Numbers 2:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַֽחוֹנִ֥ם
And those which pitch
H2583
וְהַֽחוֹנִ֥ם
And those which pitch
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַטֵּ֣ה
by him shall be the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
by him shall be the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 10
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
שִׁמְע֔וֹן
of Simeon
H8095
שִׁמְע֔וֹן
of Simeon
Strong's:
H8095
Word #:
4 of 10
shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שִׁמְע֔וֹן
of Simeon
H8095
שִׁמְע֔וֹן
of Simeon
Strong's:
H8095
Word #:
7 of 10
shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him
Cross References
Historical Context
Simeon and Reuben's proximity in camp may have been providential, creating fellowship between tribes that shared the experience of patriarchal curse yet divine preservation. Both would face future challenges, but both received covenant inclusion in the wilderness organization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the pairing of two tribes under patriarchal curse yet divine preservation encourage believers struggling with family legacies of sin?
- What does their inclusion teach us about God's power to redeem troubled histories?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Simeon's camp placement next to Reuben joined two tribes that had lost special status through sin—Simeon through violence (Genesis 34; 49:5-7) and Reuben through immorality (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4). Yet both retained tribal status and significant numbers, demonstrating that God's electing purposes persist despite human failure. This encourages believers that our security rests in God's faithfulness, not our performance.