Numbers 2:12

KJV

And those which pitch by him [shall be] the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon [shall be] Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And those which pitch {H2583} by him shall be the tribe {H4294} of Simeon {H8095}: and the captain {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} shall be Shelumiel {H8017} the son {H1121} of Zurishaddai {H6701}.

Berean Standard Bible

The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it. The leader of the Simeonites is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai,

American Standard Version

And those that encamp next unto him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 2:12 precisely details the divinely ordained placement of the tribe of Simeon within the meticulously structured Israelite encampment, specifically positioning them on the south side of the Tabernacle, alongside the tribe of Reuben. This verse further identifies Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, as the appointed captain of the Simeonite contingent. This precise enumeration underscores God's profound commitment to order, structure, and designated leadership among His people as they journeyed through the wilderness, ensuring both tribal identity and national cohesion centered around His divine presence and preparing them for their sacred mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 2:12 is an integral component of a larger, divinely revealed blueprint for the Israelite camp and marching order, meticulously laid out in [Numbers chapter 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes"). The preceding verses (Numbers 2:1-9) establish the overarching command for the encampment to be organized around the Tabernacle, detailing the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, who were assigned the east side. [Numbers 2:10-11](/numbers/2-10-11 "Numbers 2:10-11 - Reuben's Camp and Gad's Position") then introduces the second major division, the camp of Reuben, positioned on the south side, which includes Reuben himself and the tribe of Gad. Our verse, [Numbers 2:12](/numbers/2-12 "Numbers 2:12 - Simeon's Place in the Camp"), completes the south division by adding Simeon, thus forming a three-tribe unit under Reuben's banner. This systematic enumeration continues throughout the chapter, outlining the precise positions of all twelve tribes, emphasizing a deliberate, ordered, and divinely sanctioned arrangement for the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for [Numbers chapter 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes") is the wilderness journey of the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt and their reception of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai. As a vast multitude, potentially numbering over two million people, the potential for disorganization and chaos was immense. God's detailed instructions for the camp's layout, with the Tabernacle at its absolute center (as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Building the Sanctuary")), were not merely practical but profoundly theological. This structure was crucial for maintaining order, ensuring sanitation, facilitating efficient movement during their travels, and preparing for military readiness. Each tribe, while part of a larger national identity, retained its distinct lineage and leadership, a common feature of ancient tribal societies. The appointment of specific captains like Shelumiel was vital for internal governance, communication, and the faithful execution of divine commands. This arrangement was thus a visible manifestation of God's sovereignty, His desire for His people to live in an ordered, holy community, and His meticulous care for their well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Numbers chapter 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes"), contributes to several key themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and control over every aspect of His people's lives, from their worship to their physical arrangement. The centrality of the Tabernacle underscores the theme of **God's Presence in the Midst of His People**, emphasizing that all of Israel's life and identity revolved around their relationship with Yahweh. The detailed tribal placements highlight **National Unity within Tribal Identity**, showing how individual tribal distinctiveness contributes to a cohesive national body, all serving a common purpose. Finally, the appointment of specific leaders like Shelumiel reinforces the theme of **Godly Leadership and Accountability**, illustrating God's provision for governance and the importance of recognized authority for the well-being and effective functioning of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelumiel (Hebrew, _Shᵉlumîyʼêl'_):** This Hebrew name, derived from "shalom" (peace, completeness) and "El" (God), means "peace of God" or "God is my recompense/reward." As the appointed captain of the tribe of Simeon, Shelumiel's name carries a profound theological statement, signifying a leader whose very identity and authority are rooted in God's provision of peace and well-being. It suggests a person who embodies or brings divine peace, reflecting a deep trust in God as the ultimate source of wholeness and fulfillment for his people.
* **Zurishaddai (Hebrew, _Tsûwrîyshadday'_):** This powerful Hebrew name is a compound of "tsur" (rock, fortress, strength) and "Shaddai" (Almighty, All-Sufficient God). Thus, "Zurishaddai" means "rock of (the) Almighty." For Shelumiel to be the "son of Zurishaddai" implies a lineage steeped in a profound confession of God's unshakeable nature and absolute power. This name declares God as an unwavering foundation and an inexhaustible source of strength, subtly imbuing the family and, by extension, the leadership of the tribe with a heritage grounded in divine might and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And those which pitch by him [shall be] the tribe of Simeon":** This clause precisely defines the location of the tribe of Simeon within the Israelite encampment. The phrase "by him" refers directly to the tribe of Reuben, which was designated as the leading tribe of the south camp in [Numbers 2:10](/numbers/2-10 "Numbers 2:10 - Reuben's Camp"). This specific placement highlights Simeon's subordinate yet integral position within the larger Reubenite division. The meticulous detail underscores God's divine blueprint for the camp, where every tribe has a designated, non-negotiable place, contributing to the overall order, functionality, and symbolic representation of the nation's unity around the Tabernacle.
* **"and the captain of the children of Simeon [shall be] Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai":** This segment identifies the specific leader appointed by God for the tribe of Simeon. The mention of "captain" (Hebrew: נָשִׂיא, _nâsîyʼ_, meaning prince or chief) emphasizes the established hierarchy and the importance of recognized, divinely sanctioned leadership within each tribal unit. Shelumiel's full lineage, "the son of Zurishaddai," not only serves as a precise identifier but also subtly reinforces the spiritual heritage and the theological meaning embedded in the names themselves. This suggests a leadership grounded in divine peace and the strength of the Almighty, ensuring accountability and order within the tribe and facilitating communication and coordination across the larger camp structure.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 2:12, like the entire chapter, prominently employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing each tribe and its captain within the larger organizational scheme. This device emphasizes the meticulousness of God's design and the comprehensive nature of His order. The repeated formula for identifying each tribe's position and leader creates a sense of **Repetition** and rhythm, reinforcing the divine authority behind the arrangement and its non-negotiable character. Furthermore, the inclusion of names like Shelumiel and Zurishaddai introduces elements of **Etymology** and **Symbolism**, where the very names of individuals carry profound theological weight, pointing to God's attributes (peace, strength, almightiness) and subtly imbuing the leadership with divine significance. The entire camp structure itself acts as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's desire for order, holiness, and His centrality in the life of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 2:12, though a seemingly administrative detail, profoundly reinforces the theological truth that God is a God of order, not chaos. His meticulous arrangement of the Israelite camp, with the Tabernacle at its very heart, symbolizes His desire for His people to live in a structured, purposeful community centered on His presence. This divine order extends to the appointment of specific leaders, demonstrating God's provision for governance and His expectation of submission to authority for the common good. The individual tribal identities, while maintained, are subsumed into a larger national unity, reflecting the principle that individual parts contribute to the health and function of the whole body, all under God's sovereign design and for His glory.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Building Up")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Israelite camp, including the specific placement of Simeon and the naming of its leader, serve as a profound reminder that God values order, intentionality, and proper leadership within His community. For us today, this passage encourages us to consider how we structure our lives, our families, and our churches. Are we living in a way that reflects God's desire for order, or is there chaos and disarray? Do we recognize and support the godly leadership He has established, understanding that it is for our edification and the effective functioning of the body of Christ? Most importantly, is God truly at the center of our individual and corporate lives, just as the Tabernacle was at the center of the Israelite camp? This passage calls us to align our priorities and practices with God's divine blueprint, trusting that His order leads to flourishing, effective witness, and a deeper experience of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (personal, family, church) do I need to invite God's order and intentionality, moving from chaos to divine design?**
* **How well do I support, pray for, and submit to the godly leaders God has placed over me, both spiritually and otherwise, recognizing their role in His divine order?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that God remains the absolute center of my daily life and decisions, mirroring the centrality of the Tabernacle in the Israelite camp?**
* **How does the concept of maintaining individual identity within a larger national unity apply to my role within the local church and the global body of Christ, fostering both distinctiveness and cohesion?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a seemingly mundane detail about tribal placement and leadership included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such meticulous details, as seen in [Numbers 2:12](/numbers/2-12 "Numbers 2:12 - Simeon's Place in the Camp"), serves several crucial purposes, revealing profound theological truths. First, it underscores God's nature as a God of perfect order, intentionality, and design. He is not a God of chaos, and His divine blueprint extends to every aspect of His people's lives, even their physical arrangement. Second, it highlights the practical importance of structure and organization for a vast community, especially one undertaking a challenging wilderness journey. This order ensured efficiency, sanitation, military readiness, and harmonious coexistence. Third, it emphasizes the significance of appointed leadership and the preservation of tribal identity within the larger national unity, ensuring accountability and cohesion. Finally, these details symbolically point to the absolute centrality of God's presence (the Tabernacle) in the midst of His people, reminding them that He was their guide, protector, and provider, the very heart of their existence.

**What is the significance of the names Shelumiel and Zurishaddai?**

Answer: The names Shelumiel and Zurishaddai are deeply significant, as many biblical names carry profound meaning that often reflects character, destiny, or a theological statement. Shelumiel (שְׁלֻמִיאֵל), meaning "peace of God" or "God is my recompense," reflects a foundational theological truth: God is the ultimate source of peace, wholeness, and fulfillment. For a leader, this name suggests someone whose identity and authority are rooted in divine peace, perhaps indicating a peacemaker or one blessed by God's tranquility. Zurishaddai (צוּרִישַׁדַּי), meaning "rock of the Almighty" or "My rock is Shaddai," is an even more powerful declaration. "Shaddai" is one of the ancient, majestic names for God, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient." This name powerfully declares God as an unshakeable foundation and an inexhaustible source of strength and sufficiency. Together, these names for the leader and his father not only identify them but also serve as a profound confession of faith, proclaiming God's attributes of peace, strength, and omnipotence, which were essential qualities for the leadership of God's people in the challenging wilderness journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and centrality of the Tabernacle in the Israelite camp, exemplified by the precise placement of Simeon in [Numbers 2:12](/numbers/2-12 "Numbers 2:12 - Simeon's Place in the Camp"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Just as the Tabernacle symbolized God's dwelling among His people, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the "Word made flesh, who dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The divine order established in the wilderness foreshadows the perfect order and unity found in the body of Christ, the Church, where Christ Himself is the head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and every member has a designated place and function, contributing to the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). The leadership of Shelumiel, rooted in names proclaiming God's peace and strength, points to Jesus as the ultimate Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) and the Rock of our salvation, from whom all spiritual sustenance flows ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")). The wilderness journey itself, with its trials and divine provision, serves as a type of the Christian's spiritual pilgrimage, where Christ is our true guide, our sustaining manna ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), and the one who leads us to the promised rest in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")). In Christ, all the divine order, leadership, and presence that the Tabernacle and camp represented are perfectly and eternally realized, for He is "all in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All")).

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 1:6

Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 7:36

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, [did offer]:

Numbers 7:41

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this [was] the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 10:19

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon [was] Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.