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

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The inheritance of the tribe is detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the Book of Joshua. The Simeonites were allotted their portion within the territory of Judah, reflecting a unique arrangement among the tribes of Israel.

Geographical Boundaries and Allotment

The inheritance of the Tribe of Simeon is described in Joshua 19:1-9. Unlike other tribes, Simeon's territory was not a distinct, separate region but was instead carved out of the land allocated to the Tribe of Judah. This arrangement was due to the vastness of Judah's territory, which was deemed too large for them alone. As a result, the Simeonites received cities and surrounding villages within Judah's borders.

Cities and Villages

The cities and villages given to the Tribe of Simeon are listed in Joshua 19:2-8. The passage provides a detailed account of the specific locations included in their inheritance:

1. Beersheba (Sheba) · A significant city in the southern part of the land, often associated with the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac.
2. Moladah · A city located in the Negev region.
3. Hazar-shual · Another city in the southern desert area.
4. Balah · Also known as Bilhah, a city within the Simeonite territory.
5. Ezem · A city mentioned among the settlements of Simeon.
6. Eltolad · Part of the inheritance, located in the southern region.
7. Bethul · A city included in the Simeonite allotment.
8. Hormah · A city with historical significance, previously a site of conflict.
9. Ziklag · Later known as a city given to David by the Philistine king Achish.
10. Beth-marcaboth · A city within the Simeonite territory.
11. Hazar-susah · Another city in the list of Simeonite settlements.
12. Beth-lebaoth · Included in the inheritance of Simeon.
13. Sharuhen · A city mentioned among the settlements.
14. Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan · These cities, along with their surrounding villages, were part of the Simeonite inheritance.

The passage concludes with the note that all these cities and their villages were part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon, within the larger territory of Judah.

Historical and Theological Significance

The unique arrangement of Simeon's inheritance within Judah's territory has been a subject of interest for biblical scholars and theologians. This integration reflects the close relationship between the tribes and the practical considerations of land distribution in ancient Israel. The cities and villages of Simeon played roles in various biblical narratives, contributing to the tribe's historical and spiritual legacy.

The Tribe of Simeon's inheritance, while geographically intertwined with Judah, underscores the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel. The cities and villages allocated to Simeon served as centers of life and worship, contributing to the broader narrative of God's covenant with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 19:2-8
And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, and Sheba, and Moladah,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 4:28-33
And they dwelled at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... for we know that the people of Judah aided the tribe of Simeon in the ... they followed
an independent course for the most part, and their isolation prevented ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... Egypt preferred not to
meddle in their affairs. ... remembrance of it kept them within bounds for years ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The Treres were probably the predominating tribe among the ... provoked their cupidity
beyond all bounds, and the ... had gradually returned to their desolated homes. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm