Numbers 1:6

Context

Numbers 1:6 is a concise verse found within the larger context of a census being taken in the wilderness of Sinai, during the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. The book of Numbers begins with God commanding Moses and Aaron to conduct a detailed count of all Israelite men aged twenty years and upward who were able to go to war. This census was not merely for demographic purposes but primarily for military organization and to prepare the tribes for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. Each tribe was to have a designated leader, a "prince" (or "head of the house of their fathers"), who would assist in this enumeration and subsequent organization. This verse specifically identifies the leader chosen for the tribe of Simeon.

Key Themes

• Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of tribes and their leaders underscores God's desire for order and structure within His people. Every individual and group has a place and purpose in the divine plan.
• Leadership and Representation: Shelumiel, as the son of Zurishaddai, represents the tribe of Simeon. His selection highlights the importance of strong, designated leadership for each segment of the community, crucial for unity and effective action.
• Tribal Identity: Even within the larger nation of Israel, each tribe maintained its distinct identity, lineage, and leadership, which was vital for their social and spiritual cohesion.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned in this verse carry significant meaning, reflecting the deep faith and theological understanding of the Israelites:

• Shelumiel (שְׁלֻמִיאֵל - Shelumi'el): This Hebrew name means "My peace is God" or "God is my recompense/reward." It reflects a profound trust in God as the source of peace and provision, a fitting name for a leader who would guide his people through the wilderness.
• Zurishaddai (צוּרִישַׁדָּי - Tsurishaddai): This name means "My rock is the Almighty" or "Rock of Shaddai." "Shaddai" is one of the ancient names for God, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One" (see Genesis 17:1). The name powerfully declares God as a steadfast, unshakeable foundation and source of strength, a truth essential for a people facing the challenges of the wilderness journey.

Significance and Application

While seemingly a simple record of names, Numbers 1:6, like the rest of the census, offers valuable insights:

• God's Attention to Detail: The fact that God commands and oversees such a detailed census, even down to naming each tribal leader, demonstrates His intimate knowledge and care for every part of His people. He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in the lives and organization of His followers.
• Importance of Individuals: Even within a large nation, every individual, especially those in leadership like Shelumiel, is known and has a specific role to play in God's grand narrative. This echoes the biblical truth that each person is uniquely valued and purposed by God (Psalm 139:13-14).
• Leadership Rooted in Faith: The meanings of Shelumiel and Zurishaddai's names serve as a reminder that true leadership, especially in God's service, should be rooted in a deep personal reliance on God as one's peace and strength. For further context on the tribal leaders and their roles, one might also examine the broader purpose of the census described in Numbers 1:2-3.