Numbers 26:12-13
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Even in this list of descendants, we see the echoes of Israel's past struggles. The omission of one of Simeon's sons might point to families that dwindled or merged after the nation's recent judgment, a stark reminder that faithfulness has consequences, both seen and unseen.
The sons of Simeon according to their clans: of Nemuel, the clan of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the clan of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the clan of the Jachinites; of Zerah, the clan of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the clan of the Shaulites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a census taken by Moses and Eleazar after a devastating plague swept through Israel. God commanded this census to take place in the plains of Moab, just before the people were to enter the Promised Land, and it serves as a crucial update on the nation's strength and size after 40 years in the wilderness. The listing of Simeon's descendants here is significant because this tribe, along with others, suffered greatly due to their participation in the idolatrous and sexual sin at Baal-Peor, a sin that directly preceded this census.
This verse lists names, but beneath the surface lies a story of severe judgment. How does God's justice and grace intersect here?
This census in Numbers 26 occurs after a devastating plague caused by the people's sin at Baal-peor (Numbers 25). The tribe of Simeon, in particular, seems to have suffered immense losses. Some traditions even suggest the entire 24,000 who died in the plague were from Simeon.
A Tribe in Crisis
While this verse simply lists the clans of Simeon (Nemuelites, Jaminites, Jachinites), it's set against a backdrop of divine judgment. The drastic reduction in Simeon's numbers compared to the first census is a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
The Unseen Hand
Yet, even in judgment, God's preserving grace is at work. The fact that Simeon still has identifiable clans and a recorded number (even if greatly reduced) shows God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. He remembers His people, even when they fall. This demonstrates that while sin brings severe consequences, God's mercy is often woven into the fabric of His justice, ensuring His people are not utterly consumed.
Why does Scripture bother listing these names and clans? What do they represent in the grand narrative of God's people?
The primary purpose of this census, and the listing of names and clans within it, is to establish and confirm the identity of each tribe and family. Even after forty years in the wilderness, facing judgment and hardship, these divisions and lineages are meticulously recorded.
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Preserving the Blueprint
These names—Nemuel, Jamin, Jachin—and their associated clans are not just historical footnotes. They represent the established structure of God's people, vital for the future division of the promised land.
God's Meticulous Care
Listing these names highlights God's attention to detail and His faithfulness to His covenant. Each name represents a part of the whole, and God’s plan for Israel encompassed every single family. This meticulous record-keeping assures us that God knows us, our families, and our place within His larger redemptive story.
Understand the original words
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A collective group of families descended from a common ancestor, often serving as a structural unit for military organization, census, and land inheritance within the tribes of Israel.
This census of Simeon's descendants is taken after a devastating plague, a direct consequence of their sin at Baal-Peor. The significant drop in their numbers compared to the first census serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment on sin and the ongoing need for faithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey into the wilderness. This event is foundational for all subsequent censuses and the wilderness generation.
c. 1445 BC
First Census at Sinai
The first census of Israelite men capable of bearing arms is taken at Mount Sinai, as recorded in Numbers chapter 1. This census establishes the initial tribal counts.
c. 1444 BC— this verse
The Sin of Baal-Peor
Many Israelites engage in sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite women, leading to a devastating plague. The tribe of Simeon is specifically noted as being heavily involved and suffering greatly.
c. 1406 BC
Second Census in Moab
After the plague and the subsequent forty years in the wilderness, a second census is taken in the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. This census is recorded in Numbers chapter 26.
c. 1406 BC
Division of the Land
The land of Canaan is to be divided among the tribes based on the results of this second census, ensuring inheritance rights are accurately assigned according to each tribe's size.
This passage lists the same sons of Simeon, though with slight variations in names (Nemuel vs. Jemuel), highlighting the consistent lineage and tribal structure.
Exodus 6:15Similar to Genesis 46:10, this verse also lists the sons of Simeon, providing another ancient record of these family lines within the broader narrative of Israel's history.
1 Chronicles 4:24This passage provides a slightly different list of Simeon's descendants, including the name Jarib for Jachin, illustrating how names and family lines were recorded across different biblical books, sometimes with variations.
Numbers 25:1-18This chapter details the sin of Baal-peor, which directly preceded this census. The significant decrease in Simeon's numbers (as noted by commentators) is often linked to their participation in this sin, demonstrating divine judgment.
Numbers 26:64-65These verses contrast the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai with this new census, emphasizing that the generation which sinned in the wilderness largely perished, making this new numbering of families significant for the future inheritance of the land.
gillNumbers 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 of Simeon, after their families,.... This tribe was next numbered, not only because Simeon was next to Reuben by birth, but because his tribe was under the standard of Reuben; two of his sons are a little differently named here than they are in Genesis 46:10 , there the eldest is called Jemuel, here Nemuel; th…
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
Even in this list of descendants, we see the echoes of Israel's past struggles. The omission of one of Simeon's sons might point to families that dwindled or merged after the nation's recent judgment, a stark reminder that faithfulness has consequences, both seen and unseen.
This passage is part of a census taken by Moses and Eleazar after a devastating plague swept through Israel. God commanded this census to take place in the plains of Moab, just before the people were to enter the Promised Land, and it serves as a crucial update on the nation's strength and size after 40 years in the wilderness. The listing of Simeon's descendants here is significant because this tribe, along with others, suffered greatly due to their participation in the idolatrous and sexual sin at Baal-Peor, a sin that directly preceded this census.
This passage is part of a census taken by Moses and Eleazar after a devastating plague swept through Israel. God commanded this census to take place in the plains of Moab, just before the people were to enter the Promised Land, and it serves as a crucial update on the nation's strength and size after 40 years in the wilderness. The listing of Simeon's descendants here is significant because this tribe, along with others, suffered greatly due to their participation in the idolatrous and sexual sin at Baal-Peor, a sin that directly preceded this census.
"The sons of Simeon according to their clans: of Nemuel, the clan of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the clan of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the clan of the Jachinites; of Zerah, the clan of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the clan of the Shaulites." — Even in this list of descendants, we see the echoes of Israel's past struggles. The omission of one of Simeon's sons might point to families that dwindled or merged after the nation's recent judgment…
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Last reviewed October 2026
