Territory of the tribe of Simeon

Now, the lots for the remaining seven tribes were cast. The lot for the tribe of Benjamin was first. Next, the lot was cast for the tribe of Simeon. (1) Simeon was the second child born to Jacob and Leah. (2) Since Simeon was a small tribe, they did not receive a bordered land; rather they inherited land within the territory allotted to Judah. (3) In the first place, the allotment of Judah was rather too large for its population. So, they agreed to give the extra land to the tribe of Simeon. (4) Concerning Simeon, Jacob prophesized, “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Gen. 49:7). As so, the tribe of Simeon inherited a land, being scattered within the territory of Judah. (5) Beersheba also was a city of Judah (Ch. 15:28). Simeon was to share it with them.

Lesson for us

The tribe of Judah agreed to give a part of their own land to the tribe of Simeon and allowed them to live within their territory. They thought it was unnecessary to keep beyond what they needed. Every Christian can learn from this. No matter the circumstance, if you feel that you are being blessed with things beyond your needs, you are expected to have the courage and love to give them to the neighbors who are more in need. It is said in 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter of love, “[Love] does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;” (v. 5–6). Let’s meditate on what we can learn from the tribe of Judah and pray that we can become more Christ-like.