Numbers 1:22 kjv
Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Numbers 1:22 nkjv
From the children of Simeon, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers' house, of those who were numbered, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war:
Numbers 1:22 niv
From the descendants of Simeon: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were counted and listed by name, one by one, according to the records of their clans and families.
Numbers 1:22 esv
Of the people of Simeon, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, those of them who were listed, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:
Numbers 1:22 nlt
[22-23] Simeon ? 59,300
Numbers 1 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:2-3 | “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel... every male, head by head; from twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war.” | Command for the census and criteria. |
| Exo 30:12 | “When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the LORD when you count them, that there may be no plague among them.” | Principle of accountability and a ransom when a census is taken. |
| Num 2:1-2 | “The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘The people of Israel shall encamp each by his own standard, with the emblems of their fathers’ houses; they shall encamp facing the tent of meeting on every side.’” | Camp organization reflecting the tribal and family structure detailed by the census. |
| Num 26:12-14 | “The sons of Simeon by their clans: Nemuel, the clan of the Nemuelites...” | Second census, repeating the listing by clans for Simeon, emphasizing continuity. |
| Gen 49:5-7 | “Simeon and Levi are brothers... I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.” | Jacob's prophecy about Simeon's dispersion, contrasting with their large number here, foreshadowing future decline/assimilation. |
| Josh 19:1-9 | “The second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of the people of Simeon according to their clans. And their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah.” | Simeon's later territorial integration within Judah, reflecting their partial dispersion. |
| 1 Chr 4:24-43 | Genealogy and settlement details of the tribe of Simeon, including those who conquered territory. | Further historical records affirming Simeon's family structures and eventual movements. |
| Num 14:29-30 | “Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness... but none of you shall come into the land which I swore to make you dwell in, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.” | The judgment that those 20 years old and upward, counted for war, would die in the wilderness for unbelief. |
| Deut 20:1-8 | Laws concerning warfare, outlining who should and should not go to battle (e.g., those afraid or unhardened). | Reinforces the "able to go out to war" criterion for effective military force. |
| Judg 1:3 | “And Judah said to Simeon his brother, ‘Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites...’ So Simeon went with him.” | Simeon's participation in early conquests, reflecting their military readiness from the census. |
| Num 4:3 | “from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come to do duty, for service in the tent of meeting.” | Another age-specific criterion for service (Levitical), showing divine organization based on age/ability. |
| 1 Chr 21:1-6 | David's census of Israel, resulting in God's judgment, showing the need for divine authorization in numbering the people. | Contrast between an unauthorized census and God's commanded one in Numbers. |
| Ps 147:4 | “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” | God's infinite knowledge and precision, paralleling His meticulous counting and naming of His people. |
| Lk 12:7 | “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” | God's personal knowledge and meticulous care for each individual, far exceeding any earthly census. |
| Phil 4:3 | “whose names are in the book of life.” | The ultimate heavenly census, where those who are God's chosen are recorded by name. |
| Eph 6:11-12 | “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” | Spiritual warfare, where believers are counted in God's spiritual army, requiring spiritual readiness. |
| Rev 7:5-8 | Listing of the tribes of Israel, including Simeon, who are sealed, showing their remembrance and inclusion in God's final purposes. | Reaffirmation of tribal identity in eschatological contexts. |
| Heb 12:23 | “to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” | Refers to the ultimate spiritual register of God's people in heaven. |
| Num 1:30-31 | “From the children of Gad... all who were able to go out to war, their numbered men were 45,650.” | Consistent counting methodology applied to other tribes, highlighting divine uniformity. |
| Num 1:49 | “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list, neither shall you take a census of them among the people of Israel.” | Exception of Levites from military census, clarifying the specific purpose of this census. |
Numbers 1 verses
Numbers 1 22 Meaning
Numbers 1:22 outlines the specific methodology for counting the eligible male population of the tribe of Simeon as part of a national census ordered by the LORD. This process involved a meticulous tabulation of individuals by their specific lineage—generations, families, and fathers' houses—ensuring precision down to each individual "head." The primary criteria for inclusion were being a male, aged twenty years or older, and deemed capable for military service, ready to participate in battle campaigns. This census served to organize Israel as a united and disciplined assembly for its journey through the wilderness and for the impending conquest of Canaan, demonstrating God's order and attention to His covenant people.
Numbers 1 22 Context
Numbers chapter 1 details the first general census of the Israelite tribes, taken in the Sinai wilderness, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. This census was a direct command from the LORD to Moses and Aaron. Its primary objective was to register all Israelite males aged twenty years and older who were fit for military service. The meticulous counting of each tribe, including Simeon in verse 22, was crucial for organizing the vast camp, preparing for the military challenges ahead as they journeyed towards the Promised Land, and establishing order among a multitude. It was also an acknowledgment of God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants. This census established the framework for their military readiness, camp layout, and the division of the land later on.
Numbers 1 22 Word analysis
- Of the children of Simeon: Hebrew: B'nei Shim'on (בְּנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן). "Simeon" (שׁמְעוֹן, Shim'on) means "hearing" or "he who hears," originating from Leah's words at his birth (Gen 29:33). This phrase establishes the specific tribal unit being counted. The focus is on the descendants and lineage, crucial for identity in ancient Israel.
- their generations: Hebrew: Tol'dotam (תּוֹלְדֹתָם). Signifies the comprehensive record of their descendants and lineages. It speaks to the unbroken chain of descent and the continuation of the family line, underscoring the genealogical basis of Israelite identity and organization.
- by their families: Hebrew: L'mishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם). "Families" (mishpacha, מִשְׁפָּחָה) refers to the large clans or subdivisions within each tribe. This shows the systematic approach to counting, organizing people into known and defined groups. It reflects a social structure vital for order and administration.
- by their fathers’ houses: Hebrew: L'vet avotam (לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם). "Fathers' houses" (bet avot, בֵּית אָבוֹת) indicates even smaller, more intimate household units, typically extended families. This detail highlights the extreme thoroughness and precision of the census, extending to the most fundamental unit of Israelite society.
- according to the number of the names: Hebrew: B'mispar shemot (בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת). This phrase confirms the census was a precise numerical tally based on individual identity. It was not an estimate, but a head-count where each person was called by name. This emphasizes the individuality and value of each person before God, and for the nation's organization.
- head by head: Hebrew: Gulgolet l'gulgolet (גֻּלְגֹּלֶת לְגֻלְגֹּלֶת). Literally, "skull by skull" or "poll by poll." This reiterates the personal and individual nature of the count, ensuring no one was missed or duplicated. It stresses physical presence and accountability. The term "Golgotha" comes from this root.
- every male: Hebrew: Kol zakhar (כָּל זָכָר). Specifies the gender, emphasizing the male-centric focus of this particular census for military purposes. Females were not included in this count.
- from twenty years old and upward: Hebrew: Mibben esrim shana va-ma'lah (מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה). This sets the minimum age of eligibility. In Israel, this age typically marked the threshold of full legal responsibility, including the ability to perform military service and take on significant communal duties. This was the age of accountability for adults.
- all who were able to go out to war: Hebrew: Kol yotzei tzava (כָּל יֹצֵא צָבָא). "Able to go out to war" refers to those physically fit, strong, and mentally prepared for military duty and campaigning. It wasn't just an age criterion but also a fitness/readiness criterion. This phrase defines the specific purpose of the census – to determine military strength for God's holy army.
- "Of the children of Simeon... all who were able to go out to war": This entire passage demonstrates God's divine order and meticulous planning. Every individual, every family, every clan was known and accounted for, reflecting not only the logistical requirements for a large nation on the move but also God's personal knowledge of each one of His covenant people. It highlights their status as God's "army," called to holiness and ready for the battles to claim their promised inheritance. The census underscores the practical reality of being a holy nation set apart for God's purposes.
Numbers 1 22 Bonus section
- Theological Significance of the Count: The exact numbering of individuals across "generations," "families," and "fathers’ houses" speaks to God’s covenant faithfulness. The vast population recorded in Numbers fulfills God’s ancient promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars of the heavens or the sand on the seashore (Gen 15:5; 22:17). This census serves as tangible evidence of divine promise fulfilled.
- Contrast to Gentile Nations: In the ancient world, powerful nations often had large, disciplined armies. By organizing Israel into such a detailed military structure, under direct divine command, the census subtly asserts a polemic against the strength of human empires alone. Israel’s might was not just in numbers, but in being God’s commanded army, directed by His will. Their order contrasted sharply with the likely disarray or different organizational principles of pagan armies they would face.
- Simeon's Prophetic Destiny: Though counted in great numbers here, Simeon's tribal prophecy by Jacob (Gen 49:7) foretold their dispersion in Israel. Historically, their territory later became an enclave within Judah (Josh 19:1-9), and they lost their distinct tribal identity more quickly than others, or even merged significantly. The precise census here provides a baseline from which to understand the dramatic shifts in tribal fortunes throughout Israel's history, reflecting how divine judgment and human actions could interact with early blessings.
- Contemporary Application: Spiritually, believers are part of God's heavenly army (2 Tim 2:3-4). Like ancient Israel, we are called to be disciplined, known to God, and ready to stand for righteousness in spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-18). The meticulous counting also reminds us that no believer is insignificant or overlooked by God; He knows each of us by name and has a place for us in His grand plan.
Numbers 1 22 Commentary
Numbers 1:22 encapsulates the divine blueprint for organizing the people of Israel at a critical juncture in their history. The detailed specification for counting the tribe of Simeon, mirrored across other tribes, reveals the meticulousness of God's commands and the high level of order expected from His people. This wasn't merely a statistical exercise but a sacred undertaking: it prepared Israel not only for physical battles in Canaan but also underscored their identity as a disciplined people belonging to the Living God. Each "head," each "name" accounted for, emphasized individual accountability within a divinely ordered communal structure, ready to follow God's lead. This census, particularly the age requirement, underscored the maturity and responsibility expected of those who would fight for God's inheritance and perpetuate His covenant.