Lexical Summary Shelumiel: Shelumiel Original Word: שׁלֻמִיאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shelumiel From shalowm and 'el; peace of God; Shelumiel, an Israelite -- Shelumiel. see HEBREW shalowm see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalom and el Definition "peace of God," a Simeonite NASB Translation Shelumiel (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁלֻמִיאֵל proper name, masculine in Simeon Numbers 1:6; Numbers 2:12; Numbers 7:36,41; Numbers 10:19; Σαλαμιηλ. Topical Lexicon Name and Theological Significance Shelumiel (“peace of God” or “repaid by God”) reflects the covenant expectation that true shalom comes only from the LORD. Though little is recorded beyond his official duties, the very preservation of his name in Scripture underlines the value God places on each tribe’s appointed leadership. Genealogical Context Shelumiel is repeatedly identified as “son of Zurishaddai” and “leader of the Simeonites” (Numbers 1:6; 2:12; 7:36; 10:19). By blood he belongs to Simeon, Jacob’s second-born by Leah (Genesis 29:33). By office he stands among twelve tribal chiefs who serve as representatives of the whole nation during Israel’s first year at Sinai. Role in the Census at Sinai When Moses and Aaron numbered Israel, each tribe offered a chief to assist (Numbers 1:4-5). Concerning Simeon, “from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai” (Numbers 1:6). Through his cooperation the tribe is counted at 59,300 fighting men (Numbers 1:23). The census highlights Shelumiel’s administrative reliability and the military preparedness of his tribe. Placement in the Camp The LORD arranged Israel’s tents around the Tabernacle by tribal banners. Simeon camped on the south side under the standard of Reuben, with Shelumiel acting as Simeon’s leader (Numbers 2:10-16). This placement illustrates both order and equality: every tribe, while distinct, encircled the divine Presence. Offerings for the Dedication of the Altar On the fifth day of the Tabernacle dedication, “Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, presented an offering” (Numbers 7:36). His gifts—identical in weight and content to those of the other tribes—testify to corporate generosity and to each tribe’s equal stake in the worship life of Israel (Numbers 7:41-47). Nothing is said of personal flair; uniformity underscores unity. Leadership on the March When the cloud lifted, Judah’s camp set out first, then Reuben’s host with Simeon following under Shelumiel’s command: “and over the division of the tribe of Simeon was Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai” (Numbers 10:19). The verse quietly affirms his military competence, helping maintain order for a people exceeding two million souls. Spiritual Lessons 1. Representative Headship: God relates to His covenant people through recognized leaders. Shelumiel’s faithfulness demonstrates that seemingly administrative roles are sacred trusts. Echoes in Later Tradition Rabbinic writings remember Shelumiel chiefly for his altar gifts; Christian commentators have seen in his identical offering a pattern of impartiality fulfilled in the body of Christ, where “there is neither Jew nor Greek…but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Summary Shelumiel occupies only five verses, yet his repeated mention cements Simeon’s place in the covenant community. He embodies dutiful leadership, equal partnership in worship, and disciplined march behind the divine Presence—models still vital for God’s people today. Forms and Transliterations שְׁלֻֽמִיאֵ֖ל שְׁלֻמִיאֵ֖ל שלמיאל šə·lu·mî·’êl šəlumî’êl shelumiElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:6 HEB: לְשִׁמְע֕וֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃ NAS: of Simeon, Shelumiel the son KJV: Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son INT: of Simeon Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai Numbers 2:12 Numbers 7:36 Numbers 7:41 Numbers 10:19 5 Occurrences |