King James Version
What Does Numbers 2:13 Mean?
“And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.”
Numbers 2:13 · KJV
Context
11
And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
12
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.
13
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
14
Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
15
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySimeon's census total (59,300) made it one of the larger tribes at this first census, yet by the second census they had plummeted to 22,200—a devastating 63% loss, the most dramatic decline of any tribe. This foreshadows the judgment Simeon would experience, likely due to prominent involvement in the Baal-Peor incident (Numbers 25). Size without faithfulness means nothing; God requires both blessing and obedience.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Simeon's dramatic population collapse between censuses warns that covenant status doesn't prevent divine judgment for persistent rebellion. The tribe's eventual absorption into Judah (Joshua 19:1-9) fulfilled Jacob's prophecy about scattering (Genesis 49:7).
Reflection Questions
- How does Simeon's massive population loss warn against presuming on covenant status without corresponding faithfulness?
- What does this teach us about the danger of prominent sin even within the covenant community?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 7
“And his host”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם2 of 7
“and those that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף5 of 7
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge