Numbers 1:23

KJV

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Simeon, [were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, even of the tribe {H4294} of Simeon {H8095}, were fifty {H2572} and nine {H8672} thousand {H505} and three {H7969} hundred {H3967}.

Berean Standard Bible

those registered to the tribe of Simeon numbered 59,300.

American Standard Version

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:23 meticulously records the census count for the tribe of Simeon, revealing that fifty-nine thousand and three hundred men, aged twenty years and upward, were deemed fit for military service. This precise enumeration is part of a divinely commanded census in the wilderness of Sinai, designed to organize the vast Israelite community for their journey to the Promised Land, ensuring military readiness, establishing an orderly encampment and march, and preparing for the future allocation of tribal lands. The verse underscores God's meticulous nature and His sovereign oversight in preparing His people for their collective purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:23 is situated within the opening chapters of the Book of Numbers, which detail the first comprehensive census of the Israelite tribes. The divine command for this census is given in [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The Command for the Census"), specifying the counting of all men twenty years and upward who were "able to go forth to war in Israel." Following this command, [Numbers 1:4-16](/numbers/1-4 "Numbers 1:4-16 - Tribal Leaders Appointed for the Census") lists the tribal leaders appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in this task. [Numbers 1:17-19](/numbers/1-17 "Numbers 1:17-19 - The Census Begins") describes the commencement of the census on the first day of the second month, in the second year after the Exodus. The subsequent verses, from [Numbers 1:20-46](/numbers/1-20 "Numbers 1:20-46 - Census Results for Each Tribe"), systematically present the results for each of the twelve tribes, with Simeon's count appearing as the fifth tribe listed, maintaining a consistent reporting structure. This meticulous cataloging sets the stage for the detailed organization of the camp and the march in the chapters that follow, such as the tribal encampment arrangements described in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes in the Camp").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This census took place in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus from Egypt") and shortly after the erection and dedication of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Filled with God's Glory"). The primary purpose of this divinely mandated numbering was multifaceted. Culturally, large-scale censuses were common in ancient Near Eastern empires for taxation, conscription, and resource management. However, for Israel, it was a unique act of divine organization. It served to establish military readiness for the impending conquest of Canaan, preparing a vast, newly freed populace for the challenges of warfare and settlement. Furthermore, it provided a structured basis for the orderly encampment and movement of the nation through the wilderness, preventing chaos among millions of people. Each tribe's strength was vital for its assigned position in the camp and its role in the march, as outlined in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes in the Camp"). This census also laid the groundwork for the future division of the Promised Land, ensuring a fair allocation based on tribal strength, as later discussed in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot and Population").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a richer meaning than simply "to count." It implies a "visitation," "muster," "enrollment," or "appointment for a specific purpose." In this context, it signifies that these men were not merely tallied, but formally enrolled and designated for the responsibilities of military service and communal organization. It suggests divine intentionality and oversight in the accounting of His people.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _matteh'_):** Literally meaning "staff" or "rod," this term refers to a distinct tribal division or clan. It emphasizes the lineage, identity, and organizational unit within the larger nation of Israel. Each _matteh_ had its own leadership and was responsible for its members, contributing to the collective strength and identity of the twelve tribes.
* **Fifty and nine thousand and three hundred (Hebrew, _ḥamishshim v'tish'ah elef u'shlosh me'ot'_):** The precise numerical figure, down to the hundreds, highlights the meticulousness of the census and, by extension, God's detailed attention to every aspect of His people's organization. This exactitude is a recurring feature throughout the census accounts in Numbers, underscoring divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers to the specific demographic being counted: male Israelites aged twenty years and upward, who were physically capable and designated "able to go forth to war." This was not a general population count but a military and organizational muster.
* **"[even] of the tribe of Simeon":** This clause precisely identifies the tribal unit to which the count applies. Simeon was the second son of Jacob by Leah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel, each with its distinct identity and role within the nation.
* **"[were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred":** This is the exact numerical result of the census for the tribe of Simeon. This specific figure represents the fighting strength of Simeon at this particular moment in Israel's history, a significant contribution to the overall strength of the Israelite army.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 1:23, and indeed throughout the entire census account, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The text systematically lists the precise numbers for each tribe, creating a comprehensive roster of Israel's military strength. This detailed **Precision** and **Specificity** in reporting the exact figures (e.g., "fifty and nine thousand and three hundred") serves to emphasize the meticulousness of the divine command and the thoroughness of its execution. It conveys a sense of divine order and control over the vast nation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** in the consistent phrasing used for each tribal entry ("Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of [X], were [Y] thousand and [Z] hundred"), which reinforces the uniformity and divine authority behind the entire census operation. This structured repetition lends a ritualistic and authoritative tone to the record, highlighting the importance of each tribal contribution to the whole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:23, as part of the broader census narrative, powerfully communicates God's nature as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous detail. The precise numbering of each tribe underscores His sovereign oversight and deliberate preparation of His people for the challenges and responsibilities ahead. It reveals that God does not deal with His people in a chaotic or haphazard manner, but with intentionality, organizing them for their collective mission. This organizational principle extends beyond military readiness, speaking to the communal responsibility of each individual and tribal unit within the larger covenant community. Every "numbered" man had a place and a role, contributing to the strength and success of the entire nation, emphasizing that each part is vital to the whole.

* [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - The Divine Command for the Census")
* [Numbers 26:14](/numbers/26-14 "Numbers 26:14 - Simeon's Count in the Second Census")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane numerical record of Numbers 1:23 offers profound insights for our spiritual lives today. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, orchestrating circumstances and preparing us for His purposes. Just as ancient Israel was "numbered" and organized for a specific journey and mission, so too are we, as believers, called and equipped by God for our unique roles within His kingdom. This verse encourages us to embrace our place within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that our individual contributions, no matter how seemingly small, are vital to the collective mission of the church. It prompts us to consider how we are being prepared by God for the spiritual battles and divine purposes He has for us, emphasizing the importance of order, readiness, and faithful participation in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the census speak to His care for our individual lives and the specific circumstances we face?**
* **In what ways is God calling you to be "numbered" or prepared for a specific purpose in His kingdom today, whether in service, spiritual growth, or outreach?**
* **How can understanding your unique contribution strengthen the "tribe" or community you belong to (e.g., church, family, ministry team)?**

### FAQ
**Why was this census taken, and what was its primary purpose?**

Answer: The census recorded in Numbers 1, including the count for Simeon in [Numbers 1:23](/numbers/1-23 "Numbers 1:23 - Simeon's Census Count"), was a divinely commanded act with several key purposes. Primarily, it was to determine the military strength of the nation, counting all men aged twenty years and older who were "able to go forth to war" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Men Able to Go to War")). This was crucial for preparing Israel for the conquest of the Promised Land. Secondly, it served to organize the vast Israelite community for their wilderness journey, establishing a precise order for encampment and march, with each tribe assigned a specific place and banner ([Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes in the Camp")). Finally, it laid the groundwork for the future division of the land of Canaan, ensuring an equitable distribution based on tribal size ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot and Population")).

**What happened to the tribe of Simeon later in Israel's history?**

Answer: The tribe of Simeon experienced a significant decline in numbers between the first census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and the second census recorded in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). While Simeon numbered 59,300 in Numbers 1:23, their count dropped to 22,200 by the time of the second census ([Numbers 26:14](/numbers/26-14 "Numbers 26:14 - Simeon's Count in the Second Census")). This dramatic decrease is often attributed to their prominent involvement in the sin of Baal of Peor, where many Israelites, including a Simeonite leader, engaged in idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women ([Numbers 25:1-18](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-18 - The Sin at Baal of Peor")). As a result of this judgment, Simeon's inheritance in the Promised Land was not a distinct territory but was rather located within the larger territory of Judah ([Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - The Inheritance of Simeon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous numbering and organization of the tribes in Numbers 1:23, and indeed throughout the census, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as God meticulously ordered ancient Israel for their earthly pilgrimage and conquest, so too does Christ, the true Head of the Church, meticulously order and equip His spiritual people for their heavenly pilgrimage and spiritual conquest. The "numbered" men of Israel, prepared for physical warfare, foreshadow the "numbered" members of the Body of Christ, each spiritually gifted and positioned for spiritual warfare and the building up of God's kingdom ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Body")). Jesus is the ultimate leader and commander, gathering His elect from every tribe and nation, not by physical lineage or military muster, but by faith and the Spirit ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). He is the one who "numbers" His sheep, knowing each one by name, and ensuring that none are lost ([John 10:27-29](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The divine order seen in Numbers points to the perfect order established by Christ, where every believer is a vital member of His body, contributing to the whole under His sovereign headship ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")). The preparation of Israel for a land of promise ultimately points to Christ preparing His church for the eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope, an Incorruptible Inheritance")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.