Numbers 26:12-14
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Amidst this precise census, it's easy to miss that the variations in names like "Nemuel" (different from "Jemuel" in Genesis) and "Jachin" (also called "Jarib") hint at the dynamic, evolving nature of family histories and even the way God's people were recorded, often with slight changes or additions over time. This isn't about error, but about how the Spirit-led record-keepers captured the living reality of families, where names and their spellings could shift.
This chapter marks the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague had swept through the nation. God instructs Moses and Eleazar to count the people again, tribe by tribe, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census serves not only to track population numbers for land inheritance but also to reveal God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their sin and judgment.
This census happens after a devastating plague. Why would God order another count right after such loss, and what does it reveal about the tribe of Simeon?
This passage is part of a census taken after a severe plague struck the Israelites due to their sin at Baal-peor (Numbers 25). The tribe of Simeon, in particular, had a significant decrease in numbers. Some traditions even suggest the entire 24,000 who died in the plague were from Simeon. This stark reduction highlights God's justice and holiness. Even within His covenant people, sin carries severe consequences. Yet, the fact that the census continues, and the remaining families are listed, shows God's faithfulness to preserve His people and the covenant promises, even amidst judgment.
We see names like Nemuel, Jamin, and Jachin. What's the significance of listing these specific family lines in this moment?
Even after judgment, the focus shifts to the continuation of families and clans. The listing of 'Nemuelites,' 'Jaminites,' and 'Jachinites' serves as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness. Despite the losses, these family lines endured, representing the ongoing covenant. In Scripture, family genealogies are rarely just dry lists; they are reminders of God's promises to Abraham—that his descendants would be numerous and would inherit the land. This census, and the detailed breakdown by clan, reassures the people that God's plan for them continues, even through trial. It’s a testament to God’s grace in preserving a remnant.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Numbers 26:12-14 is available in the Sola app.
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 second census in the plains of Moab, occurring right after the devastating plague at Baal-peor, highlights God's justice in judgment and His faithfulness in preserving His people. The Simeonites, having suffered a significant decrease in numbers, are listed here to reflect this new reality before entering the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Sinai Census
The Israelites leave Egypt and are numbered for the first time at Mount Sinai. This marks the beginning of their desert journey.
c. 1407 BC
The Rebellion at Baal-peor
Many Israelites engage in idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women, leading to a devastating plague that claims 24,000 lives.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census in Moab
After the plague, Moses and Eleazar conduct a new census to determine the number of men eligible to inherit the land of Canaan. This census is recorded in Numbers 26.
c. 1406 BC
Land Allotment Plan
The results of the census dictate how the land of Canaan will be divided among the tribes, with larger tribes receiving more territory.
This passage describes the plague that decimated the Israelites due to their sin with Baal-peor, directly preceding this census, highlighting the reason for the tribe of Simeon's reduced numbers mentioned here.
1 Chronicles 4:24-27This passage lists the descendants of Simeon, offering a parallel account that shows slight variations in names and further details the lineage, reinforcing the importance of these family lines.
Genesis 46:10This earlier mention of Simeon's sons provides a foundational list of the tribe's origins, allowing us to see the lineage and name variations over time as recorded in Scripture.
Joshua 19:1-9This passage details the territory allotted to the tribe of Simeon within the promised land, showing how these family groups, now being enumerated, were eventually established.
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…
Amidst this precise census, it's easy to miss that the variations in names like "Nemuel" (different from "Jemuel" in Genesis) and "Jachin" (also called "Jarib") hint at the dynamic, evolving nature of family histories and even the way God's people were recorded, often with slight changes or additions over time. This isn't about error, but about how the Spirit-led record-keepers captured the living reality of families, where names and their spellings could shift.
This chapter marks the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague had swept through the nation. God instructs Moses and Eleazar to count the people again, tribe by tribe, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census serves not only to track population numbers for land inheritance but also to reveal God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their sin and judgment.
This chapter marks the second census of Israel, taken after a devastating plague had swept through the nation. God instructs Moses and Eleazar to count the people again, tribe by tribe, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census serves not only to track population numbers for land inheritance but also to reveal God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their sin and judgment.
"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…" — Amidst this precise census, it's easy to miss that the variations in names like "Nemuel" (different from "Jemuel" in Genesis) and "Jachin" (also called "Jarib") hint at the dynamic, evolving nature o…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
