Numbers 34 20

Numbers 34:20 kjv

And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 34:20 nkjv

from the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud;

Numbers 34:20 niv

Shemuel son of Ammihud, from the tribe of Simeon;

Numbers 34:20 esv

Of the tribe of the people of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.

Numbers 34:20 nlt

Simeon ? Shemuel son of Ammihud

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 20 Meaning

Numbers 34:20 introduces Shemuel, son of Ammihud, as the appointed representative from the tribe of Simeon. He was chosen by God to serve alongside Eleazar the priest and Joshua in the critical task of distributing the promised land of Canaan by lot among the remaining tribes of Israel, west of the Jordan River. This specific nomination highlights the detailed and orderly nature of God's plan for Israel's inheritance, ensuring that each tribe, regardless of its standing, was properly represented in this foundational administrative act.

Numbers 34 20 Context

Numbers 34 is pivotal in Israel's wilderness journey, marking the transition from wandering to settled existence. The chapter details the precise geographical boundaries of the Promised Land (Canaan) that Israel is to inherit, meticulously described from verse 1 to 15. Following this, the Lord, through Moses, designates the specific leaders tasked with overseeing this monumental distribution (verses 16-29). This process was critical, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The listing of each tribal prince, including Shemuel of Simeon in verse 20, underscores the orderly, divine administration of the inheritance. Historically, it prepares Israel for the monumental task ahead under Joshua, ensuring equity and adherence to God's decree, distinguishing God's methodical planning from chaotic human conquest. The emphasis on specific names and lineages for land division signifies God's personal involvement in securing the tribal inheritances as promised to their forefathers, which might have stood as a counter-narrative to arbitrary land acquisition common in other cultures.

Numbers 34 20 Word analysis

• from the tribe of: לְמַטֵּה (le-matteh), literally "to the tribe of" or "for the tribe of." This preposition indicates appointment or belonging. The word "matteh" (מַטֶּה) means a staff, rod, or figuratively, a tribe. It signifies a distinct, cohesive, and representative unit within Israel, emphasizing the organized structure of God's people. The inclusion of "bnei" (בְּנֵי), "sons of," further roots the tribe in familial and patriarchal lines, emphasizing its lineage-based identity.
• Simeon: שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on). Derived from the Hebrew verb shama (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear" or "he has heard." This name echoes Leah's statement upon his birth: "Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also" (Gen 29:33). The tribe of Simeon experienced significant numerical decline during the wilderness wanderings (compare Num 1 to Num 26) and was later given its inheritance as enclaves within the territory of Judah, reflecting Jacob's prophecy of dispersion (Gen 49:7). Yet, a representative was still appointed, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness to every lineage of Israel, regardless of their historical trajectory.
• Shemuel: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el). This name, meaning "heard of God" or "His name is God," reflects a significant divine connection. While famously borne by the prophet Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל) in a later era, this is a distinct individual. His appointment with such a theophoric name for the task of land distribution reinforces the idea that this process was under divine supervision and marked by God's explicit directive. His existence highlights God's particular attention even to a lesser-known individual from a struggling tribe.
• the son of: בֶּן (ben). This term establishes patriarchal lineage, fundamental to Israelite identity and inheritance. Knowing one's father and ancestral line was crucial for tribal affiliation, land claims, and communal roles.
• Ammihud: עַמִּיהוּד ('Ammihud). Meaning "my kinsman is majesty" or "my people is glory." Names in the ancient Near East often carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting family aspirations, attributes, or even expressions of faith. "Ammihud" is a combination of 'am (עַם), "people/kinsman," and hod (הוֹד), "majesty/glory." This noble name for Shemuel's father suggests a prominent lineage, further lending credibility and representation to Shemuel's appointment.
• Words-group: "from the tribe of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud": This entire phrase exemplifies the precise, legalistic, and tribal-centric method of organization and administration divinely ordained for Israel. Each individual was rooted in a specific tribal identity, ensuring proper representation for the equitable distribution of God's promised land. This detailed cataloging reinforces the authenticity of the process and God's careful attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant. It counters any impression of haphazard actions, emphasizing divine order.

Numbers 34 20 Bonus section

The consistent listing of these specific tribal "princes" or "leaders" (nasi in Hebrew, meaning one lifted up, a chieftain) throughout the book of Numbers, not just here, points to a strong internal governance structure that was part of God's design for Israel. This intricate organization was crucial for managing a nation emerging from slavery into a covenant relationship with God and preparing for nationhood. The inclusion of a Simeonite leader like Shemuel is particularly noteworthy given the diminishing prominence of Simeon later in Israel's history; it reveals God's unfailing commitment to His promise to all the original tribal descendants of Jacob, demonstrating that His plans are always complete and meticulous, leaving no tribe overlooked in the distribution of the covenant blessings. This prefigures the careful, just allocation of all good gifts from the Lord to His people.

Numbers 34 20 Commentary

Numbers 34:20, seemingly a simple listing, is deeply significant. It demonstrates the meticulous detail and divine order underpinning Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. The appointment of Shemuel, son of Ammihud, from the tribe of Simeon for this critical task, signifies several key truths. First, God's faithfulness extends to all tribes, even Simeon, a tribe numerically reduced and prophetically destined for dispersion. Despite past struggles and future challenges, a Simeonite prince was duly selected for this crucial administrative role, reflecting God's sustained covenant relationship with all the "sons of Israel." Second, it underscores the importance of precise, lineage-based representation in Israelite society. Land distribution, the very foundation of their settled existence, required full tribal participation, ensuring justice and legitimate claims. Third, the name "Shemuel" (heard of God) implicitly suggests a divinely chosen and authorized individual, further validating the sacred process of dividing the land by lot. This was not a human invention, but a divine command, executed with divine oversight, ensuring that God's people would receive the inheritance prepared for them.