from SimeonSimeon was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the second son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Simeon was known for its close association with the tribe of Judah, as seen in their shared inheritance in the Promised Land (
Joshua 19:1-9). Historically, Simeon was often absorbed into Judah, which is reflected in the limited mention of Simeon as a distinct tribe in later biblical narratives. This connection is significant in understanding the unity and division among the tribes of Israel.
Shelumiel
Shelumiel, whose name means "God is my peace," was the leader of the tribe of Simeon during the wilderness period. His role as a leader is significant in the organization and census of the tribes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The mention of Shelumiel highlights the importance of leadership and order within the Israelite community, as each tribe had a designated leader responsible for its people.
son of Zurishaddai
Zurishaddai, meaning "my rock is the Almighty," indicates a lineage that acknowledges the sovereignty and strength of God. This name reflects the cultural practice of naming children with theophoric elements, which are names that include a reference to God. The genealogy provided here emphasizes the importance of family heritage and divine acknowledgment in the identity of the Israelite tribes. The mention of Zurishaddai also serves to authenticate Shelumiel's position and authority within the tribe of Simeon.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SimeonSimeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the second son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Simeon was known for its warriors and played a significant role in the history of Israel.
2.
ShelumielShelumiel is identified as the leader of the tribe of Simeon during the census in the wilderness. His name means "friend of God" or "at peace with God," reflecting a relationship with the divine.
3.
ZurishaddaiZurishaddai is the father of Shelumiel. His name means "my rock is the Almighty," indicating a strong faith and reliance on God.
4.
The CensusThe event in
Numbers 1 is the census of the Israelite men who are able to go to war. This was commanded by God to organize the people for their journey and future battles.
5.
The WildernessThe setting of this event is the wilderness, where the Israelites were journeying after their exodus from Egypt. It represents a time of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for entering the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Leadership and ResponsibilityShelumiel's role as a leader of the tribe of Simeon highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are called to guide their people with integrity and faithfulness.
Identity in GodThe names Shelumiel and Zurishaddai reflect a deep connection to God. Our identity should be rooted in our relationship with God, influencing our actions and decisions.
Preparation for God's WorkThe census was a preparation for the tasks ahead. Similarly, we must be prepared for the work God has for us, both spiritually and practically.
Faith in the WildernessThe wilderness journey teaches us to trust in God's provision and guidance during challenging times. Our faith is often strengthened through trials.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 1:6?
2.How does Numbers 1:6 demonstrate God's order in organizing the tribes?
3.What role does Simeon play in the broader narrative of Israel's history?
4.How can we apply the principle of leadership selection from Numbers 1:6 today?
5.Compare Simeon's listing here with his blessing in Genesis 49:5-7.
6.How does understanding tribal leaders enhance our comprehension of Israel's community structure?
7.What is the significance of Simeon being listed second in Numbers 1:6?
8.How does Numbers 1:6 reflect the organization of the Israelite tribes?
9.Why is the tribe of Simeon important in the context of Numbers 1:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?
11.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?
12.(Song of Solomon 6:8) How can sixty queens and eighty concubines align with Solomon's reputed 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)?
13.How do we reconcile the differing accounts of the death toll (70 vs. 50,070) in 1 Samuel 6:19, and is there archaeological proof of such an event?
14.What does the Bible say about Anunnaki and Nephilim?What Does Numbers 1:6 Mean
from Simeon- The verse is part of the first wilderness census, where the LORD commands that “every male twenty years and older who can serve in the army” be counted (Numbers 1:2–3). Including Simeon assures that each tribe is equally valued in the covenant community, just as God promised Abraham his descendants would be numbered and blessed (Genesis 15:5;Genesis 17:4–6).
- Simeon descends from Jacob and Leah’s second son (Genesis 29:33;Genesis 35:23). Although later prophetic words address the tribe’s rough history (Genesis 49:5–7), in this moment Simeon stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel’s other tribes, surrounding the tabernacle on Judah’s side of the camp (Numbers 2:12).
- Their participation shows that past failures do not cancel present inclusion. Centuries later, Simeon still receives land inside Judah’s boundaries (Joshua 19:1) and appears among the sealed servants inRevelation 7:7, underscoring God’s enduring faithfulness.
Shelumiel- Shelumiel is called the “leader” or “prince” of Simeon (Numbers 1:6;Numbers 2:12). God instructs Moses to enlist one leader per tribe for the census (Numbers 1:4–5), demonstrating that leadership is neither random nor self-appointed but divinely recognized (Romans 13:1;1 Peter 5:2–3).
- His name appears repeatedly: he presents Simeon’s offering at the tabernacle dedication (Numbers 7:36), and he mustered his tribe when Israel broke camp (Numbers 10:19). These repeated mentions portray steady, faithful service, the kind Paul later commends (1 Corinthians 4:2).
- Leaders like Shelumiel mediate between the people and God, reminding us that accountability and representation are vital in any community (Deuteronomy 1:13;Hebrews 13:17).
son of Zurishaddai- Scripture traces Shelumiel’s line to his father, Zurishaddai, showing that God records and honors family heritage (Exodus 6:14–15;Nehemiah 7:5). The detail guards purity of inheritance and priestly service (Numbers 27:7–11; 36:7–9).
- Even obscure names matter: God knows every star by name (Psalm 147:4) and every family in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 3:14–15). Zurishaddai’s inclusion confirms that no individual is insignificant in the divine record (Malachi 3:16).
- By linking Shelumiel to his father, the text highlights generational faithfulness, echoing the promise that God’s mercy extends “to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Exodus 20:6).
summaryNumbers 1:6 identifies the tribe (Simeon), the leader (Shelumiel), and his lineage (son of Zurishaddai) during Israel’s first census. This brief line underscores that God knows every tribe, appoints each leader, and treasures every family line. It reassures believers that the LORD’s covenant care reaches from the largest tribe to the most obscure individual, weaving every name into His redemptive plan.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
from Simeon,לְשִׁמְע֕וֹן(lə·šim·‘ō·wn)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8095:Simeon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite with a foreign wifeShelumielשְׁלֻמִיאֵ֖ל(šə·lu·mî·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8017:Shelumiel -- 'peace of God', a Simeonitesonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Zurishaddai;צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃(ṣū·rî·šad·dāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6701:Zurishaddai -- 'my rock is the Almighty', a Simeonite
Links
Numbers 1:6 NIVNumbers 1:6 NLTNumbers 1:6 ESVNumbers 1:6 NASBNumbers 1:6 KJV
Numbers 1:6 BibleApps.comNumbers 1:6 Biblia ParalelaNumbers 1:6 Chinese BibleNumbers 1:6 French BibleNumbers 1:6 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai (Nu Num.) 
