1 Chronicles Chapter 4 — The Lineage of Judah and Simeon
This chapter continues the genealogy of Judah, famously including the prayer of Jabez, and provides the lineage and territory of the tribe of Simeon.
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Notable Verses
1 Chronicles 4:10
“Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!””
This verse is widely known as the 'Prayer of Jabez,' highlighting a personal appeal for God's favor amidst a long genealogical list.
1 Chronicles 4:23
“These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah; they lived there with the king for his work.”
This verse indicates that some families were designated for specific crafts and served in the royal administration.
1 Chronicles 4:41
“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 they destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks.”
This passage demonstrates the continued movement and settlement of the tribes as late as the reign of Hezekiah.
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles 4 continues the extensive genealogical records of the tribes of Israel, focusing first on the descendants of Judah. It lists various families, including those associated with Bethlehem and specialized craftsmen who worked in linen and pottery. A notable break in the list occurs with Jabez, who is described as more honorable than his brothers. He famously prays for God’s blessing, territorial expansion, and protection from harm—a request the text states God granted. The chapter then shifts focus to the tribe of Simeon, listing their descendants and the cities they occupied until the reign of King David. It concludes by describing the expansion of the Simeonites during the time of King Hezekiah. During this period, Simeonite leaders sought new pasturelands for their flocks, eventually displacing local groups in Gedor and defeating the remaining Amalekites at Mount Seir to establish permanent settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jabez is described as a man more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because she bore him in pain, but he is remembered for his prayer asking God for blessing, expansion, and protection from causing pain.
In verse 10, Jabez asks God to bless him, enlarge his borders, stay with him, and keep him from evil. The text records that God granted his request, marking a rare narrative moment in the genealogies.
The chapter lists several cities including Beersheba, Moladah, Hazarshual, Hormah, and Ziklag. These settlements were maintained until the reign of King David, when the political landscape changed.
The Simeonites moved to the entrance of Gedor to find rich and peaceful pasture for their flocks. Finding the land wide and quiet, they displaced the previous inhabitants to secure territory for their livestock.
Study Note
The reference to 'ancient records' in verse 22 suggests the author of Chronicles utilized diverse source materials to compile these detailed tribal histories.
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