Old Testament
Numbers 1:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 1:23, we learn about the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
The tribe of Simeon totaled 59,300.
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 1:23, we learn about the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse states that the total number of men in this tribe who were able to serve in the army was 59,300. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelite community as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The counting of the tribes was significant for military and logistical purposes, ensuring that each tribe knew its strength and could contribute to the collective defense and governance of the nation. The specific mention of Simeon highlights the importance of each tribe in the overall structure of Israelite society. This verse reflects the value placed on community and organization in ancient Israel, as well as the importance of each tribe's contribution to the nation as a whole.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 1:23 to your life
Understanding the significance of community and organization can inspire us today. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized for a common purpose, we too can recognize the value of working together in our communities. Each person's contribution matters, and together we can achieve greater goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 1:23 mean?
Numbers 1:23 states that the tribe of Simeon had a total of 59,300 men eligible for military service. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelite tribes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
What is the significance of the tribe of Simeon in Numbers 1:23?
The tribe of Simeon, with its count of 59,300, represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of each tribe in the overall structure and organization of the Israelite community.
Why was a census taken in Numbers 1:23?
The census in Numbers 1:23 was conducted to assess the military strength of the Israelite tribes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, ensuring each tribe could contribute to the defense and governance of the nation.
What does the number 59,300 represent in Numbers 1:23?
In Numbers 1:23, the number 59,300 represents the total count of men from the tribe of Simeon who were able to serve in the army, reflecting the tribe's contribution to the collective strength of Israel.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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