1 Chronicles 4:22

KJV

And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And [these are] ancient things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jokim {H3137}, and the men {H582} of Chozeba {H3578}, and Joash {H3101}, and Saraph {H8315}, who had the dominion {H1166} in Moab {H4124}, and Jashubilehem {H3433}. And these are ancient {H6267} things {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yokim, the men of Kozeva, Saraf the ruler in Mo'av, and Yashuvi-Lechem (the records are ancient).

Berean Standard Bible

Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea, Jokim, the men of Cozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi-lehem. (These names are from ancient records.)

American Standard Version

and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And the records are ancient.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:22 concludes a segment of Judah's genealogy, meticulously listing individuals—Jokim, the men of Chozeba, Joash, Saraph, and Jashubilehem—and notably highlights that Joash and Saraph "had the dominion in Moab." This unique historical annotation is then followed by the Chronicler's editorial comment, "And [these are] ancient things," underscoring the deep historical roots and authenticity of the records being presented. The verse thus serves as a brief but significant window into the historical reach of Judahite families and the Chronicler's emphasis on the reliability of Israel's heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 4, a chapter almost entirely dedicated to the genealogies of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend. The chapter begins with Judah's sons and meticulously traces various family lines, their settlements, and notable individuals, such as Jabez in [1 Chronicles 4:9-10](/1_chronicles/4-9 "1 Chronicles 4:9-10 - The Prayer of Jabez"). Verse 22 specifically concludes a section (likely [1 Chronicles 4:19-22](/1_chronicles/4-19 "1 Chronicles 4:19-22 - Further Descendants of Judah")) that lists the descendants of Judah through Shelah, one of Judah's sons ([1 Chronicles 2:3](/1_chronicles/2-3 "1 Chronicles 2:3 - Sons of Judah")). The detailed record-keeping here emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant people and establishes the historical foundation for the monarchy and the temple, which are central themes in the Chronicler's work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "dominion in Moab" is particularly striking given the historical relationship between Israel and Moab. Moab, a neighboring territory east of the Dead Sea, was often depicted as an adversary (e.g., [Numbers 22-25](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-25 - Balaam and Moab"), [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon of Moab")), though there were also periods of peaceful interaction and even intermarriage, as exemplified by Ruth ([Ruth 1:1-5](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1-5 - Naomi and Ruth in Moab")). The phrase suggests a period, possibly during the United Monarchy or earlier, where certain Judahite families exerted influence, held authority, or even settled over parts of Moab, perhaps through conquest or political alliance. This reflects the fluid and often complex power dynamics of the ancient Near East, where regional hegemonies shifted. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, would have been keen to remind the returning exiles of their glorious past, including periods of Israelite strength and dominion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it reinforces the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, meticulously tracing the families of Judah to demonstrate God's faithfulness in maintaining the covenant line, an essential foundation for the Davidic dynasty and the future Messiah. Secondly, the detail about "dominion in Moab" subtly points to God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, illustrating that even traditional adversaries could fall under the influence or control of God's people when it served His purposes. This foreshadows a broader divine plan for Israel's influence. Lastly, the concluding phrase, "And [these are] ancient things," highlights the **Value of History and Authentic Records**. It underscores the Chronicler's intent to provide a reliable, historically grounded account, assuring the post-exilic community of the veracity and enduring nature of their heritage and God's past dealings with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dominion (Hebrew, מָשַׁל, _mashal_):** This verb signifies "to rule," "to govern," "to have authority," or "to have power over." In the context of 1 Chronicles 4:22, it indicates that Joash and Saraph, Judahites, exercised political or military control over Moab. This is a significant claim, suggesting a period of Judahite ascendancy over a neighboring nation that was often hostile or at least independent. It speaks to a time of strength and influence for these particular families within the tribe of Judah.
* **ancient things (Hebrew, דְּבָרִים עַתִּיקִים, _devarim 'attiqim_):** Literally "ancient words" or "ancient matters/affairs." This is a unique editorial comment by the Chronicler. It serves as an emphatic declaration of the antiquity and historical veracity of the records just presented. Rather than being recent fabrications or oral traditions of uncertain origin, these are presented as well-established, long-standing historical accounts, passed down through generations. This phrase lends authority and credibility to the genealogical details, assuring the reader of their foundational importance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph,":** This clause continues the genealogical list, identifying specific individuals and a group associated with a place (Chozeba, likely in Judah). These names, though brief, represent distinct family units or leaders within the extensive lineage of Judah. The Chronicler's meticulous naming underscores the importance of individual identity and family lines within the broader tribal structure.
* **"who had the dominion in Moab,":** This parenthetical yet pivotal phrase provides a significant historical detail about Joash and Saraph. It indicates that these Judahite individuals, or their families, held a position of power, rule, or significant influence over Moab. This suggests a period of Judahite strength or expansion, possibly military conquest or political suzerainty, over a territory traditionally separate from Israel. It's a concise historical annotation embedded within a genealogical record.
* **"and Jashubilehem.":** This name completes the specific list of individuals or family heads being detailed in this particular segment of the genealogy, linking them as a coherent group.
* **"And [these are] ancient things.":** This is the Chronicler's concluding editorial remark for this section. It functions as a powerful affirmation of the historical depth and reliability of the preceding information. By declaring these matters to be "ancient," the Chronicler validates their authenticity and underscores their enduring significance for the post-exilic community, connecting them to a long and verifiable heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:22, as in much of the book, is **Genealogy**. The verse is a direct continuation of a detailed lineage, serving to connect the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots. Within this genealogical framework, there is a significant **Historical Note** embedded ("who had the dominion in Moab"), which provides a concise yet impactful piece of historical information about the individuals mentioned. This brief detail functions as a factual annotation, enriching the otherwise dry list of names. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "And [these are] ancient things," serves as a direct **Editorial Comment** from the Chronicler. This is a meta-commentary, where the author steps out of the narrative to address the reader directly, emphasizing the antiquity and reliability of the records. It is a form of **Validation** or **Authentication**, designed to instill confidence in the historical veracity of the genealogies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:22, though seemingly a mere list of names, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His covenant people, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. The inclusion of the "dominion in Moab" detail, even if brief, points to God's sovereign hand in history, allowing His people to exert influence even over traditional adversaries. This foreshadows a broader divine plan for Israel's ultimate triumph and the establishment of a kingdom that would extend beyond its immediate borders. The Chronicler's emphasis on "ancient things" reinforces the reliability of God's past dealings and the enduring nature of His covenant. It teaches us that God's faithfulness is rooted in a long, verifiable history, providing a firm foundation for hope and trust in His future plans.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Psalm 22:27](/psalm/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the ends of the earth shall remember")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific names and historical details of 1 Chronicles 4:22 might seem distant, the verse offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God works through specific individuals and families throughout history, often in ways that are briefly recorded but profoundly significant in His grand narrative. Every life, every detail, no matter how seemingly small, has a place in His overarching plan. The Chronicler's emphasis on "ancient things" encourages us to appreciate our own spiritual heritage—the long line of faith that precedes us. Understanding the history of God's people, their struggles, their triumphs, and God's enduring faithfulness through it all, provides a vital foundation for our own faith journey. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for His people across generations and His unwavering commitment to His promises, a faithfulness that extends to us today and into the future. We are part of a story far older and grander than ourselves, rooted in God's eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, even of seemingly minor details, speak to the importance of every individual in God's plan?**
* **What does the phrase "dominion in Moab" suggest about God's sovereignty over nations and His capacity to use His people for His purposes in unexpected ways?**
* **In what ways does the Chronicler's affirmation, "And [these are] ancient things," encourage your trust in the reliability of God's Word and His historical faithfulness?**
* **How can understanding our spiritual heritage, the "ancient things" of God's people, strengthen our faith and provide guidance for our lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these seemingly obscure genealogical details, like the ones in 1 Chronicles 4:22, so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogical details are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they establish the **historical continuity and identity** of God's covenant people, particularly the tribe of Judah, from which the Davidic monarchy and ultimately the Messiah would come. For the post-exilic community, these records provided a vital link to their past, assuring them of their legitimate heritage and God's faithfulness through generations of Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram")). Secondly, they serve as a **testament to God's meticulous care** in preserving the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. Every name, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Finally, they underscore the **historical veracity** of the biblical narrative, grounding the spiritual truths in real people, places, and events.

**What is the significance of "dominion in Moab" for Judahite families?**

Answer: The mention of "dominion in Moab" is significant because Moab was a long-standing neighbor and often an adversary of Israel ([Numbers 22:1-6](/numbers/22-1 "Numbers 22:1-6 - Balak Sends for Balaam")). For Judahite families to have "dominion" (rule or authority) there indicates a period of considerable strength and influence for the tribe of Judah. This could have been achieved through military conquest, as seen with David's subjugation of Moab ([2 Samuel 8:2](/2_samuel/8-2 "2 Samuel 8:2 - David Defeats Moab")), or through political alliances and settlement. It highlights the shifting power dynamics of the ancient Near East and subtly points to God's sovereignty, allowing His people to exert influence even over traditional enemies when it served His purposes. It reminds the reader of a past era of Israelite strength and regional authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:22 is deeply rooted in the genealogies of Judah, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these "ancient things" ultimately point to the eternal and universal dominion of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the Judahite lineage, culminating in the Davidic line, directly anticipates the birth of the Messiah, who is the "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The brief historical note about Judahite families having "dominion in Moab" foreshadows Christ's ultimate and complete dominion, not just over a single nation, but over all nations and all creation. Just as these ancient Judahites held sway over a neighboring people, so Christ, the true King of Israel, exercises supreme authority over every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). The Chronicler's affirmation that "these are ancient things" speaks to the eternal nature of God's plan, a plan rooted in eternity past and perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus is the Alpha and Omega")). Through Christ, the promises made to Abraham and David find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), extending salvation and spiritual dominion to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Greek")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.