Who was Shelumiel in the Bible?

Shelumiel was the son of Zurishaddai and served as the leader of the tribe of Simeon during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt. He is listed among the tribal leaders appointed by Moses (Numbers 1:6, 2:12).

What did Shelumiel do as a leader?

As a leader, Shelumiel represented the tribe of Simeon in military censuses, during camp organization, and when bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar. His most recorded action was presenting the tribe's offering on the ninth day of the altar's dedication (Numbers 7:36-41).

Why is Shelumiel significant in the Bible?

Shelumiel's significance lies in his role as a named representative of his tribe, demonstrating God's orderly structure for His people. His recorded offering highlights that every tribe, even those less prominent, contributed equally to the worship and service of the Tabernacle.

Shelumiel

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLeader

Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, leader of the tribe of Simeon during the wilderness wanderings.

Shelumiel

Biography

Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai served as the appointed leader, or nasi, of the tribe of Simeon during Israel's wilderness wanderings following the Exodus from Egypt. He is named among the twelve tribal leaders who assisted Moses and Aaron in conducting the first census of Israel (Numbers 1:6), and he presented Simeon's dedicatory offering at the consecration of the tabernacle (Numbers 7:36–41). His offering on the fifth day was identical to those of the other tribal leaders, consisting of silver and gold vessels, burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. Shelumiel also led the Simeonite contingent in the wilderness encampment (Numbers 2:12) and in the march through the desert.

Significance

Shelumiel represents the ordered, God-directed leadership structure established for Israel in the wilderness. His participation in the first national census underscores the theological significance of each tribe being counted and accountable before God, a precursor to the covenant community's organized identity. His identical dedicatory offering alongside eleven other leaders emphasizes the unity and equality of the tribes before the LORD at the tabernacle's consecration. Shelumiel's faithful service as a tribal representative illustrates how God works through appointed human leaders to maintain order and devotion within His covenant people.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherZurishaddai

Verse Appearances (5)

Numbers

Numbers 1:6 Numbers 2:12 Numbers 7:36 Numbers 7:41 Numbers 10:19

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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