Numbers 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;

King James Bible

Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

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The verse Numbers 1:6, set within the opening chapter of the book, reads simply: “from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.” At first glance, this verse appears as a mere fragment of a bureaucratic list, a single entry in the census of Israel’s tribes as they are numbered in the wilderness of Sinai. Yet, to dismiss it as such would be to overlook the profound theological and communal significance embedded in this seemingly unremarkable line. Within the context of Numbers 1, which details God’s command to Moses to count the able-bodied men of Israel for military service, this verse introduces Shelumiel, the appointed leader of the tribe of Simeon, and through him, we are invited to reflect on themes of divine order, communal identity, and the role of the individual within God’s redemptive plan.

The book of Numbers begins with Israel encamped at Sinai, poised between the revelation of the law and the journey toward the Promised Land. The census, far from being a dry administrative task, is a divine act of organization, a structuring of God’s people into a community prepared for both worship and warfare. The naming of Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, as the representative of Simeon is not incidental but deliberate, reflecting God’s intimate knowledge of his people. Each tribe, each leader, each name matters in the divine economy. Shelumiel’s inclusion in this list underscores that no individual or tribe is insignificant in God’s purposes. The tribe of Simeon, though later diminished in prominence, is here given its place in the formation of Israel’s identity as a nation set apart for God’s covenant.

The name Shelumiel itself invites contemplation. In Hebrew, it can be understood as “God is my peace” or “hope in God,” a name that carries a promise of divine presence and provision. Zurishaddai, meaning “my rock is the Almighty,” further amplifies this theme of trust in God’s strength. In the wilderness, where uncertainty loomed and the memory of slavery lingered, such names were not mere labels but theological declarations. They reminded the people that their security rested not in their numbers or strength but in the God who had redeemed them from Egypt. Shelumiel, as a leader, bore a name that pointed his tribe toward this truth, calling them to anchor their hope in the Almighty, the rock who would sustain them through the trials of the desert.

The role of Shelumiel as the appointed leader of Simeon also speaks to the theme of representation within the covenant community. The census was not merely about counting individuals but about organizing them under leaders who would guide and represent them before God and in battle. Shelumiel’s designation as the head of Simeon suggests a responsibility to embody the tribe’s identity, to intercede for them, and to lead them in faithfulness. This mirrors the broader biblical pattern of representative leadership, where figures like Moses, Aaron, and later Christ himself stand as mediators between God and his people. Shelumiel’s role, though less prominent than Moses’, is no less significant within his sphere. He is a reminder that leadership in God’s community is a calling to service, not self-aggrandizement, a stewardship of trust for the sake of others.

The placement of Simeon in the census, listed second after Judah, also carries symbolic weight. Simeon, as one of the twelve tribes, traces its lineage to Jacob’s son, whose violent zeal alongside Levi in the incident at Shechem (Genesis 34) marked the tribe with a complex legacy. Yet here, in Numbers 1:6, Simeon is included without distinction, counted among the tribes as equal participants in God’s covenant. This inclusion reflects the grace of God, who does not cast aside his people despite their past. The naming of Shelumiel as Simeon’s leader signals a fresh start, an opportunity for the tribe to walk faithfully in the wilderness, redeemed from their history and called to a new purpose. For those who read this text through a Christian lens, this points to the transformative power of grace, where God takes what is flawed and incorporates it into his redemptive plan, just as he incorporates sinners into the body of Christ.

The broader context of the census also invites reflection on the corporate nature of Israel’s identity. Numbers 1 is not about individuals in isolation but about a people organized as a whole, each tribe contributing to the strength and unity of the nation. Shelumiel’s role as Simeon’s representative underscores that every tribe, no matter its size or status, has a place in God’s design. The Simeonites, though later relegated to a smaller inheritance within Judah’s territory, are here counted as vital to the community’s mission. This challenges modern readers to consider their own place within the body of believers. No one is insignificant in God’s kingdom; every name, every role, every contribution matters. Just as Shelumiel stood for Simeon, each believer is called to take their place in the church, serving faithfully in the role God has assigned.

The wilderness setting of Numbers 1:6 further enriches its significance. Israel, newly redeemed from Egypt, was a people in transition, learning to trust God in a place of scarcity and uncertainty. The act of numbering the tribes was a reminder that God was ordering their steps, preparing them for the challenges ahead. Shelumiel, as a leader, would have been tasked with rallying his tribe, ensuring their readiness for the journey and their faithfulness to the covenant. His name, evoking peace and hope, would have been a beacon in the wilderness, a reminder that God’s presence was their true security. For contemporary believers, this resonates as a call to trust in God’s provision amid life’s uncertainties. Whether in seasons of abundance or want, the God who numbered Israel in the desert knows us by name and orders our steps.

The verse also prompts reflection on the interplay between individual and communal calling. Shelumiel is named as an individual, yet his role is inseparable from his tribe. His leadership is not for his own glory but for the sake of Simeon and, by extension, all Israel. This balance challenges us to consider how our personal callings fit within the larger mission of God’s people. To be named by God, as Shelumiel was, is to be drawn into a story greater than oneself. It is a call to serve, to lead, to contribute to the flourishing of the community. In a culture that often exalts individual achievement, Numbers 1:6 reminds us that our true significance lies in our connection to others, in our shared journey toward God’s purposes.

For those who see Christ as the fulfillment of the law, Numbers 1:6 also carries a subtle but profound christological echo. Just as Shelumiel represented Simeon, Jesus stands as the ultimate representative of humanity, the one who intercedes for us before the Father. The census, with its careful numbering and naming, foreshadows the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them. Shelumiel’s role, though limited and temporal, points to the eternal priesthood of Christ, who leads his people not into a physical Promised Land but into the eternal rest of God’s presence. In this light, the naming of Shelumiel becomes a small but significant thread in the tapestry of redemption, a reminder that every name in God’s story points ultimately to the Name above all names.

In its simplicity, Numbers 1:6 carries a weighty invitation: to see ourselves as known, called, and incorporated into God’s redemptive plan. Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, may fade into the background of the biblical narrative, but his inclusion in this moment speaks volumes. It reminds us that God sees every individual, every tribe, every name. It calls us to trust in the God who is our peace and our rock, to take our place in his community, and to live faithfully in the wilderness of this world. As we reflect on this verse, may we hear the voice of the One who numbers the stars and calls us by name, inviting us to walk in his purposes with hope and courage.

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us from every tribe and tongue to be his own, a people set apart for his glory. I write to you, beloved, scattered across the earth yet united by the Spirit’s bond, to stir your hearts toward a deeper trust in the God who knows you by name and numbers you among his own. My soul rejoices in the truth that our God is not distant, but near, ordering our steps as he once ordered the steps of Israel in the wilderness. Let us fix our eyes on a single verse, Numbers 1:6, which declares, “from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.” In these few words, we glimpse a profound mystery: the God who redeemed his people calls each by name, assigns each a place, and weaves every life into his redemptive plan. May this truth awaken us to live faithfully as those counted in his covenant community.

Consider, dear brothers and sisters, the setting of this verse: Israel, freshly delivered from Egypt’s chains, encamped in the wilderness of Sinai, a people on the cusp of their journey to the Promised Land. The Lord commanded Moses to number the tribes, not as a mere tally of bodies, but as an act of divine ordering, preparing his people for the battles and blessings ahead. Into this sacred census steps Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, appointed as the leader of Simeon. His name, meaning “God is my peace” or “hope in God,” and his father’s name, “my rock is the Almighty,” resonate with the assurance that God is the foundation and refuge of his people. In the barrenness of the desert, where doubts could easily take root, Shelumiel’s name was a banner of hope, a reminder that the God who called Israel out of slavery would sustain them through every trial. So, too, beloved, does God call you by name, anchoring you in his peace, grounding you on the rock of his strength, no matter the wilderness you face.

This naming of Shelumiel is no small thing, for it reveals the heart of our God who sees each one of us. The census was not a faceless count but a deliberate recognition of every tribe, every leader, every person. Shelumiel stood as Simeon’s representative, a man chosen to lead, to guide, to bear the weight of his tribe’s identity before God. In this, we see a shadow of our own calling. You, dear ones, are not anonymous in the eyes of God. He knows your name, your struggles, your gifts, and he has appointed you a place in his body. Whether you lead or follow, whether your role is seen or unseen, you are counted among his people, vital to his purposes. Let this truth dispel the lie that you are insignificant, for the God who numbered the stars has numbered you, calling you to shine for his glory.

Shelumiel’s role as Simeon’s leader also speaks to the beauty of communal calling. The tribe of Simeon, though later diminished in prominence, was here given its place among the twelve, counted as equal in God’s design. The census was not about individuals in isolation but about a people united, each tribe contributing to the whole. Shelumiel did not stand alone; he stood for Simeon, and Simeon stood alongside Judah, Reuben, and the rest, forming a nation set apart for God’s mission. So it is with us, beloved. We are not solitary believers but members of one body, knit together by the Spirit. Your gifts, your service, your prayers strengthen the church. Do not despise the place God has given you, whether it feels grand or humble. Like Shelumiel, take your stand, serve faithfully, and trust that your obedience strengthens the whole.

Yet, let us not ignore the shadow that lingers over Simeon’s story. Their ancestor, Simeon, was marked by a violent past, his zeal in the incident at Shechem leaving a stain on the tribe’s legacy. But here, in Numbers 1:6, we see God’s grace at work. Simeon is not cast aside but included, given a leader, counted among the covenant people. This is the God we serve, dear friends—a God who redeems, who takes what is broken and weaves it into his plan. Have you not known his grace in your own life? Where you have fallen, where your past bears the weight of regret, God does not reject you. He calls you by name, sets you in his family, and gives you a purpose. Let this truth free you from shame and embolden you to walk in the newness of life found in Christ.

For those who see Jesus as the fulfillment of all Scripture, Shelumiel’s role points us to the greater reality of our Savior. Just as Shelumiel represented Simeon, Christ represents us, standing as our mediator, our high priest, who intercedes before the Father. The census in Numbers foreshadows the book of life, where the names of God’s redeemed are written by the hand of the Lamb. Jesus, the one who laid down his life, ensures that we are counted not merely as soldiers for battle but as heirs of an eternal inheritance. In him, we find our true identity, our true peace, our true rock. Shelumiel’s name, “God is my peace,” finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Prince of Peace, who has reconciled us to God and to one another.

Now, let me speak plainly to you who live in a world that often feels like a wilderness. The pressures of this age—its distractions, its divisions, its demands—can leave you feeling lost, as though your life is but a number in a vast, impersonal system. But hear this: you are known by God. He has called you by name, appointed you a place, and equipped you for his purposes. Like Shelumiel, you are called to lead in whatever sphere God has placed you—whether in your home, your workplace, your church, or your community. Lead with humility, trusting not in your own strength but in the Almighty, your rock. Serve with faithfulness, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain. And lean into the body of Christ, for you are not meant to walk alone. Seek out brothers and sisters who will pray with you, challenge you, and remind you of your place in God’s story.

I urge you, beloved, to examine your hearts. Are there areas where you shrink back from the calling God has given you? Are there moments when you doubt your significance in his plan? Take courage, for the God who named Shelumiel names you. He has counted you among his own, not because of your merit but because of his grace. Live, then, as those who are numbered for his glory. Offer your gifts, your time, your love to the service of his kingdom. Build up the church, encourage the weary, and proclaim the hope of Christ to a world in need. And may the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen.

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O God Most High, Sovereign of all creation, you who know the stars by name and number the hairs of our heads, we come before you with hearts full of awe, lifting our voices in gratitude for your steadfast love and unchanging faithfulness. You are the God who called Israel out of Egypt, who numbered your people in the wilderness, who appointed Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, to lead the tribe of Simeon, and who, even now, calls us by name to be your own. In the simplicity of a single name recorded in your Word, we see your heart for every soul, your plan for every tribe, your purpose for every life. Receive, we pray, our worship, our confession, our surrender, as we seek to honor you, the One who is our peace and our rock, now and forever.

Father, we marvel at your care in numbering your people, not as a faceless multitude but as a covenant community, each tribe known, each leader named, each person counted in your sight. The naming of Shelumiel, whose name declares “God is my peace,” reminds us that you are the source of our rest, our hope, our security. In a world that often feels like a wilderness—fraught with uncertainty, division, and striving—we cling to you, our rock, the Almighty who sustains us. Forgive us, Lord, when we forget your nearness, when we trust in our own strength or seek peace in fleeting things. Teach us to anchor our souls in you, to find in your presence the peace that Shelumiel’s name proclaimed, the peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts through every trial.

We pray for grace to embrace our place in your divine ordering. Just as Shelumiel was appointed to lead Simeon, you have called each of us to a purpose within your body. We confess that we sometimes doubt our significance, wondering if our lives matter in the vastness of your plan. Yet your Word assures us that every name is known, every role is vital, every life is woven into the tapestry of your kingdom. Embolden us, O God, to take our stand where you have placed us. Whether we lead or serve, whether our calling is seen or unseen, let us offer ourselves fully to you, trusting that no act of faithfulness is wasted in your sight. Like Shelumiel, may we bear witness to your name, pointing others to the hope and strength found in you alone.

Lord Jesus, you are the true head of your people, the one who fulfills every role of leadership and representation. In Shelumiel, we see a faint shadow of your perfect priesthood, for you stand before the Father on our behalf, your name written over us, your blood securing our place in the book of life. We thank you that you have numbered us among your redeemed, not because of our worth but because of your sacrifice. You are the rock on which we stand, the peace that calms our fears, the leader who guides us through the wilderness of this world. Help us to follow you, to reflect your humility, your obedience, your love, as we seek to live as your disciples in a world that longs for your light.

Holy Spirit, you who moved over the camp of Israel, ordering their steps and sanctifying their worship, move now in our hearts. Where we are tempted to wander, keep us tethered to your truth. Where we feel insignificant, remind us that we are counted in your kingdom. Where we grow weary, renew us with your power. Make us a people who reflect the unity of Israel’s tribes, standing together as one body, each part contributing to the whole. Knit us together in love, that we might encourage one another, bear one another’s burdens, and proclaim your gospel with boldness. Let our lives, like Simeon under Shelumiel’s leadership, be a testimony to your redeeming grace, a living witness to the world that you are the God who knows and calls.

We lift up your church, O Lord, scattered across cities and nations, yet one in Christ. Forgive us when we let pride or fear divide us, when we forget that every member matters, that every tribe has a place. Raise up leaders like Shelumiel, men and women who will guide with humility, serve with faithfulness, and point to you as the source of all hope. Heal the wounds within your body, mend the broken places, and make us a people who shine as lights in the darkness. May we, like Simeon, rise above our past, redeemed by your grace, and walk in the newness of life you have promised.

In this age of distraction and hurry, grant us the wisdom to pause and remember that we are yours. The wilderness of our world tempts us to chase after fleeting securities, to measure our worth by the standards of this age. But you, O God, have numbered us for a greater purpose. Help us to live as those who are known by you, to serve as those appointed by you, to love as those redeemed by you. May our days be marked by acts of faithfulness, by moments of worship, by a steadfast commitment to your call. Let our lives declare, as Shelumiel’s name did, that you are our peace, our rock, our hope.

We offer this prayer in gratitude, trusting that you receive us not because of our merit but because of your mercy. You who numbered Israel in the desert, you who called Shelumiel by name, you who see us now, hear our cry. Transform us into a people wholly devoted to you, counted among your own, and sent forth to proclaim your glory. To you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor, power, and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.