Numbers 1:22

Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, by their generations {H8435}, after their families {H4940}, by the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, those that were numbered {H6485} of them, according to the number {H4557} of the names {H8034}, by their polls {H1538}, every male {H2145} from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, all that were able to go forth {H3318} to war {H6635};

Descendants of Shim'on 59,300

From the sons of Simeon, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those that were numbered thereof, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 1:22 (KJV)

Numbers 1:22 is a specific entry in the detailed census of the Israelite tribes, focusing on the tribe of Simeon. This verse, like others in the chapter, records the criteria and method for numbering the fighting men of Israel, highlighting God's meticulous organization of His people.

Context

This verse is part of the first census of Israel, commanded by God to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai, about a year after the Exodus from Egypt. The primary purpose of this census was to register all males "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" (Numbers 1:3). This military-oriented count was crucial for organizing the vast Israelite camp into an orderly nation, prepared for both travel and potential conflict as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Each tribe's count, including Simeon's, contributed to the overall strength and structure of the burgeoning nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous detail in this verse—"by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers"—underscores God's desire for order and structure among His people. Even a vast multitude was to be carefully counted and organized, reflecting a divine blueprint for their national and military life. This organization was critical for their journey and for establishing their camp, as detailed in Numbers 2:2.
  • Readiness for Service and Warfare: The repeated phrase "every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" clearly defines the purpose of the census. It was not merely a headcount but an assessment of military capability. This highlights the practical necessity of being prepared for the challenges and battles that lay ahead in their journey to Canaan.
  • Tribal Identity and Genealogy: The emphasis on "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers" reinforces the importance of tribal identity and lineage in ancient Israel. Each individual's place within their family and tribe was meticulously recorded, preserving their heritage and ensuring proper allocation of responsibilities and inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by their polls" (KJV) is a direct translation of the Hebrew legulgelotam (לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם), which literally means "by their skulls" or "by their heads." This idiom emphasizes an individual, head-by-head count, signifying a precise and thorough enumeration of each person. It highlights the exactness with which God commanded the census to be taken, leaving no one uncounted.

Practical Application

While Numbers 1:22 details an ancient military census, it offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • God Values Order: God is a God of order, not chaos. This verse reminds us that structure and careful planning are pleasing to Him, whether in our personal lives, families, or communities.
  • Readiness for Spiritual Warfare: Just as the Israelites were counted for physical war, believers are called to be prepared for spiritual battles. We are to be "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," as described in Ephesians 6:10. This involves spiritual maturity and readiness to serve God's purposes.
  • Every Individual Matters: The meticulous "poll" count reminds us that every person is known and valued by God. Even within a vast community, each individual's contribution and presence are significant in His eyes.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to Numbers: Journey in the Wilderness Judah: From Betrayal to Leadership The Role of the Priest in Ancient Israel

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:12

    The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

  • Numbers 26:14

    These [are] the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.

  • Genesis 29:33

    And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I [was] hated, he hath therefore given me this [son] also: and she called his name Simeon.

  • Genesis 34:25

    ¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

  • Genesis 34:30

    And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

  • Genesis 49:5

    ¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.

  • Genesis 49:6

    O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
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