Numbers 34 24

Numbers 34:24 kjv

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan.

Numbers 34:24 nkjv

and a leader from the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan;

Numbers 34:24 niv

Kemuel son of Shiphtan, the leader from the tribe of Ephraim son of Joseph;

Numbers 34:24 esv

And of the tribe of the people of Ephraim a chief, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan.

Numbers 34:24 nlt

Ephraim son of Joseph ? Kemuel son of Shiphtan

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 24 Meaning

This verse identifies Kemuel, the son of Shiphtan, as the specific representative chosen from the tribe of Simeon. His appointed role was to participate in the divinely ordained commission of leaders responsible for overseeing and distributing the land of Canaan as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by the Lord. This precise naming underscores God's meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises through structured and orderly means.

Numbers 34 24 Context

Numbers chapter 34 details the precise boundaries of the land of Canaan that Israel was to inherit and divide. Following the definition of these boundaries, the chapter then lists the specific tribal leaders, one from each tribe (excluding Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who had already received their inheritance east of Jordan, and Levi who had no tribal inheritance), who were appointed by God Himself, through Moses, to oversee the land distribution. This system was designed to ensure an orderly, just, and equitable division according to God's instruction, preventing potential disputes and ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenant promise for each family within each tribe to receive its portion of the Promised Land. This verse specifically introduces Kemuel from the tribe of Simeon, highlighting that even less populous tribes received their due attention and leadership in this crucial national undertaking.

Numbers 34 24 Word analysis

• of the tribe: The Hebrew word here is maṭṭeh (מַטֵּה), which literally means "rod," "staff," or "branch," and by extension, "tribe." In ancient Israel, a maṭṭeh often symbolized tribal authority and identity. This term signifies the specific lineage or family division being referenced, underscoring the tribal structure fundamental to Israelite society and land allocation.
• of Simeon: The Hebrew is Shimʿōn (שִׁמְעוֹן). Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah. His tribe faced challenges, including Jacob's prophecy regarding their scattered nature (Gen 49:5-7) and a significant reduction in their numbers by the time of the second census in Numbers 26 (being the smallest tribe besides Levi). Despite this, God ensured they, like every other tribe, received their designated land and representative, demonstrating His faithfulness regardless of a tribe's size or past. Their inheritance eventually fell within the larger territory of Judah (Josh 19:1-9), illustrating the intertwining of divine purpose with historical circumstances.
• Kemuel: The Hebrew is Qəmu'ēl (קְמוּאֵל). This name means "God's assembly" or "assembly of God." The specific individual named here indicates God's precise appointment for such a critical task. The uniqueness of each name within the list underscores that these were divinely chosen individuals, not simply any representative. This particular Kemuel is distinct from the Kemuel, son of Nahor (Abraham's brother) mentioned in Gen 22:21, or the Kemuel, ruler of the tribe of Ephraim, in 1 Chr 27:17, indicating the importance of precise identification for genealogical and historical accuracy.
• the son of: The Hebrew is ben (בֶּן). This common Hebrew term indicates patrilineal descent. Lineage was crucial in Israelite society, especially concerning tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of leadership roles. It links Kemuel directly to his family and, through him, to his clan within the tribe.
• Shiphtan: The Hebrew is Ship̄ṭān (שִׁפְטָן). This name likely means "judge" or "he has judged/ruled." Names in ancient Hebrew culture often carried prophetic or descriptive significance related to the individual's character, family's reputation, or a hope for their future. For the father of a land distribution leader, a name suggesting justice or discernment would be particularly fitting.

• "of the tribe of Simeon, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan": This entire phrase highlights the highly organized and systematic nature of the land distribution plan. God's blueprint for the new land was meticulous, ensuring fairness and proper representation for every tribal unit down to specific named individuals. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over the Promised Land and His faithfulness to Israel, providing clear administrative structure to implement His divine will. Each name on this list was an act of God’s intentionality and care for His people's future.

Numbers 34 24 Bonus section

The appointment of a specific leader for each tribe, as seen with Kemuel for Simeon, emphasizes the communal yet individualized nature of God's covenant with Israel. While the nation as a whole was blessed, the inheritance was intricately divided down to families, necessitating detailed representation. The fact that Kemuel from Simeon is named despite Simeon being the smallest tribe post-plague (Numbers 26:14) illustrates that God's provision and attention are not solely dependent on numerical strength but on His unfailing covenant love for all His people, ensuring no tribe was forgotten or disadvantaged in receiving their inheritance. This methodical approach serves as a timeless example of God's perfect plan being executed through specific, chosen individuals for the collective good.

Numbers 34 24 Commentary

Numbers 34:24 serves as a precise administrative record within God's detailed plan for Israel's settlement in Canaan. By explicitly naming "Kemuel the son of Shiphtan" from the tribe of Simeon, God emphasizes His meticulous oversight in the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This specificity underscores several divine characteristics: God's orderliness, His attention to individual and tribal identity, and His commitment to justice in distributing the promised inheritance. The selection of specific individuals like Kemuel ensures accountability and equitable division, preventing the process from devolving into human greed or chaos. It highlights that God's plans are carried out through appointed, identifiable human instruments, confirming that even seemingly administrative details are part of a larger divine purpose, designed to bring blessing and order to His people.