Topical Encyclopedia Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His name, derived from the Hebrew "Shimon," means "hearing," reflecting Leah's belief that God had heard her prayers for a son (Genesis 29:33). Simeon is one of the twelve patriarchs of the tribes of Israel, and his descendants formed the tribe of Simeon.Biblical Narrative Simeon's life is intertwined with the lives of his brothers, especially Levi. Together, Simeon and Levi are known for their violent response to the defilement of their sister Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. In Genesis 34, they deceitfully convince the men of Shechem to be circumcised and then attack the city while the men are incapacitated, killing all the males and plundering the city. This act of vengeance is later condemned by their father Jacob, who on his deathbed prophesies that Simeon and Levi will be scattered in Israel due to their fierce anger and cruel wrath (Genesis 49:5-7). Simeon also plays a role in the account of Joseph. When Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, tests his brothers during their visit to buy grain, he detains Simeon as a hostage to ensure that the brothers return with their youngest brother, Benjamin (Genesis 42:24). This act underscores the tension and unresolved guilt among the brothers for their earlier betrayal of Joseph. Tribe of Simeon The tribe of Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, though it is often noted for its lack of prominence compared to other tribes. In the wilderness, during the census recorded in the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Simeon experiences a significant decrease in numbers, from 59,300 men able to go to war in the first census (Numbers 1:23) to 22,200 in the second (Numbers 26:14). This decline is often attributed to the judgment that fell upon the Israelites due to the sin at Peor (Numbers 25). In the division of the Promised Land, the tribe of Simeon receives its inheritance within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This allocation reflects Jacob's prophecy of dispersion, as Simeon's territory is absorbed into that of Judah, leading to a diminished identity over time. Legacy and Significance Simeon's legacy is complex, marked by both his zealous actions and the subsequent consequences for his descendants. His account serves as a reminder of the impact of unchecked anger and the importance of righteous conduct. Despite the challenges faced by the tribe of Simeon, they remain an integral part of the history and heritage of the people of Israel. Throughout the biblical narrative, Simeon's life and actions illustrate themes of justice, repentance, and the enduring consequences of sin, offering valuable lessons for faith and conduct. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 29:33And she conceived again, and bore a son; and said, Because the LORD has heard I was hated, he has therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:23 Exodus 1:1,2 1 Chronicles 2:1 Strong's Hebrew 8095. Shimon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite ...... with a foreign wife. Transliteration: Shimon Phonetic Spelling: (shim-one') Short Definition: Simeon. Word Origin from shama Definition a son of Jacob, also his ... /hebrew/8095.htm - 6k Library Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ... Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy. Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity. The Season of Epiphany. Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ... Samaria. Sychem. The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. The Israelites The Testing of Joseph's Brothers Resources Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.org Who was Levi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Simeon: A Devout Man in Jerusalem: Blesses Jesus (When an Infant) in the Temple Simeon: A Disciple: Also Called Niger Simeon: Son of Jacob with Levi Avenges Upon the Shechemites the Seduction of Dinah 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: 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 Tribe of Simeon: Place of, in Camping and Marching Tribe of Simeon: Stood on Mount Gerizim to Bless at the Time of the Recounting of the Law of Moses Related Terms |