◄ Numbers 1:23 ►
those registered to the tribe of Simeon numbered 59,300.
Study Bible
those registered
The phrase "those registered" refers to the act of taking a census, which is a significant event in the context of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "registered" is "paqad," which means to count, number, or muster. This census was not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a divinely commanded task to organize the people for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. It underscores the importance of order and preparation in fulfilling God's promises.

to the tribe of Simeon
The "tribe of Simeon" is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, the tribe of Simeon had a unique position among the tribes. In Genesis 49:5-7, Jacob prophesied that Simeon and Levi would be scattered in Israel due to their violent actions. This prophecy is reflected in the later distribution of the Simeonites within the territory of Judah. The mention of Simeon in this census highlights God's faithfulness in preserving each tribe despite past transgressions.

numbered 59,300
The specific number "59,300" indicates the men of military age within the tribe of Simeon. This precise counting reflects the importance of each individual in God's plan. In the broader biblical narrative, numbers often have symbolic significance, and the act of numbering the people signifies God's intimate knowledge and care for His people. The large number also demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. Despite the challenges and wanderings in the wilderness, God was increasing and sustaining His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simeon
Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the second son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Simeon is significant in the history of Israel, often associated with the southern part of the land of Canaan.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who, under God's command, conducted the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness.

3. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census was conducted. It is a significant place in Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

4. Census
The event of counting the Israelite men able to go to war, as commanded by God. This census was crucial for organizing the tribes for their journey and future battles.

5. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were being prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Order and Organization
The census reflects God's desire for order and organization among His people. It teaches us the importance of structure and preparation in our spiritual and daily lives.

Identity and Heritage
The mention of the tribe of Simeon reminds us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Just as the tribes had a role in God's plan, so do we.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The specific number of those registered shows God's attention to detail. We are encouraged to be faithful in the small things, trusting that God sees and values them.

Community and Belonging
Being part of a tribe gave the Israelites a sense of belonging and community. In the same way, being part of a church community provides support and accountability.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
The census was a preparation for future battles. Similarly, we must be spiritually prepared for the challenges we face, equipped with God's Word and prayer.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the census of the tribe of Simeon teach us about the importance of community and belonging in our spiritual journey?

2. How can we apply the principle of God's order and organization in our personal and church life today?

3. In what ways does knowing our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ impact our daily walk with God?

4. How can we be faithful in the small details of our lives, trusting that God values them?

5. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we face, drawing from the example of the Israelites' preparation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29:33
This verse provides the background of Simeon's birth, highlighting the significance of his name and his place in the family of Jacob.

Exodus 1:1-5
Lists the sons of Jacob who went to Egypt, including Simeon, establishing the foundation for the tribes of Israel.

Revelation 7:7
Mentions the tribe of Simeon in the context of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel, showing the enduring legacy of the tribes.
Sermons
The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church MilitantW. Jones.Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of WarH. W. Beecher.Numbers 1:20-46
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
59, 300, Fifty-nine, Hundred, Nine, Numbered, Ones, Simeon, Thousand, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 1:1-49

     5249   census

Numbers 1:20-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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