Numbers 26:12-14
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Even in this seemingly dry list of names, God’s faithfulness shines through. Despite a devastating plague that significantly reduced the tribe of Simeon, this census is taken after the judgment, highlighting God’s power to preserve and renew His people, ensuring the continuation of His promises.
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. These are the clans of the Simeonites, 22,200.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a devastating plague, God instructs Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the Israelite people. This detailed count, organized by family and tribe, is crucial for redistributing land in the Promised Land and for understanding the nation's current strength as they stand on the brink of entering Canaan. The chapter specifically lists the descendants of Simeon, detailing their clans and family lines.
Why does the Bible list family names? Sometimes, these genealogies reveal more than just names. They can tell a story of God's people, their triumphs, and their struggles.
This verse introduces the clans of Simeon. What's striking is that by the time of this census, the tribe of Simeon had significantly decreased in number. The commentary suggests this was largely due to their participation in the sin of Baal-peor, a widespread idolatry and sexual immorality that brought a devastating plague upon Israel.
Ever noticed how names can sometimes be spelled a little differently in various parts of the Bible? It might seem like a minor detail, but it often points to a deeper truth.
The names listed for Simeon's sons here (Nemuel, Jamin, Jachin) show slight variations compared to earlier accounts, like in Genesis. For example, Nemuel is called Jemuel in Genesis, and Jachin is sometimes referred to as Jarib.
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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.
Shim'own · Hebrew Noun
One of the twelve patriarchs of Israel, second son of Jacob and Leah, whose descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel; his name is often associated with themes of hearing or being heard.
This census of Simeon occurs after a devastating plague linked to the sin at Baal-Peor, which significantly reduced the tribe's population. The listing here, despite variations in names from earlier accounts, emphasizes God's continued faithfulness in preserving the people and preparing them for their inheritance in the Promised Land.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites spend 40 years in the wilderness, a period marked by rebellion, divine judgment, and God's faithfulness.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Plague of Baal-Peor
Many Israelites commit sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite women, leading to a devastating plague. The tribe of Simeon is noted as being particularly affected.
c. 1400 BC
Second Census Ordered
Following the plague, God commands a new census to be taken. This census is to determine the number of men eligible to inherit the land.
c. 1400 BC
Land Allotment Preparations
The census data will be used to divide the land of Canaan by lot, ensuring fair inheritance based on the number of people in each tribe.
This passage lists the same sons of Simeon, though with slight name variations, highlighting the continuity of these family lines within the tribe.
1 Chronicles 4:24This passage also lists the descendants of Simeon, showing variations in names like Jachin (here called Jarib), which illustrates how names could be recorded differently or change over time.
Numbers 25:1-15This chapter details the sin of Baal-peor and the subsequent plague, providing the historical context for the drastic reduction in Simeon's numbers mentioned in the commentary, underscoring God's judgment on sin.
Exodus 6:15This verse also lists the sons of Simeon, again with minor name variations, reinforcing the consistent genealogical records found throughout Scripture.
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 seemingly dry list of names, God’s faithfulness shines through. Despite a devastating plague that significantly reduced the tribe of Simeon, this census is taken after the judgment, highlighting God’s power to preserve and renew His people, ensuring the continuation of His promises.
Following a devastating plague, God instructs Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the Israelite people. This detailed count, organized by family and tribe, is crucial for redistributing land in the Promised Land and for understanding the nation's current strength as they stand on the brink of entering Canaan. The chapter specifically lists the descendants of Simeon, detailing their clans and family lines.
Following a devastating plague, God instructs Moses and Eleazar to conduct a second census of the Israelite people. This detailed count, organized by family and tribe, is crucial for redistributing land in the Promised Land and for understanding the nation's current strength as they stand on the brink of entering Canaan. The chapter specifically lists the descendants of Simeon, detailing their clans and family lines.
"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. These…" — Even in this seemingly dry list of names, God’s faithfulness shines through. Despite a devastating plague that significantly reduced the tribe of Simeon, this census is taken after the judgment, hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
