Numbers 1:23

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

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}.

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 1:23 records the precise count of fighting men from the tribe of Simeon during the first census of Israel. This verse states that fifty-nine thousand and three hundred men from Simeon, aged twenty years and upward, were numbered and deemed fit for military service.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of the extensive census detailed in the opening chapters of the Book of Numbers. This census was commanded by God to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, about a year after the Exodus from Egypt and after the Tabernacle had been erected. Its primary purpose was to organize the Israelite community for their journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. This involved preparing for military readiness, establishing the order of march and encampment for each tribe, and preparing for the eventual division of the land. Each tribe's strength was meticulously recorded, reflecting God's divine order and detailed oversight of His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Meticulousness: The precise enumeration of each tribe, down to the last hundred, underscores God's meticulous nature and His desire for order within His covenant people. This census was not random but a divinely ordained process to bring structure to a vast nation.
  • Preparation for Purpose: The numbering of men "able to go forth to war" highlights that this census was instrumental in preparing Israel for the challenges ahead, including battles for the Promised Land. It signifies readiness and accountability for a collective mission.
  • Tribal Identity and Contribution: Each tribe, including Simeon, maintained its distinct identity and strength within the larger nation of Israel. Their individual numbers contributed to the overall strength of the twelve tribes, emphasizing that each part is vital to the whole.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "numbered" (paqad) carries a deeper meaning than simply counting. It often implies a "visitation" or "muster" for a specific purpose, an enrollment, or an appointment. In this context, it signifies that these men were not just counted but were formally enrolled and designated for the tasks and responsibilities that lay before the nation of Israel. This precise accounting reinforces the idea of divine intentionality behind every detail of Israel's organization.

Related Scriptures

The command for this census is found at the very beginning of the book, as seen in Numbers 1:2. It's interesting to note that the tribe of Simeon experienced a significant decline in numbers by the time of the second census recorded later in Numbers 26, a fact that often prompts further study into the tribe's history and faithfulness.

Practical Application

This verse, though a simple numerical record, reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. He pays attention to details and organizes His people for specific tasks and journeys, whether ancient Israel's march through the wilderness or our own spiritual pilgrimage today. It teaches us that even seemingly mundane details can be part of a larger divine plan, and that preparation and organization are often key to fulfilling God's will. Just as each tribe was essential to Israel's strength, every individual believer has a unique place and contribution within the body of Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:14

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

  • Numbers 2:13

    And his host, and those that were numbered of them, [were] fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

  • Numbers 25:8

    And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 25:9

    And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

  • Numbers 25:14

    Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, [even] that was slain with the Midianitish woman, [was] Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites.
← Back