Numbers 34:20

KJV

And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, Shemuel {H8050} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on, Sh'mu'el the son of 'Ammihud;

Berean Standard Bible

Shemuel son of Ammihud from the tribe of Simeon;

American Standard Version

And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 34:20 introduces Shemuel, son of Ammihud, as the divinely appointed representative from the tribe of Simeon. This verse is part of a crucial list detailing the leaders chosen by God to oversee the equitable and orderly distribution of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. It underscores God's meticulous planning and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises by providing a permanent inheritance for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 34:20 is embedded within a highly administrative and prescriptive section of the book of Numbers, specifically [Numbers 34:16-29](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land and Appointed Leaders"). This chapter meticulously outlines the precise boundaries of the land of Canaan that Israel is to inherit, followed by the specific individuals appointed to oversee its division. The preceding verses (Numbers 34:1-15) detail the geographical limits, emphasizing God's sovereign designation of the territory. The listing of tribal leaders, including Shemuel, highlights the transition from wilderness wandering to the practical implementation of God's promises, ensuring an orderly and just allocation of land according to divine instruction. This section serves as a bridge, preparing the Israelites for the detailed land distribution accounts found in the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - The Book of Joshua").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, as Israel stands poised to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Land inheritance was paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies, signifying identity, security, and continuity. God's detailed instructions for land division reflect His commitment to the Abrahamic covenant, specifically the promise of a land ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). The appointment of specific leaders for each tribe was crucial for maintaining tribal integrity, preventing disputes, and ensuring fairness, reflecting a divinely ordained system of governance. The tribe of Simeon, though having a complex history (including a significant reduction in numbers due to plague in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Baal of Peor and the Plague")) and a unique inheritance primarily within the territory of Judah ([Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")), was nonetheless included in this vital process, demonstrating God's faithfulness to all His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger list, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Administration**. God is not haphazard; He meticulously plans and provides clear structures for His people's well-being and the fulfillment of His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Representation and Responsibility**. Each appointed leader, like Shemuel, bore the weighty responsibility of ensuring justice and adherence to divine mandates for their respective tribes, underscoring the biblical principle of delegated authority. Their faithfulness was integral to the success of the divine plan. Thirdly, the entire process of land division, including the appointment of these leaders, is a tangible **Fulfillment of Promises**. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to the ancient covenants made with the patriarchs, providing a permanent homeland and inheritance for the nation of Israel, a promise that began to unfold dramatically as seen in [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - The Beginning of Land Division").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemuel (Hebrew, _Shemu'el_):** Meaning "Heard of God" or "Name of God." This name, famously borne by the prophet Samuel, carries a profound theological resonance. In the context of Numbers 34:20, while its primary function is identification, the meaning subtly reinforces the idea that this individual is chosen by divine decree, perhaps implying that he is one whose prayers God has heard, or that he embodies God's very name in his appointed role. His selection is not arbitrary but part of God's deliberate and purposeful plan.
* **Ammihud (Hebrew, _'Ammihud_):** Meaning "My kinsman is glory" or "People of praise." This patronymic identifies Shemuel's lineage, grounding him within his tribal and familial identity. The meaning of the name itself, "my kinsman is glory," may subtly point to the honor and distinction associated with being chosen for such a crucial task, reflecting positively on his family and tribe. It emphasizes the communal aspect of Israel's identity and the importance of one's heritage in the divine economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the tribe of the children of Simeon":** This initial clause precisely identifies the tribal affiliation of the appointed leader. It underscores the systematic and inclusive nature of God's plan for land distribution, ensuring that every tribe, regardless of its size or past history, received its due representation and inheritance. This formulaic opening for each leader emphasizes the divine order and the meticulous attention to detail in the administration of God's covenant promises.
* **"Shemuel the son of Ammihud":** This clause provides the specific name of the chosen individual and his father, establishing his unique identity and lineage. In ancient Israel, identifying a person by their father's name was crucial for establishing legal standing, tribal affiliation, and personal accountability. Shemuel, as the son of Ammihud, is presented as a specific, identifiable individual entrusted with a significant responsibility, highlighting the personal dimension of divine calling and human stewardship within God's grand design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 34:20 and its surrounding context is **Catalog** or **List**. The entire passage (Numbers 34:16-29) is a detailed enumeration of appointed leaders, emphasizing the meticulousness and comprehensiveness of God's plan for the land division. This catalog serves to demonstrate divine order and the systematic nature of God's administration. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** in the formulaic presentation of each tribal representative ("And of the tribe of the children of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father]"). This repetition reinforces the consistency, fairness, and universality of the appointments across all tribes. While not a direct literary device, the **Nominalism** (the inherent meaning of names) of "Shemuel" and "Ammihud" subtly adds layers of meaning, hinting at divine hearing and glory, which align with the sacred nature of the task at hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 34:20, though seemingly a simple entry in a list, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. His meticulous planning for the distribution of the Promised Land demonstrates His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores that God's grand redemptive purposes often unfold through specific, appointed individuals who are called to exercise stewardship and leadership. The inclusion of Shemuel from the tribe of Simeon, despite Simeon's checkered past and diminished numbers, further highlights God's grace and His commitment to every part of His covenant people. This divine blueprint for land allocation foreshadows God's careful design for His people's spiritual inheritance and the roles He appoints for individuals within His kingdom.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")
* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Moses Appointing Capable Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing of names in Numbers 34:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is deeply invested in the details of our lives and His kingdom. Just as He meticulously planned the inheritance for Israel, He has a divine design for our lives and the roles we are called to play. Shemuel's appointment, though administrative, was a sacred trust. This calls us to consider our own spheres of influence—whether in family, church, or community—as opportunities for faithful stewardship. Every task, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to God's larger plan when undertaken with diligence and a spirit of obedience. We are encouraged to embrace our unique callings, trusting in God's sovereign hand to equip us and to bring His purposes to fruition through our faithfulness, just as He did through Shemuel and the other tribal leaders.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous planning for Israel's inheritance, as seen in this passage, encourage your trust in His provision and guidance for your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life has God called you to exercise stewardship or leadership, even in seemingly small or administrative ways?**
* **What does Shemuel's inclusion, despite Simeon's history, teach us about God's faithfulness and grace towards all His people?**

### FAQ
**Why is a seemingly minor name listed in such detail in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed listing of Shemuel the son of Ammihud, along with other tribal leaders, is far from minor. It serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His commitment to order in the administration of His covenant promises. Every tribe was to receive its inheritance, and God ensured proper representation and accountability for this vital task. Secondly, it highlights the personal responsibility and trustworthiness of the individuals chosen. These were not generic appointments but specific people entrusted with a sacred duty. Finally, it reinforces the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that these events were grounded in real people and real administrative processes, not abstract concepts. It shows that God cares about the specifics of His people's lives and their future.

**What was the specific role of these appointed leaders like Shemuel?**

Answer: The primary role of Shemuel and the other appointed leaders, as outlined in [Numbers 34:16-29](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land and Appointed Leaders"), was to oversee the fair and equitable division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. This was a critical administrative and judicial task. They were responsible for ensuring that the land was distributed according to God's instructions, preventing disputes, and upholding justice in the allocation process. Their leadership was essential for the orderly settlement of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promise of a permanent inheritance for His people. They acted as God's designated agents in this monumental undertaking.

**How does the tribe of Simeon's history relate to this appointment?**

Answer: The tribe of Simeon had a challenging history. They were cursed by Jacob in [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5 "Genesis 49:5-7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi") for their violent actions in Shechem. Later, they suffered a significant reduction in numbers due to the plague at Baal of Peor ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Baal of Peor and the Plague")). Despite these setbacks and their diminished size, God still ensured their representation in the land division process through Shemuel. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with all the tribes of Israel, even those who had faced severe consequences for their actions. Furthermore, Simeon's inheritance was uniquely situated within the territory of Judah ([Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")), fulfilling Jacob's prophecy that they would be "scattered" within Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 34:20, with its focus on divine order, promised inheritance, and appointed leadership, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous planning for Israel's earthly inheritance foreshadows the far greater spiritual inheritance secured for believers through Christ. Just as Shemuel was appointed to administer the division of a physical land, Christ is the ultimate Administrator and Mediator of our eternal inheritance, securing for us a place in God's heavenly kingdom, "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). He is the true and faithful leader, unlike any earthly representative, who perfectly executes the will of God, ensuring that every promise made to Abraham finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The land of Canaan was a shadow; Christ is the substance, the one who leads His people not into a temporary dwelling, but into an eternal rest and a glorious inheritance in the new heavens and new earth ([Hebrews 4:8-11](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-11 - The True Rest in Christ"), [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has purchased our redemption and secured our place as co-heirs with Him, fulfilling God's ancient promises in a way far grander than any earthly land distribution could ever achieve ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"), [Colossians 1:12-14](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12-14 - Inheritance in the Kingdom of Light")).

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

Genesis 49:5

¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.