What is the meaning of Numbers 26:14?

These were the clans

- Scripture highlights family groupings to show God’s faithfulness in preserving covenant lines (cf. Genesis 12:2; Exodus 6:6).

- The word “clans” points to sub-tribal units that organized daily life, military structure, and inheritance rights (compare Numbers 1:22–24).

- By listing them, Moses assures Israel that every branch of Simeon still mattered within the wider camp, echoing God’s concern for each household (Deuteronomy 29:10–13).

---

of Simeon

- Simeon was Jacob’s second son by Leah (Genesis 29:33) and, with Levi, was linked to the violent episode at Shechem (Genesis 34:25–30).

- Jacob’s prophetic word foretold the tribe’s scattering in Israel (Genesis 49:5–7); the later allotment inside Judah’s borders (Joshua 19:1–9) fulfills that word.

- Even so, their inclusion here underscores grace: past sin did not erase covenant standing (Numbers 25:13).

---

and there were 22,200 men

- This census lists men twenty years and older fit for battle (Numbers 26:2), reflecting corporate readiness to inherit the land (Deuteronomy 31:3–6).

- The figure shows a dramatic drop from the first census (59,300; Numbers 1:23). The decline likely ties to judgment on idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 25:1–9), where Simeonite leaders were notably involved (Numbers 25:14).

- God records the reduced number to remind Israel—and us—that holiness matters and that disobedience carries real, tangible consequences (1 Corinthians 10:6–11).

---

summary

Numbers 26:14 records God’s meticulous care for every clan, the continued place of the tribe of Simeon despite its checkered past, and the sober lesson conveyed by their reduced numbers: covenant privilege demands covenant faithfulness.