Metaphysical meaning of Simeon (mbd)
Simeon, sim'-e-on (Heb.)--hearing; hearkening; obeying; obedient; understanding; announced; reported; reputed; famous.
Second son of Jacob, by Leah. "And she conceived again, and bare a son: and said, Because Jehovah hath heard that I am hated he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon" (Gen. 29:33). Jacob's blessing of this son is as follows:"Simeon and Levi are brethren;Weapons of violence are their swords. O my soul, come not thou into their council;Unto their assembly, my glory, be not thou united;For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hocked an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; And their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel" (Gen. 49:5-7).
In Moses' blessing of the tribes of Israel, Simeon is not mentioned. In the Promised Land "their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Judah" (Josh. 19:1).
Meta. The bringing forth of hearing. This son of Jacob did not, according to his history, fulfill that which the name implies. (See REUBEN for further light on the import of Jacob's sons.)
Simeon means one who listens and obeys. Hearing, in its higher aspect, refers to the state of mind in the devout Christian that looks for and expects spiritual guidance and instruction direct from God. It may be summed up in the word "receptivity." (See Luke 2:25.) In Luke 2:29 this new consciousness of the indwelling immortal life takes the place of hope, expectancy, obedience (Simeon).
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Preceding Entry: Silvanus
Following Entry: Simon
