Numbers 26:14
These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
These are the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 7
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַשִּׁמְעֹנִ֑י
of the Simeonites
H8099
הַשִּׁמְעֹנִ֑י
of the Simeonites
Strong's:
H8099
Word #:
3 of 7
a shimonite (collectively) or descendants of shimon
Historical Context
Simeon's 63% population decline is unprecedented among the tribes—no other tribe suffered such catastrophic loss. The Baal-Peor incident (Numbers 25) occurred just before this census and claimed 24,000 lives, many likely Simeonites given Zimri's leadership in the sin. Simeon's eventual absorption into Judah fulfilled Jacob's scattering prophecy completely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Simeon's numerical collapse yet continued covenant participation demonstrate that God's discipline is corrective rather than destructive?
- What does the multi-generational fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy (Genesis 49:7) teach about the enduring nature of God's word?
- When facing consequences of sin, how can you trust that God's discipline flows from love rather than abandonment (Hebrews 12:6)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred (22,200)—this tribal total reveals catastrophic decline from 59,300 in the first census (Numbers 1:23), a loss of 37,100 men (63% decrease). Simeon becomes the smallest tribe, reduced from third largest to weakest.
The dramatic reduction likely connects to the Baal-Peor plague (Numbers 25) where 24,000 Israelites died after Simeonite prince Zimri brought a Midianite woman into camp. Jacob's ancient curse—I will scatter them in Israel (Genesis 49:7)—finds fulfillment through numerical weakness. Yet even judged Simeon receives covenant inclusion and land inheritance (Joshua 19). God's discipline aims at correction, not annihilation. As Hebrews 12:6 teaches: The Lord disciplines the one he loves.