These were the clans of Simeon, and there were 22,200 men. These were the clans of SimeonThe phrase "These were the clans of Simeon" refers to the descendants of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "clans" is "mishpachot," which signifies family groups or extended families within the tribe. Historically, the tribe of Simeon was known for its close association with the tribe of Judah, often sharing territory in the southern part of the Promised Land. This connection is significant as it reflects the unity and interdependence among the tribes of Israel, despite their individual identities. The mention of "Simeon" here is a reminder of the patriarchal blessing and prophecy given by Jacob in Genesis 49:5-7, where Simeon and Levi are noted for their fierce nature. This census reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous, even as it also shows the consequences of past actions, as the tribe of Simeon had decreased in number since the first census in Numbers 1. and there were 22,200 men Persons / Places / Events 1. SimeonSimeon was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, making him one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Simeon is being counted in this census. 2. Census of Israel This event is the second census of the Israelites, conducted in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. It was commanded by God to Moses and Eleazar the priest to count the men of Israel who were able to go to war. 3. Plains of Moab This is the location where the Israelites were encamped as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It is significant as the setting for the census and other events in the book of Numbers. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe census was commanded by God, highlighting the importance of obedience to divine instructions. This teaches us to heed God's commands in our lives. Consequences of Sin The reduction in the number of the tribe of Simeon from the first census to the second may reflect the consequences of sin and disobedience, as seen in the incident at Peor (Numbers 25). God's Sovereignty in History The census reflects God's sovereign plan for His people, reminding us that He is in control of history and the destinies of nations and individuals. Community and Accountability The census underscores the importance of community and accountability within the people of God, as each tribe and family is accounted for. Preparation for the Future The census was a preparation for entering the Promised Land, teaching us the importance of preparation and readiness for the tasks God sets before us. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the decrease in the number of the tribe of Simeon between the first and second censuses, and how does this apply to our understanding of the consequences of sin?2. How does the obedience of Moses and Eleazar in conducting the census reflect our need to follow God's commands in our daily lives? 3. In what ways does the census of the Israelites demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives? 4. How does the concept of community and accountability in the census relate to the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ? 5. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves for the tasks and challenges God has set before us, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:5-7This passage contains Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi, which provides context for the tribe's future and their reduced numbers. Exodus 6:15 Lists the sons of Simeon, providing background on the family lineage and the origins of the tribe. Numbers 1:23 The first census of the tribe of Simeon, showing a comparison in numbers and indicating a significant decrease in their population.
People Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, ZerahitesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, SinaiTopics 22, 200, Hundred, Simeon, Simeonite, Simeonites, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-twoDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 26:1-61Library The Census of IsraelThirty-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 Training of a Statesman. Numbers Links Numbers 26:14 NIVNumbers 26:14 NLT Numbers 26:14 ESV Numbers 26:14 NASB Numbers 26:14 KJV Numbers 26:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |