Shelumiel שְׁלֻמִיאֵל
Leader of the tribe of Simeon
Who is Shelumiel in the Bible?
Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, was the leader of the tribe of Simeon during Israel's wilderness wanderings after the exodus from Egypt. He played a key role in the census of Sinai, where he represented the Simeonites alongside Moses and Aaron (Numbers 1:6), and his tribe was positioned on the south side of the tabernacle during the camp's organization (Numbers 2:12). Shelumiel also held prominence in the dedication of the altar, bringing offerings on behalf of Simeon on the fifth day of the ceremony, including silver vessels, a gold spoon, and sacrificial animals (Numbers 7:36-41). When the Israelites departed from Mount Sinai, he led the Simeonites in the second division of the march (Numbers 10:19). His significance lies in his representation of tribal leadership during a foundational period of Israel's formation, demonstrating the structured organization God established for His people.
Biography
Shelumiel was the son of Zurishaddai and the leader of the tribe of Simeon during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. In the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai, Shelumiel was the one who stood with Moses and Aaron to number the Simeonites (Num.1.6). When the Israelites camped in the wilderness, Shelumiel and the Simeonites were positioned on the south side of the tabernacle, alongside the tribes of Reuben and Gad (Num.2.12).
Shelumiel also had a prominent role in the dedication of the altar. On the fifth day of the dedication, he brought his offering on behalf of the tribe of Simeon, which included various silver and gold utensils and sacrificial animals (Num.7.36,41). When the Israelites set out from Mount Sinai, Shelumiel led the tribe of Simeon in the second division of the marching order, following the tabernacle (Num.10.19).
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 5 verses
- Numbers 1:6
"from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;"
- Numbers 2:12
"The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it. The leader of the Simeonites is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai,"
- Numbers 7:36
"On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near."
- Numbers 7:41
"and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai."
- Numbers 10:19
"Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁלֻמִיאֵל |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain) Shelumiel
rare in Heb (compare Gray, HPN, 200). The meaning of the present form, if it be correct, is "at peace with God" (Hommel, Ancient Hebrew Tradition, 200, "my friend is God"). Septuagint reads Salamiel: Prince of the tribe of Simeon (Nu 1:6; 2:12; 7:36,41; 10:19). The genealogy of Judith (8:1) is carried back to this Shelumiel or Shelamiel, called there "Salamiel."
Horace J. Wolf
1Position in Noah's Family: His Name
The eldest son of Noah, from whom the Jews, as well as the Semitic ("Shemitic") nations in general have descended. When giving the names of Noah's thr