Numbers 2 12

Numbers 2:12 kjv

And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 2:12 nkjv

"Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai."

Numbers 2:12 niv

The tribe of Simeon will camp next to them. The leader of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 2:12 esv

And those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, the chief of the people of Simeon being Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,

Numbers 2:12 nlt

[12-13] Simeon ? Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai ? 59,300

Numbers 2 verses

Numbers 2 12 Meaning

Numbers 2:12 specifies the divinely ordained encampment position and leadership for the tribe of Simeon. This verse, as part of a larger directive, dictates that the tribe of Simeon is to pitch its tents directly adjacent to the tribe of Reuben, specifically within the southern camp division. It also identifies Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, as the designated chieftain responsible for leading the Simeonites within this meticulously organized arrangement surrounding the Tabernacle. This instruction underscores God's commitment to order, holiness, and the structured identity of His covenant people.

Numbers 2 12 Context

Numbers chapter 2 details the meticulously planned and divinely commanded encampment of the Israelite tribes around the Tabernacle during their wilderness journey. This elaborate blueprint ensures order, purity, and reverence for God's holy presence among them. The Tabernacle, housing the Ark of the Covenant, stood at the absolute center. Each of the four sides (East, South, West, North) was assigned three tribes, each with its own banner and appointed leader. Numbers 2:12 specifically focuses on the southern division, led by Reuben, and positions Simeon immediately to Reuben's standard. This structure was crucial not only for their identity as a holy people set apart by God but also for efficient movement during their travels and defense against potential threats. The exact placement and specific leadership were not arbitrary but divinely stipulated, emphasizing the Israelites' unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and contrasting with the unorganized nature of other ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Numbers 2 12 Word analysis

• And those that pitch next unto him:
  • Highlights sequential and ordered positioning. "Pitch" (Hebrew: חָנָה - chanah) signifies setting up a military or nomadic camp. This action implies a fixed, temporary dwelling in a divinely prescribed location.
  • "Him" refers to Reuben, establishing Simeon's place as second in command and physical proximity within the southern camp.
• shall be the tribe of Simeon:
  • Simeon (Hebrew: שִׁמְעוֹן - Shim'on): Meaning "hearing" or "he has heard." Son of Jacob and Leah. Its name itself reflects God's attention to human prayer or cry (Gen 29:33).
  • This tribal designation signifies a corporate entity, but also individual accountability and identity within the larger body of Israel.
  • The placement, despite its future struggles (as prophesied by Jacob in Gen 49:5-7 and seen in its diminishing numbers by the second census in Num 26), reinforces God's consistent covenant with all twelve tribes.
• and the captain:
  • Captain (Hebrew: נָשִׂיא - nasi): This term translates to "prince," "chief," or "leader." It denotes a recognized figure of authority within a tribe, responsible for the welfare and conduct of his people under God's law.
  • The role of nasi was critical for maintaining order, administering justice, and leading in war and worship. These were divinely sanctioned leadership roles.
• of the children of Simeon:
  • Emphasizes the lineage and familial basis of Israelite identity. "Children of" signifies direct descendants, maintaining tribal purity and succession.
• shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai:
  • Shelumiel (Hebrew: שְׁלֻמִיאֵל - Shelumiel): Meaning "God is my peace" or "God is my welfare/recompense." A name bearing a profound theological message, contrasting possibly with the zealous and at times turbulent history of the tribe of Simeon. His leadership brings the theological reminder of God's desired peace and prosperity for His people when they operate in divine order.
  • Zurishaddai (Hebrew: צוּרִישַׁדָּי - Tsurishaddai): Meaning "My Rock is Shaddai" or "My Rock is the Almighty." El Shaddai (God Almighty) is a mighty covenant name for God, emphasizing His omnipotence, sovereignty, and faithfulness as the ultimate refuge and strength. The leader's lineage emphasizes a foundation rooted in the unshakeable nature of God.

Words-group analysis:

• "pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Simeon": This phrase delineates Simeon's exact physical position relative to Reuben, establishing the precise geographical and hierarchical order within the camp. This systematic layout highlights God's meticulous nature and His demand for ordered worship and community.
• "captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai": This group of words defines the appointed leadership for the tribe. It specifies not just any leader, but one whose very name and paternal lineage reflect deep theological truths about God's nature ("peace" and "Almighty Rock"), reinforcing that even human leadership finds its authority and foundation in God. This contrasts with any notion of leadership arising from human ambition or power struggles.

Numbers 2 12 Bonus section

The consistent use of numerical figures and precise measurements throughout Numbers, especially in the camp arrangement, reflects a theological emphasis on divine precision and a covenantal orderliness that was unique among ancient peoples. The structure also symbolically communicated the holiness of God radiating outward from the Tabernacle, requiring cleanliness and proper order for approaching His presence. The naming of the leaders (like Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai) serves as a constant reminder of God's character and covenant promises, ensuring that human leadership remains God-centered and God-honoring. Despite Simeon's eventual decline in numbers and dispersion (which reflects their specific sins and the prophetic curse in Genesis 49), their inclusion and precise placement in this initial, ideal camp structure underlines God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises concerning all of Jacob's descendants. This verse also illustrates how divine authority (God’s command) establishes human authority (the nasi) to maintain sacred order within the community.

Numbers 2 12 Commentary

Numbers 2:12 provides a snapshot of God's meticulously planned organization of the Israelite camp. It underscores that God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). The placement of Simeon, specifically after Reuben on the south, was part of a divine blueprint designed to protect and honor the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's central presence. The choice of Shelumiel, whose name signifies "God is my peace," and his father, Zurishaddai, "My Rock is the Almighty," further reveals the divine hand in leadership. This divinely appointed leader, whose very name speaks of God's attributes, would have been seen as God's instrument for peace and stability within the camp. The detailed nature of these commands reminds Israel, and believers today, that God cares about the small details of their communal life and worship, ensuring purity, unity, and an environment conducive to His holy presence. This structure prepared them physically and spiritually for the journey and battle ahead, demonstrating that true strength and success come from adherence to divine instruction.