Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land of Canaan, the strength and role of the Tribe of Simeon were significant, though often intertwined with the Tribe of Judah.Census and Military Strength The initial census of the Israelites in the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, provides insight into the military strength of the Tribe of Simeon. At the first census, the Simeonites numbered 59,300 men able to go to war (Numbers 1:23). However, by the time of the second census, their numbers had dramatically decreased to 22,200 (Numbers 26:14). This decline is often attributed to the events at Peor, where many Simeonites were involved in idolatry and immorality, leading to a divine plague (Numbers 25:1-9). Inheritance and Territory Upon entering Canaan, the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah. This allocation is detailed in the Book of Joshua: "The second lot came out for the tribe of Simeon according to its clans. Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah" (Joshua 19:1). This arrangement suggests a close relationship between the tribes of Simeon and Judah, with Simeon possibly lacking the strength to maintain a separate, independent territory. Role in Conquest and Settlement The Tribe of Simeon played a role in the conquest of Canaan, although specific accounts of their exploits are less detailed compared to other tribes. The Book of Judges notes that the Simeonites joined forces with the Tribe of Judah in military campaigns: "Then the men of Judah said to their brothers the Simeonites, 'Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, and let us fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into your territory.' So the Simeonites went with them" (Judges 1:3). This collaboration highlights the strategic alliances formed during the conquest and settlement period. Cultural and Religious Influence Despite their reduced numbers, the Tribe of Simeon maintained a presence in the religious and cultural life of Israel. The Simeonites participated in the covenant renewal ceremonies and were part of the assembly that reaffirmed the law under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 24:1-25). Their integration within Judah's territory may have facilitated their continued involvement in the broader community of Israel. Legacy and Historical Context The historical context of the Tribe of Simeon reflects the challenges and dynamics faced by the Israelites during their transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled life in Canaan. The tribe's fluctuating strength and its integration with Judah illustrate the complexities of tribal relationships and territorial allocations in ancient Israel. The Simeonites' account is a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel as they sought to fulfill the divine promise of the land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 26:14These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... 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 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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