Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the tribe played a significant role in the events that unfolded on the plains of Moab, a region east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho.Historical Context The plains of Moab served as a critical staging ground for the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It was here that Moses delivered his final discourses, which are recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy. The tribe of Simeon, along with the other tribes, camped in this area as they prepared to cross the Jordan River. Census and Organization During the second census recorded in the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Simeon experienced a notable decrease in numbers. The census taken on the plains of Moab revealed that the tribe had 22,200 men able to go to war (Numbers 26:14), a significant drop from the 59,300 counted in the first census at Sinai (Numbers 1:23). This decline is often attributed to the judgment that fell upon the Israelites due to their sins, including the incident at Peor. Incident at Peor The plains of Moab were also the setting for the infamous incident at Peor, where many Israelites were led into idolatry and immorality with Moabite women. This event provoked the Lord's anger, resulting in a plague that claimed the lives of 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25:9). Although the text does not specify the tribes involved, the significant reduction in Simeon's numbers suggests that they may have been heavily impacted by this judgment. Inheritance and Settlement The tribe of Simeon did not receive a distinct territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, they were allotted cities within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This arrangement is often seen as a fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy over Simeon and Levi, where he declared, "I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel" (Genesis 49:7). Role in the Conquest While the tribe of Simeon is not prominently featured in the conquest narratives, their integration into Judah's territory suggests a close alliance with the tribe of Judah. This relationship is further evidenced by their participation in joint military campaigns, as seen in the Book of Judges (Judges 1:3). Spiritual Lessons The experiences of the tribe of Simeon on the plains of Moab serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. Their account underscores the need for vigilance against idolatry and the seductive influences of surrounding cultures, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. In summary, the tribe of Simeon's time on the plains of Moab is marked by both judgment and preparation. As they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, their experiences served as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the necessity of obedience to His commands. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 26:14These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Levi / the Levites? | GotQuestions.org What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | 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 |
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