🔢WEB · Numbers 1:23
What does Numbers 1:23 mean?
"those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred."
— Numbers 1:23 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.
Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.
Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.
Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
Explanation
Numbers 1:23 is a straightforward census statistic: it records that when the tribe of Simeon was counted, the total number of men came to fifty-nine thousand three hundred. This verse is part of a longer list in Numbers 1 that goes tribe by tribe, giving the specific count of men eligible for military service—those twenty years old and older who were able to go to war (Numbers 1:3). Simeon's number here is simply the result recorded for that one tribe among the twelve.
The book of Numbers takes its English name from these census accounts, and this particular count occurred in the wilderness of Sinai, in the second year after Israel left Egypt (Numbers 1:1). Moses, at God's command, conducted this census with the help of Aaron and the leaders of each tribe. The purpose was practical and organizational: Israel was a newly freed nation of former slaves, now needing to become an organized community capable of defending itself, marching in order, and eventually conquering and settling the land God had promised them. Knowing the size and military strength of each tribe was essential for structuring the camp, arranging the march, and preparing for battle.
Theologically, this verse and its surrounding chapter reveal that God cares about order, structure, and the practical details of his people's life together. The God who delivered Israel from Egypt through miraculous acts is the same God who insists on careful counting, record-keeping, and organization. This shows
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.