jamin, Avod, Jachin, Soar, Saul. ... And this was the legitimate
posterity of Jacob. ... Dan had an only begotten son, Usi. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone, and now you would take Benjamin ... in case I do
not bring Benjamin back to you." But Jacob said: "My youngest son shall not ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... After some time she bare three more sons; Simeon, which name ... She accepted of the
favor, and Jacob slept with Lea ... After some time Rachel had a son, named Joseph ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph
is not, and Simeon is not ... And he said, My son shall not go down with ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Levi / the Levites? | GotQuestions.org

What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Simeon

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Simeon: Son of Jacob: Descendants of

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Goes Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn ; is Imprisoned by Joseph, and is Detained

Simeon: Son of Jacob: His Sons

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Jacob's Denunciation of

the Tribe of Simeon: Bounds of Their Inheritance With Cities and Villages

the Tribe of Simeon: Descended from Jacob's Second Son by Leah

the Tribe of Simeon: Encamped Under the Standard of Reuben South of the Tabernacle

the Tribe of Simeon: Families of

the Tribe of Simeon: Formed Part of the Second Division of Israel in Their

the Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance of, Within Judah

the Tribe of Simeon: Josiah Purged Their Land of Idols

the Tribe of Simeon: Many of, at the Coronation of David

the Tribe of Simeon: Offering of, at the Dedication

the Tribe of Simeon: Officer Appointed Over, by David

the Tribe of Simeon: On Mount Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessings

the Tribe of Simeon: Part of, Destroyed the Remnant of the Amalekites, and Dwelt

the Tribe of Simeon: Part of, United With Judah Under Asa

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Number the People

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land

the Tribe of Simeon: Plagued for Following the Idolatry, of Midian, Which Accounts

the Tribe of Simeon: Predictions Respecting

the Tribe of Simeon: Strength of, on Entering Canaan

the Tribe of Simeon: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt

the Tribe of Simeon: United With Judah in Expelling the Canaanites from Their

Tribe of Simeon: Idolatry of

Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance Allotted To

Tribe of Simeon: Joined With the People of Judah and Benjamin in the Renewal of the Passover

Tribe of Simeon: Military Enrollment of, at Sinai

Tribe of Simeon: On the Plains of Moab

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Tribe of Simeon: Stood on Mount Gerizim to Bless at the Time of the Recounting of the Law of Moses

Related Terms

Simeonites (10 Occurrences)

Zurishaddai (5 Occurrences)

Jachin (8 Occurrences)

Jamin (6 Occurrences)

Shelumiel (5 Occurrences)

Zurishad'dai (5 Occurrences)

Zohar (5 Occurrences)

Ohad (2 Occurrences)

Shelu'mi-el (5 Occurrences)

Shaul (10 Occurrences)

Nemuel (3 Occurrences)

Jakin (8 Occurrences)

Jemuel (2 Occurrences)

Is'sachar (40 Occurrences)

Niger (1 Occurrence)

Levi (79 Occurrences)

Jarib (3 Occurrences)

Jemu'el (2 Occurrences)

Dinah (7 Occurrences)

Canaanitess (4 Occurrences)

Canaanitish (4 Occurrences)

Anna (1 Occurrence)

Allotted (54 Occurrences)

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)

Clans (120 Occurrences)

Issachar (40 Occurrences)

Clan (96 Occurrences)

Leader (183 Occurrences)

Canaanite (74 Occurrences)

Nem'uel (3 Occurrences)

Neariah (3 Occurrences)

Judah's (18 Occurrences)

Juda (11 Occurrences)

Inherited (23 Occurrences)

Tochen (1 Occurrence)

Ramath (10 Occurrences)

Rephaiah (5 Occurrences)

Rimmon (22 Occurrences)

Replaced (4 Occurrences)

Etam (5 Occurrences)

Encamping (24 Occurrences)

Devout (13 Occurrences)

Moladah (4 Occurrences)

Mentioned (30 Occurrences)

Pelatiah (5 Occurrences)

Balah (1 Occurrence)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Baalathbeer (1 Occurrence)

Baalath-beer (2 Occurrences)

Ammihud (10 Occurrences)

Allotment (24 Occurrences)

Adonibezek (2 Occurrences)

Adjoining (16 Occurrences)

Adiel (3 Occurrences)

Shemuel (3 Occurrences)

Shallum (27 Occurrences)

Shaaraim (3 Occurrences)

Swords (50 Occurrences)

Shaphat (8 Occurrences)

Hamor (13 Occurrences)

Hormah (9 Occurrences)

Encamp (108 Occurrences)

Negeb (37 Occurrences)

Listed (48 Occurrences)

Negev (39 Occurrences)

Pitch (25 Occurrences)

Tribe (250 Occurrences)

Reuben (73 Occurrences)

Formed (91 Occurrences)

Needed (59 Occurrences)

Families (272 Occurrences)

Ramah (38 Occurrences)

Numbered (209 Occurrences)

Attacked (93 Occurrences)

Period (43 Occurrences)

Leah (30 Occurrences)

Obtained (61 Occurrences)

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Goes Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn ; is Imprisoned by Joseph, and is Detained
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