Numbers 1 12

Numbers 1:12 kjv

Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Numbers 1:12 nkjv

from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai;

Numbers 1:12 niv

from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai;

Numbers 1:12 esv

from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai;

Numbers 1:12 nlt

Dan ? Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 12 Meaning

Numbers 1:12 identifies Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, as the designated leader or "prince" (though the title itself is introduced in subsequent verses within this chapter context) for the tribe of Simeon. This verse is part of a larger divine command to number the Israelites, tribe by tribe, for purposes of military organization and the overall structure of their wilderness journey and eventual settlement.

Numbers 1 12 Context

Numbers Chapter 1 sets the scene immediately following Israel's year-long encampment at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law and built the Tabernacle. As they prepare to resume their journey toward the Promised Land, God commands Moses to conduct a census of all Israelite men twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war. This census serves several critical purposes: to organize the vast assembly for military strength, to establish a structured marching order in the wilderness, and to confirm the divinely appointed tribal leaders who would oversee their respective communities. Each tribe's identification and the naming of its leader signify a divinely established order essential for the coherence and function of the nation. The specific mention of Shelumiel for Simeon aligns with this larger administrative and theological framework. Historically, such meticulous registration ensured the continuity of tribal identity, land inheritance claims, and the efficient governance of a mobile population.

Numbers 1 12 Word analysis

• Of (לְ - l'): A preposition indicating belonging, pertaining to, or in relation to. It specifies the tribal affiliation for the subsequent name.
• Simeon (שִׁמְעוֹן - Shim'eon):
  • Meaning: "Hearing" or "he who hears." Named by Leah (Gen 29:33) because God "heard" she was unloved.
  • Significance: Simeon was Jacob's second son. The tribe of Simeon would face a future of dispersion within Israel due to Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:5-7) concerning the violence of Simeon and Levi. Despite this prophecy, the tribe is here meticulously organized and led, demonstrating God's consistent care for all His people, even those with challenging tribal destinies.
• Shelumiel (שְׁלֻמִיאֵל - Shelumi'el):
  • Meaning: "My peace is God" or "God is my reward/recompense." It combines shalom (peace, wholeness) and El (God).
  • Significance: A theophoric name, indicating a theological truth about God's nature or the parents' faith. His name itself points to God as the source of peace and fulfillment. His position as a leader embodies the idea of divine appointment leading to order and "peace" within the tribal structure. This leader, representing his tribe, bears a name testifying to the very God who ordered the census.
• the son of (בֶּן- - ben-):
  • Meaning: A common Hebrew construct meaning "son of," indicating direct patrilineal descent.
  • Significance: Essential for establishing lineage and legitimacy in Israelite society. Leadership, land rights, and tribal identity were fundamentally linked to one's paternal line. It authenticates Shelumiel's position by rooting it in an established family within the tribe of Simeon.
• Zurishaddai (צוּרִישַׁדָּי - Tsurishaddai):
  • Meaning: "My rock is Shaddai" or "Rock of the Almighty." It combines tsur (rock, refuge, strength) and Shaddai (Almighty, one of God's most ancient and powerful names, often associated with divine sustenance and omnipotence).
  • Significance: Another profoundly theophoric name, expressing dependence on and trust in God's might and reliability. This name reflects a deep faith that God is an unwavering foundation. It provides context for Shelumiel's own character and background, suggesting a family devoted to the Almighty.

Words-group analysis:

• "Of Simeon, Shelumiel": This phrase precisely links a specific tribe with its divinely chosen representative. It highlights the principle that each part of God's chosen nation is accounted for and has a leader responsible for it, establishing clear lines of authority and identity within the larger collective.
• "Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai": This full naming emphasizes the importance of legitimate descent for leadership. It not only names the individual but also authenticates his claim through his father. The combination of both Shelumiel’s name ("My peace is God") and Zurishaddai’s name ("My rock is the Almighty") reveals a deep family legacy of faith and reliance on God. Their very names proclaim the character of God – peace and unwavering strength – setting a profound spiritual backdrop for the roles these men undertake in Israel's divinely ordered society.

Numbers 1 12 Bonus section

The systematic recording of each tribal leader in Numbers 1 underscores the concept of corporate identity and collective responsibility within God's covenant people. Each tribe, with its distinct identity and history (like Simeon, with its past of violence, yet still accounted for and given leadership), contributes to the whole. This detailed registration not only prepared Israel for physical and military challenges but also ingrained in them the understanding of being a "people of order" reflecting the orderly character of God Himself (1 Cor 14:33). The repetition of the leader's full name and lineage emphasizes authenticity and accountability, reinforcing that those in authority are known and divinely designated. This careful record-keeping foreshadows the importance of accurate genealogies and legitimate appointments throughout biblical history, ultimately culminating in the meticulous genealogies presented in the New Testament to establish the legitimacy of Jesus Christ (Matt 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38).

Numbers 1 12 Commentary

Numbers 1:12, though seemingly a simple entry in a list, speaks volumes about God's meticulous order, His recognition of every tribe, and the importance of appointed, legitimate leadership within His people. The verse is part of God's blueprint for the functioning of Israel as a theocracy. The mention of each prince ensures accountability and clear lines of command for the practical challenges of a desert pilgrimage and the impending conquest. Furthermore, the theophoric names "Shelumiel" ("My peace is God") and "Zurishaddai" ("My rock is the Almighty") subtly imbue the seemingly administrative act of numbering with theological depth. They testify to a lineage steeped in faith, reminding us that those chosen for leadership in God's kingdom are often rooted in a foundational trust in His character. This precise organization counters chaos, establishing a clear structure under God's sovereignty. The details provided ensure the Israelite community could maintain internal stability and external effectiveness under divine guidance.