Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is named after Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. This tribe holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the census and organization of the Israelites during their wilderness journey.Biblical Context and Census The Book of Numbers provides detailed accounts of the censuses conducted during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon, like the other tribes, was counted in these censuses, which were commanded by God to organize the people for military and religious purposes. In the first census, recorded in Numbers 1, the tribe of Simeon is counted among the twelve tribes. The census was conducted in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. The leader chosen from the tribe of Simeon to assist in this task was Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. Numbers 1:6 states, "from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai." The total number of men from the tribe of Simeon, aged twenty years and older and able to serve in the army, was recorded as 59,300 (Numbers 1:23). This number reflects the tribe's strength and its role in the community of Israel. Second Census and Decline in Numbers A second census is recorded in Numbers 26, conducted near the end of the Israelites' wilderness journey. This census was necessary to prepare for the conquest of Canaan and to allocate the land among the tribes. By this time, the tribe of Simeon had experienced a significant decrease in numbers. The count in this census was 22,200 (Numbers 26:14), indicating a substantial decline. This decrease is often attributed to the events at Peor, where many Israelites, including members of the tribe of Simeon, were involved in idolatry and immorality, leading to a divine plague (Numbers 25). The tribe's reduced numbers reflect the consequences of these actions and serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. Role and Inheritance Despite the decline in numbers, the tribe of Simeon continued to play a role in the history of Israel. In the division of the Promised Land, the tribe of Simeon received its inheritance within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This allocation was due to the large size of Judah's territory, which allowed for the inclusion of Simeon's inheritance. The tribe's location within Judah's borders led to a close relationship between the two tribes, with Simeon often being overshadowed by the more prominent tribe of Judah. Nevertheless, the tribe of Simeon maintained its distinct identity and contributed to the collective life of the Israelite nation. Conclusion The tribe of Simeon's experience in the wilderness, as reflected in the censuses, highlights themes of leadership, accountability, and the consequences of disobedience. The tribe's journey from a position of strength to one of diminished numbers serves as a testament to the importance of adhering to God's laws and the impact of communal actions on the destiny of a people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 1:6Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Judaea The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Resources Who was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dinah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Were Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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