Numbers 1:6

KJV

Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Simeon {H8095}; Shelumiel {H8017} the son {H1121} of Zurishaddai {H6701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From Shim'on, Shlumi'el the son of Tzurishaddai;

Berean Standard Bible

from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;

American Standard Version

Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:6 is a concise yet significant verse, identifying Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai as the appointed leader for the tribe of Simeon. This verse is part of a comprehensive census commanded by God, detailing the military organization of the Israelite tribes in the wilderness of Sinai, underscoring God's meticulous order, the importance of leadership, and the distinct identity of each tribal unit within the larger covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:6 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Numbers, which commences with a divine command for a census of all Israelite men aged twenty years and upward, who were able to go to war. This enumeration, detailed in [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel"), serves as a foundational act of organization for the nascent nation. The preceding verses establish the purpose and parameters of the census, including the appointment of a "prince" or "head of the house of their fathers" from each tribe to assist Moses and Aaron. Numbers 1:6 specifically names the individual chosen to represent and lead the tribe of Simeon, fitting seamlessly into the larger list of tribal leaders that continues through [Numbers 1:15](/numbers/1-15 "Numbers 1:15 - The Leader of Naphtali"). It highlights the systematic and divinely ordained structure of Israel's tribal system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This census takes place in the wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, as stated in [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - God Speaks to Moses in the Wilderness"). The primary purpose was not merely demographic but highly practical: to organize the Israelite men into an effective fighting force for the impending journey through the wilderness and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such censuses were often conducted for military conscription and taxation. For Israel, it also reinforced their identity as a distinct people, organized by God, with each tribe maintaining its unique lineage and designated leadership. The "prince" (Hebrew: _nasi'_) was a significant figure, representing his tribe, assisting in administration, and leading his people, reflecting the patrilineal and tribal structure foundational to Israelite society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelumiel (Hebrew, שְׁלֻמִיאֵל, _Shelumi'el'_):** This Hebrew name is rich with meaning, typically interpreted as "My peace is God" or "God is my recompense/reward." The root "shalom" (peace, wholeness, well-being) is evident, combined with "El" (God). For a leader tasked with guiding his people through the challenges of the wilderness, this name would have served as a constant reminder of God as the ultimate source of peace, security, and blessing, not only for himself but for the tribe he represented. It speaks to a profound trust and reliance on divine provision and tranquility amidst potential turmoil.
* **Zurishaddai (Hebrew, צוּרִישַׁדָּי, _Tsurishaddai'_):** This powerful name translates to "My rock is the Almighty" or "Rock of Shaddai." The element "Zur" means "rock," symbolizing strength, stability, and refuge. "Shaddai" is one of the ancient and majestic names for God, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One," emphasizing God's power and provision, as seen when God reveals Himself to Abraham in [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Reveals Himself as El Shaddai"). The name Zurishaddai, therefore, powerfully declares God as an unshakeable foundation and an inexhaustible source of strength and sustenance, a truth essential for a people facing the trials and uncertainties of their wilderness journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Simeon;":** This initial phrase clearly designates the tribal affiliation for the individual being named. It immediately places the subsequent information within the context of Israel's twelve tribes, emphasizing the distinct identity and organization of each tribal unit. This highlights the importance of tribal lineage and structure in ancient Israelite society and in God's ordered plan for His people.
* **"Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.":** This clause provides the full identification of the designated leader for the tribe of Simeon. It names Shelumiel and, crucially, identifies his father, Zurishaddai. This patrilineal identification was paramount in Israelite society, establishing one's lineage, authority, and standing within the community. It confirms Shelumiel's rightful place as the "head of the house of their fathers" for Simeon, chosen to assist in the census and lead his tribe.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 1:6, and indeed throughout the lists in Numbers 1, is **Onomastics**, the study of names and their meanings. The names Shelumiel ("My peace is God") and Zurishaddai ("My rock is the Almighty") are not merely labels but carry profound theological significance, reflecting the deep faith and understanding of God held by the parents who bestowed these names. They serve as miniature theological statements, imbuing the seemingly dry list with spiritual depth and reminding the reader of God's character as peace, strength, and sufficiency. Additionally, the verse functions as part of a larger **List** or **Genealogy**, which is a common literary form in biblical texts. This listing emphasizes divine order, meticulous record-keeping, and the importance of every individual and tribal unit within the larger covenant community. The very act of naming each leader underscores God's attention to detail and His personal involvement in the organization of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:6, though brief, powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. It underscores God's profound commitment to order and structure within His people, demonstrating that His divine plan is not chaotic but meticulously organized, even down to the individual leaders of each tribe. This attention to detail reveals God's intimate knowledge and care for every part of His covenant community. Furthermore, the verse highlights the importance of divinely appointed leadership, where individuals like Shelumiel are chosen to represent and guide their people. The very names "Shelumiel" and "Zurishaddai" are theological declarations, proclaiming God as the source of peace and an unshakeable rock, serving as a constant reminder of the divine attributes upon which the community's well-being ultimately depends.

* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - The Purpose of the Census")
* [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Reveals Himself as El Shaddai to Abraham")
* [Psalm 139:13-14](/psalm/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-14 - God's Intricate Creation and Knowledge of Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple act of naming a tribal leader in Numbers 1:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. God's meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people, even down to identifying individual leaders by name and lineage, reminds us that He is not a distant deity but one intimately involved in the lives of His followers. This verse encourages us to recognize that every individual within the body of Christ is known, valued, and purposed by God, just as each tribe and its leader had a specific role in ancient Israel. It also challenges us to consider the qualities of leadership: Shelumiel's and Zurishaddai's names, "My peace is God" and "My rock is the Almighty," serve as a powerful reminder that true spiritual leadership must be rooted in a deep, personal reliance on God as one's ultimate source of peace, strength, and all-sufficiency. We are called to lead, serve, and live with the conviction that our ultimate security and well-being are found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census affirm His care for every individual within His community, and what does this mean for your own sense of value and purpose?**
* **What can we learn from the meanings of Shelumiel's and Zurishaddai's names about the character of God and what qualities are essential for those in leadership, both in the church and in our daily lives?**
* **In what ways can we, like the Israelites, embrace our specific roles and identities within the larger body of Christ, contributing to its overall order and mission, knowing that God has uniquely purposed each of us?**

### FAQ
**Why is the census so important in the book of Numbers?**

Answer: The census described in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel") is far more than a simple demographic count. It served several critical purposes: it organized the Israelite men into a military-ready force for the impending journey and conquest of the Promised Land; it established divine order and structure for the burgeoning nation; it prepared for the allocation of responsibilities and resources among the tribes; and it underscored God's active involvement in the practical aspects of His people's lives, demonstrating His desire for an ordered and prepared community.

**What was the role of a "prince" (nasi) in ancient Israel, as exemplified by Shelumiel?**

Answer: A "prince" (Hebrew: _nasi'_) was a tribal leader, typically the head of the most prominent ancestral house within his tribe. In the context of Numbers, these princes were divinely appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in the census and the subsequent organization of Israel. Their role was multifaceted: they represented their tribe before God and the community, participated in administrative decisions, led their respective tribes in battle, and were responsible for the well-being and order of their people. They were crucial figures in maintaining the social and spiritual cohesion of the Israelite nation.

**Does this verse have any relevance for us today, beyond historical record?**

Answer: Absolutely. While seemingly a historical record of names, [Numbers 1:6](/numbers/1-6 "Numbers 1:6 - Shelumiel, Leader of Simeon") offers enduring relevance. It highlights God's value for order and structure within His people, His intimate knowledge and care for every individual, and the importance of faithful, God-centered leadership. The theological meanings embedded in the names Shelumiel ("My peace is God") and Zurishaddai ("My rock is the Almighty") serve as timeless reminders of God's character as our ultimate source of peace, strength, and sufficiency, applicable to all believers in every generation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous census and the naming of tribal leaders like Shelumiel in Numbers 1:6 point forward to the ultimate divine order and leadership found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament census, designed to organize a people for a physical journey and conquest, foreshadows Christ's work in gathering and ordering His spiritual people, the Church. Jesus is the true and perfect Leader, the ultimate "Prince" and "Wonderful Counselor" prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"). He is the one who embodies "My peace is God," for He is our peace, breaking down dividing walls and reconciling humanity to God through His sacrifice, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). Moreover, He is the unshakeable "Rock of the Almighty," the spiritual Rock from whom God's people drink, as Paul identifies Him in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock"). Just as every individual in Israel was counted and valued, so too in Christ's body, every member is known, valued, and given a unique place and purpose by God, as beautifully described in [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ"). Christ leads His people not to a temporal promised land, but to an eternal inheritance and rest found in Him alone, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's meticulous ordering and care for His beloved children, as promised in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God").

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.