Numbers 1:23 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:23 mean?

Numbers 1:23 states that the number of men counted from the tribe of Simeon was 59,300. This verse is part of a census where each tribe’s eligible men for military service are being recorded.

In the book of Numbers, God instructs Moses to count the Israelite men who are able to go to war. Moses, with the help of tribal leaders, is listing the results for each tribe. Numbers 1:23 specifically records the total for Simeon, showing their significant size and role among the tribes at this moment in Israel’s journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:23

• "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means more than just counting; it often carries the sense of being appointed or enrolled for a specific purpose. Here, it emphasizes that these men are being set apart for military duty, not just counted for information.
• "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word refers to a branch or division of the people, highlighting the organizational structure of Israel by family groups.
• "Simeon" (שִׁמְעוֹן, Shim‘on): The name means "heard" or "hearing," reminding readers that this tribe descends from Simeon, one of Jacob’s sons.
• The numbers ("fifty" חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim; "nine" תֵּשַׁע, tesha‘; "thousand" אֶלֶף, elef; "three" שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh; "hundred" מֵאָה, me’ah): The Hebrew lists numbers in descending order, which is a typical way of expressing large numbers in the Old Testament.

Why Numbers 1:23 matters

• This verse helps clarify the size and strength of the tribe of Simeon at the time of the Exodus, which is important for understanding the social and military makeup of Israel.
• By recording each tribe’s numbers, the passage shows the organized and communal nature of Israel’s society as they prepare for their journey and future challenges.
• The census in Numbers 1 as a whole sets the stage for later events in the wilderness, where the roles and actions of each tribe, including Simeon, will become significant.