1 Chronicles Chapter 4

Descendants of Judah

1The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 2And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. 3And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi: 4And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem. 5And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 6And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. 7And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan. 8And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

The Prayer of Jabez

9And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

More Descendants of Judah

11And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton. 12And Eshton begat Bethrapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.

13And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah: and the sons of Othniel; Hathath. 14And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. 15And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz. 16And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel. 17And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took. 19And the sons of his wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite. 20And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Benzoheth.

The Sons of Shelah

21The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea, 22And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things. 23These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

The Descendants and Cities of Simeon

24The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul: 25Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son. 27And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah. 28And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, 29And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, 30And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag, 31And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. 32And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: 33And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.

34And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah; 38These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.

Their Conquest of Gedor

39And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old. 41And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Descendants of Judah

1 The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 2 Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. 3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi; 4 and Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. 5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. 7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. 8 Hakkoz became the father of Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

The Prayer of Jabez

9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.” 10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow!” God granted him that which he requested.

More Descendants of Judah

11 Chelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These are the men of Recah.

13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath. 14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen. 15 The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah; and Kenaz. 16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 His wife the Jewess bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took. 19 The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth.

21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea; 22 and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. The records are ancient. 23 These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they lived with the king for his work.

The Descendants of Simeon

24 The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26 The sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. 27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brothers didn’t have many children, neither did all their family multiply like the children of Judah. 28 They lived at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, 29 and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, 30 and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag, 31 and at Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susim, and at Beth Biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities to the reign of David. 32 Their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities; 33 and all their villages that were around the same cities, to Baal. These were their habitations, and they have their genealogy.

34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35 and Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36 and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37 and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah— 38 these mentioned by name were princes in their families: and their fathers’ houses increased greatly.

39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 They found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for those who lived there before were of Ham. 41 These written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and struck their tents, and the Meunim who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place; because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42 Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 They struck the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.

The Descendants of Judah

1 The descendants of Judah:

Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.

2 Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.

3 These were the sons a of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. And their sister was named Hazzelelponi. 4 Penuel was the father b of Gedor, and Ezer was the father of Hushah.

These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and the father of Bethlehem.

5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

6 Naarah bore to him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah.

7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, c Ethnan, 8 and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Zobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.

The Prayer of Jabez

9 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, d saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”

10 And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.”

And God granted the request of Jabez.

More Descendants of Judah

11 Chelub the brother of Shuhah was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah.

13 The sons of Kenaz:

Othniel and Seraiah.

The sons of Othniel:

Hathath and Meonothai. e

14 Meonothai was the father of Ophrah, and Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of those living in Ge-harashim, which was given this name because its people were craftsmen. f

15 The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh:

Iru, Elah, and Naam.

The son g of Elah:

Kenaz.

16 The sons of Jehallelel:

Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

17 The sons of Ezrah:

Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon.

And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth h to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah. i

Mered also took a Judean j wife, who gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.

19 The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite. k

20 The sons of Shimon:

Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon.

The descendants of Ishi:

Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.

21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah:

Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea, 22 Jokim, the men of Cozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi-lehem. (These names are from ancient records.) 23 These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king.

The Descendants of Simeon

24 The descendants of Simeon:

Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, l and Shaul.

25 The sons of Shaul:

Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma.

26 The sons of Mishma:

Hammuel, Zaccur, and Shimei.

27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their whole clan did not become as numerous as the sons of Judah. 28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29 Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32 And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns— 33 and all their surrounding villages as far as Baal. m These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record:

34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah, 35 Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah (son of Seraiah, son of Asiel), 36 Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 and Ziza son of Shiphi (son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah).

38 These men listed by name were the leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39 and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. 40 There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly.

41 These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites and Meunites there in their dwellings, devoting them to destruction n even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks. 42 And five hundred of these Simeonites led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir 43 and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.

Footnotes:

3 a LXX (see also Vulgate); Hebrew These were of the father
4 b Or the founder ; also in verses 5, 12, 14, 17, 18, and possibly elsewhere
7 c Alternate MT reading; the other alternate (see also Vulgate) reads Izhar .
9 d Jabez  sounds like the Hebrew for pain  or distress .
13 e Vulgate and some LXX; Hebrew does not include and Meonothai .
14 f Literally Ge-harashim, for they were craftsmen . The Hebrew Ge-harashim  means valley of craftsmen .
15 g Hebrew sons
17 h Literally she gave birth
18 i This statement is at the end of verse 18 in the Hebrew.
18 j Or Judahite
19 k Or were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite
24 l Zerah  is a variant of Zohar ; see Genesis 46:10 and Exodus 6:15.
33 m Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts (see also Joshua 19:8) Baalath
41 n Forms of the Hebrew cherem  refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering.

Descendants of Judah

1Sons of Judah: Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 2And Reaiah son of Shobal begat Jahath, and Jahath begat Ahumai and Lahad; these are families of the Zorathite. 3And these are of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister is Hazzelelponi, 4and Penuel is father of Gedor, and Ezer father of Hushah. These are sons of Hur, first-born of Ephratah, father of Beth-Lehem. 5And to Ashhur father of Tekoa were two wives, Helah and Naarah; 6and Naarah beareth to him Ahuzzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari: these are sons of Naarah. 7And sons of Helah: Zereth, and Zohar, and Ethnan. 8And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel son of Harum.

The Prayer of Jabez

9And Jabez is honoured above his brethren, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I have brought forth with grief.' 10And Jabez calleth to the God of Israel, saying, 'If blessing Thou dost bless me, then Thou hast made great my border, and Thy hand hath been with me, and Thou hast kept me from evil -- not to grieve me;' and God bringeth in that which he asked.

More Descendants of Judah

11And Chelub brother of Shuah begat Mehir; he is father of Eshton. 12And Eshton begat Beth-Rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah father of Ir-Nahash; these are men of Rechah.

13And sons of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah; and sons of Othniel: Hathath. 14And Meonothai begat Ophrah, and Seraiah begat Joab father of the valley of artificers, for they were artificers. 15And sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and sons of Elah, even Kenaz. 16And sons of Jehaleleel: Ziph and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel. 17And sons of Ezra are Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she beareth Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah father of Eshtemoa. 18And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered father of Gedor, and Heber father of Socho, and Jekuthiel father of Zanoah. And these are sons of Bithiah daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took, 19and sons of the wife of Hodiah sister of Nahom: Abi-Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite. 20And sons of Shimon are Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben-Hanon, and Tilon; and sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben-Zoheth.

The Sons of Shelah

21Sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er father of Lecah, and Laadah father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of the service of fine linen, of the house of Ashbea; 22and Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who ruled over Moab and Jashubi-Lehem; and these things are ancient. 23They are the potters and inhabitants of Netaim and Gedera; with the king in his work they dwelt there.

The Descendants and Cities of Simeon

24Sons of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; 25Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26And sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son. 27And to Shimei are sixteen sons and six daughters, and to his brethren there are not many sons, and none of their families have multiplied as much as the sons of Judah. 28And they dwell in Beer-Sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-Shaul, 29and in Bilhah, and in Ezem, and in Tolad, 30and in Bethuel, and in Hormah, and in Ziklag, 31and in Beth-Marcaboth, and in Hazar-Susim, and in Beth-Birei, and in Shaarim; these are their cities till the reigning of David. 32And their villages are Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities, 33and all their villages that are round about these cities unto Baal; these are their dwellings, and they have their genealogy:

34even Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah son of Amaziah, 35and Joel, and Jehu son of Josibiah, son of Seraiah, son of Asiel, 36and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37and Ziza son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah. 38These who are coming in by name are princes in their families, and the house of their fathers have broken forth into a multitude;

Their Conquest of Gedor

39and they go to the entrance of Gedor, unto the east of the valley, to seek pasture for their flock, 40and they find pasture, fat and good, and the land broad of sides, and quiet, and safe, for of Ham are those dwelling there before. 41And these who are written by name come in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smite their tents, and the habitations that have been found there, and devote them to destruction unto this day, and dwell in their stead, because pasture for their flock is there. 42And of them, of the sons of Simeon, there have gone to mount Seir, five hundred men, and Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, sons of Ishi, at their head, 43and they smite the remnant of those escaped of Amalek, and dwell there unto this day.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 4?

1.1Introduction to 1 Chronicles 4

1.2Context of 1 Chronicles 4

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Chronicles 4 Unique Insights

1.61 Chronicles 4 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Chronicles 4 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Chronicles 4 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 4?

Introduction to 1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 4 presents a fascinating genealogical tapestry that goes beyond mere family records. This chapter stands as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving detailed records of His people, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah and Simeon. While genealogies might appear dry to modern readers, this chapter contains precious gems of spiritual insight, including the famous prayer of Jabez, which has captured the imagination of believers for generations.

The chapter’s significance lies not just in its historical record-keeping but in its demonstration of how God works through ordinary families and individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. It shows that even in seemingly mundane lists of names, we find stories of faith, courage, and divine intervention that continue to inspire believers today.

Context of 1 Chronicles 4

This chapter appears in the first section of Chronicles, which was compiled after the Babylonian exile to remind the returning Jews of their heritage and identity as God’s chosen people. The immediate context follows the extensive genealogy of Judah in chapter 3, which established the royal line of David, and now expands to include other important families within Judah and Simeon.

Within the larger narrative of Scripture, 1 Chronicles 4 serves multiple purposes. First, it validates the tribal inheritances and territorial claims of the returning exiles, providing legal and historical documentation of their rights to the land. Second, it demonstrates God’s faithfulness in preserving His people through generations, despite their failures and exile. Third, it contains practical examples of faith and prayer, most notably in Jabez’s story, which connects the historical records to spiritual truth.

The chapter also fits into the broader theme of Chronicles as a whole, which seeks to interpret Israel’s history through a theological lens, emphasizing the importance of proper worship, faithful leadership, and trust in God’s promises. This genealogical record reminds the post-exilic community of their spiritual heritage and responsibilities as God’s covenant people.

Ancient Key Word Study

Jabez (יַעְבֵּץ) – Derived from the root meaning “pain” or “sorrow,” this name carries deep significance. The etymology suggests his mother named him this way because she bore him in pain. However, Jabez’s life demonstrates how God can transform sorrow into blessing, as his name became associated with honor rather than pain.
Territory (גְּבוּל) – This Hebrew term goes beyond mere geographical boundaries. It represents divine allocation and spiritual inheritance, reflecting God’s sovereign distribution of land and blessings among His people. The word appears in Jabez’s prayer, indicating his understanding of spiritual authority and divine provision.
Blessing (בְּרָכָה) – In the context of Jabez’s prayer, this word carries the full weight of divine favor and prosperity. It encompasses both material and spiritual enrichment, suggesting a comprehensive understanding of God’s goodness and provision.
Craftsmen (חָרָשׁ) – This term appears in reference to the Valley of Craftsmen, indicating skilled artisans. The word suggests divine gifting in practical skills, showing how God’s calling extends to various forms of work and creativity.
Genealogical Records (הַיְחַשׂ) – This term represents more than just family trees; it speaks to identity, inheritance, and divine purpose. The careful preservation of these records demonstrates the importance of maintaining connection to one’s spiritual heritage.
Ancient Times (לְפָנִים) – This phrase, used in reference to historical settlements, carries theological significance. It points to God’s sovereign guidance throughout history and His faithfulness to His promises across generations.
Inheritance (נַחֲלָה) – This word appears in contexts describing tribal territories, representing both physical land and spiritual legacy. It reminds readers of God’s covenant faithfulness and His provision for His people.
Pasture (מִרְעֶה) – Used in describing the Simeonites’ search for grazing land, this term symbolizes divine provision and care. It echoes the shepherd imagery found throughout Scripture, pointing to God’s nurturing character.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 9-10 (Jabez’s Prayer): The text specifically uses the phrase “Oh that You would bless me indeed” (בָּרֵךְ תְּבָרְכֵנִי) rather than a simple request for blessing. This doubled form intensifies the petition, demonstrating Jabez’s passionate faith and understanding of God’s abundant nature. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the blessing sought.
Verse 10 (Keep me from harm): The phrase “keep me from evil” (וְעָשִׂיתָ מֵּרָעָה) is carefully chosen over other possible Hebrew terms for protection. This specific construction suggests active divine intervention rather than passive preservation, indicating Jabez’s understanding of God’s sovereign power.
Verse 21 (Linen workers): The specific mention of “fine linen workers” (עֲבֹדַת־הַבֻּץ) rather than general craftsmen suggests a connection to Temple service, as fine linen was crucial for priestly garments. This detail provides a subtle link to worship and divine service.
Verse 23 (Potters): The description of those who “lived among plants and hedges” uses specific agricultural terminology, suggesting not just location but a lifestyle of cultivation and care. This matches the royal service mentioned, indicating skilled craftsmanship dedicated to higher purposes.
Verse 39-40 (Peaceful and quiet land): The Hebrew terms used here (שָׁקַט וּשְׁלֵוָה) paint a picture of perfect tranquility, chosen specifically to contrast with the violent conquest that follows. This literary device emphasizes divine providence in providing for His people.
Verse 41 (Utterly destroyed): The strong Hebrew term used here (וַיַּחֲרִימֻם) carries connotations of divine judgment, suggesting not just military conquest but fulfillment of divine purposes. This terminology links to broader biblical themes of judgment and restoration.
Verse 43 (Remnant): The specific term for “remnant” (שְׁאֵרִית) carries theological significance, connecting to broader biblical themes of God’s preservation of a faithful people. This word choice provides continuity with prophetic literature and messianic hope.

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1 Chronicles 4 Unique Insights

One of the most fascinating aspects of this chapter is its preservation of the prayer of Jabez, a seemingly minor figure who receives special attention. Jewish tradition suggests that Jabez became a renowned Torah scholar, whose influence far exceeded his painful beginnings. The Talmud (Temurah 16a) connects him with Othniel, the first judge of Israel, suggesting that his prayer for blessing included the gift of spiritual wisdom and leadership.

The chapter’s detailed attention to craftsmen and skilled workers reveals a profound theological truth about the dignity of human labor. The Valley of Craftsmen mentioned in verse 14 is believed by some Jewish commentators to have been a center of spiritual as well as practical excellence. This parallels the biblical concept of being filled with the Spirit for craftsmanship, as seen in Bezalel’s work on the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).

The Simeonites’ expansion narrative contains a remarkable insight into divine timing. Their conquest of Ham’s people and the Meunites is recorded as happening “in the days of Hezekiah,” suggesting that even centuries after the initial conquest of Canaan, God’s promises for tribal inheritance remained active and achievable through faith. This challenges our modern tendency to view divine promises as having expiration dates.

The mention of “ancient records” regarding the good pastureland suggests a fascinating historical consciousness among the biblical writers. These records, predating the time of David, demonstrate God’s providence in preserving both His people’s history and their understanding of His faithfulness through written documentation.

1 Chronicles 4 Connections to Yeshua

The prayer of Jabez foreshadows the comprehensive blessing available through the Messiah Yeshua. Just as Jabez asked to be kept from harm (evil), Yeshua taught His disciples to pray “deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). This parallel reveals the consistency of God’s desire to protect and bless His people across both covenants.

The chapter’s emphasis on genealogical records and tribal inheritance points to the importance of Yeshua’s own genealogy, particularly His descent from Judah, which establishes His legitimate claim to the Davidic throne. The careful preservation of these records served the ultimate purpose of validating the Messiah’s credentials, as prophesied in Scripture (Genesis 49:10).

The theme of divine blessing expanding territories finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah’s kingdom, which extends beyond physical boundaries to encompass all nations and peoples (Revelation 11:15). This universal expansion of God’s kingdom through Yeshua fulfills the deepest meaning of territorial blessing seen in Jabez’s prayer.

1 Chronicles 4 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and passages. The prayer of Jabez echoes Solomon’s request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9), demonstrating how God honors bold yet humble requests. The theme of territorial expansion connects to God’s original promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21).

The Simeonites’ military successes recall Joshua’s conquests, showing God’s consistent pattern of giving victory to His people when they act in faith. Their settlement in new territories reflects the broader biblical theme of divine provision, similar to how God led the Israelites to the Promised Land.

The mention of craftsmen and skilled workers connects to the building of both the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35) and Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 7:13-14), highlighting the importance of God-given skills in worship and service.

1 Chronicles 4 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own prayers and expectations of God. Jabez’s bold yet humble prayer teaches us that we can approach God with both confidence and reverence, asking for His blessing while remaining submitted to His will. How often do we limit our prayers due to lack of faith or fear of asking too much?

The detailed genealogical records remind us of the importance of spiritual heritage and identity. In an age where many feel disconnected from their roots, this chapter encourages us to remember that we are part of a larger story of God’s redemptive work. How are we preserving and passing on our spiritual legacy to future generations?

The accounts of territorial expansion and settlement challenge us to consider what areas of our lives need to be claimed for God’s kingdom. Are there “territories” – whether physical, spiritual, or relational – that God is calling us to enter with bold faith?

Did You Know

The prayer of Jabez contains exactly twenty Hebrew words, which some Jewish scholars suggest corresponds to the numerical value of the Hebrew word for “crown” (כתר), indicating the royal nature of true blessing.
The Valley of Craftsmen mentioned in verse 14 is believed to have been located near Lod and Ono, areas that later became important centers of Jewish learning and craftsmanship during the Second Temple period.
The term “more honorable” used to describe Jabez appears only three other times in the Old Testament, each time in connection with individuals who demonstrated exceptional faith or service to God.
The Simeonites’ conquest described in verses 41-43 is one of the few military campaigns recorded in Chronicles that isn’t mentioned in the parallel histories of Samuel and Kings.
The reference to “ancient records” regarding the pastureland suggests the existence of historical documents predating the composition of Chronicles, possibly including official tribal records maintained throughout Israel’s history.
The mention of “fine linen workers” in verse 21 uses a technical term that specifically refers to the production of high-quality fabric used in Temple worship garments.
The description of the land found by the Simeonites as “peaceful and quiet” uses a unique Hebrew phrase that appears only here in the entire Old Testament.
The Meunites mentioned in verse 41 are believed to be connected to the kingdom of Ma’an in southern Jordan, known for its control of important trade routes.
The genealogical information about Shelah’s descendants contains unique details about ancient guild organizations, providing rare insights into the professional structure of ancient Israelite society.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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