Numbers 26:12

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

The sons {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} after their families {H4940}: of Nemuel {H5241}, the family {H4940} of the Nemuelites {H5242}: of Jamin {H3226}, the family {H4940} of the Jaminites {H3228}: of Jachin {H3199}, the family {H4940} of the Jachinites {H3200}:

The descendants of Shim'on, by their families, were: of N'mu'el, the family of the N'mu'eli; of Yamin, the family of the Yamini; of Yakhin, the family of the Yakhini;

These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jachinite clan from Jachin,

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;

Commentary

Numbers 26:12 details the family lines descended from three of Simeon's sons: Nemuel, Jamin, and Jachin. This specific verse, with its listing of "the family of the Nemuelites," "the family of the Jaminites," and "the family of the Jachinites," emphasizes the distinct lineage and the structured organization of the Israelite tribes during the second census. These names trace back to Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons, whose descendants are also noted in earlier genealogies such as Genesis 46:10 and Exodus 6:15.

Context

This verse is part of a larger census recorded in Numbers chapter 26, which took place on the plains of Moab towards the end of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering. This was the second major census of Israel, following the one taken at Mount Sinai nearly four decades prior (Numbers 1). The primary purpose of this new count was to determine the number of fighting men (those twenty years old and above) in preparation for entering and dividing the Promised Land, as the land was to be apportioned to the tribes according to their population (Numbers 26:53-56). This census also served as a stark reminder that the entire generation of Israelites who had rebelled against God in the wilderness, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, had perished, fulfilling God's judgment (Numbers 14:29-30). Numbers 26:12 therefore highlights the continuity of the Simeon tribe, despite the significant changes and losses over the preceding decades.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of families and their descendants, even within a single tribe like Simeon, reveals God's precise and orderly nature. He oversees the details of His people's structure and progression.
  • Generational Continuity and God's Faithfulness: Despite the challenges of the wilderness, the judgment on the previous generation, and the reduction in size for some tribes (like Simeon), God faithfully preserved the lineage and tribal identity of Israel. This underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: The census was not merely for record-keeping but was directly tied to the upcoming distribution of the land of Canaan. Each family's identity was crucial for receiving their rightful portion of the inheritance.

Significance and Application

While seemingly a dry list of names, Numbers 26:12 offers significant insights. It teaches us that God pays attention to details and that every individual and family within His people is known and valued by Him. It reassures us of God's faithfulness across generations; even when human disobedience brings consequences, God's overarching plan for His people endures. For believers today, this verse reminds us of the importance of our spiritual lineage and identity within the family of God. We are part of a divinely ordered community, and like the Israelites preparing for their earthly inheritance, we are also being prepared for an eternal inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled (1 Peter 1:4). It encourages us to embrace our place within God's grand narrative and trust in His meticulous care for every aspect of our lives.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 4:24

    ¶ The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:

  • Exodus 6:15

    And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these [are] the families of Simeon.

  • Genesis 46:10

    And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.

  • 1 Kings 7:21

    And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
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