1 Chronicles 4:28

KJV

And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they dwelt {H3427} at Beersheba {H884}, and Moladah {H4137}, and Hazarshual {H2705},

Complete Jewish Bible

They lived at Be'er-Sheva, Moladah, Hatzar-Shu'al,

Berean Standard Bible

They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual,

American Standard Version

And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:28 serves as a vital geographical anchor within the extensive genealogies of the book, precisely detailing the dwelling places—Beersheba, Moladah, and Hazarshual—for a segment of the tribe of Simeon. This seemingly straightforward verse is crucial for establishing the historical and geographical reality of Simeon's settlement within the southern reaches of the Promised Land, thereby affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, even amidst the unique and challenging circumstances of Simeon's inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the foundational genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously lay the groundwork for the Chronicler's broader narrative. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 4 focuses on the lineages of Judah and Simeon. Unlike most tribes that received a distinct, contiguous land parcel, the tribe of Simeon's inheritance was uniquely allocated "within" the larger territory of Judah, primarily in the arid southern Negev region, as explicitly stated in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). The Chronicler's meticulous listing of towns such as Beersheba, Moladah, and Hazarshual in this verse, alongside other Simeonite settlements in the surrounding passages (1 Chronicles 4:28-33), serves a critical purpose: to confirm the historical reality of their settlement and the faithful fulfillment of God's division of the land among the tribes following the conquest under Joshua. This detailed record underscores the Chronicler's overarching emphasis on continuity, legitimacy, and divine faithfulness for the post-exilic community, providing a tangible link to their ancestral heritage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for the settlement of Simeon, as described here, dates back to the period of the Israelite conquest and early settlement of Canaan, vividly detailed in the book of Joshua. Culturally, the precise enumeration of towns reflects the significant transition of the Israelite tribes from a nomadic or semi-nomadic existence to a more settled, agrarian, and urbanized society within the Promised Land. Beersheba, in particular, was an exceptionally significant city, often serving as the symbolic southern boundary of Israel ("from Dan to Beersheba") and holding profound patriarchal significance as a crucial site for Abraham and Isaac. The unique circumstance of Simeon's inheritance being "within" Judah's territory (cf. [Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Allotment within Judah")) highlights a historical reality: Simeon was a smaller, less powerful tribe that, over time, likely became largely absorbed into its larger, more dominant neighbor. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, these specific geographical details would have resonated deeply, reaffirming their ancient claims to the land, validating their historical identity, and providing a sense of continuity with their divinely appointed heritage.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of these specific towns in 1 Chronicles 4:28 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Providence and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's meticulous faithfulness in providing for His people, even for Simeon, a tribe whose future was prophetically described by Jacob as being "scattered in Israel" ([Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi")). Their dwelling within Judah's borders, though a form of scattering, simultaneously reflects God's provision and their continued presence in the land. Secondly, these genealogies and geographical lists reinforce **Identity and Heritage**. For the post-exilic community, to whom 1 Chronicles was primarily addressed, these meticulous records were not merely historical curiosities but vital affirmations of their tribal identity, their enduring connection to the land, and their rightful place within God's covenant promises, offering a crucial sense of continuity and hope despite their recent displacement and exile. Thirdly, the detailed nature of these lists serves as a **Historical Record**, providing an administrative and geographical account of the Israelite presence and control over various regions of the Promised Land, thereby validating their ancient claim to the territory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** H3427 - This primitive root signifies "to sit down" but, by strong implication, means "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In 1 Chronicles 4:28, its use indicates an established, settled presence of the Simeonite descendants, suggesting a permanent habitation rather than a temporary encampment. This verb choice underscores the fulfillment of the promise of land and the establishment of a fixed community.
* **Beersheba (Hebrew, _Be'er Sheba'_):** H884 - Meaning "well of an oath" or "well of seven," Beersheba was a highly significant biblical city located in the southern Negev. It is frequently mentioned in the patriarchal narratives as a place where Abraham and Isaac made covenants and dug wells. Its inclusion here grounds the Simeonite settlement in a location rich with covenantal history and patriarchal significance, connecting their dwelling to the foundational narratives of Israel.
* **Hazarshual (Hebrew, _Chatsar Shu'al'_):** H2705 - Translating to "village of (the) fox" or "courtyard of the fox," Hazarshual was another town located in the southern territory of Judah, specifically allocated to Simeon. While seemingly a mundane name, such toponyms often reflected local characteristics, wildlife, or geographical features. Its inclusion, alongside other specific locations, emphasizes the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in documenting the full extent and precise locations of Simeonite settlement, adding to the historical veracity of the account.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,"**: This clause precisely identifies three key towns where the descendants of Simeon resided. The verb "dwelt" (וַיֵּשְׁבוּ, _vayyeishvu_) signifies a settled, established presence, contrasting with a nomadic or transient existence. The listing of these particular towns—Beersheba, Moladah, and Hazarshual—all located in the southern Negev, precisely delineates the geographical extent of Simeon's inheritance within Judah's larger territory. This detailed geographical information is crucial for the Chronicler's overarching purpose of affirming the historical reality and divine allocation of land to all the tribes of Israel, even those whose identities might have become less distinct over time. It underscores the enduring nature of God's promises and the historical continuity of His people's presence in the land, providing a concrete foundation for the post-exilic community's identity and claim.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:28, and indeed throughout the extensive genealogical sections of Chronicles, is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of names and places serves several critical functions. It provides a comprehensive historical record, validating the lineage and geographical claims of the Israelite tribes with undeniable specificity. This detailed **Toponymy** (the study of place names) grounds the abstract concept of tribal inheritance in concrete, identifiable locations, making the historical narrative tangible and verifiable. The sheer volume of names and places also conveys a sense of **Completeness** and **Authority**, suggesting that the Chronicler's account is exhaustive, reliable, and divinely ordained. While seemingly dry to a modern reader, this detailed listing is a deliberate rhetorical choice, designed to affirm the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community by connecting them directly to their ancestral roots and the divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land, thereby inspiring confidence and legitimacy in their re-establishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The specific mention of Beersheba, Moladah, and Hazarshual as dwelling places for the Simeonites in 1 Chronicles 4:28 is far more than a mere geographical notation; it carries profound theological weight. It stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even to a tribe whose destiny was fraught with challenges and a prophecy of scattering. Despite Jacob's pronouncement, Simeon was indeed provided for and given a specific, albeit integrated, inheritance within the Promised Land. This detail underscores the Chronicler's overarching message that God's covenant with Israel endures through generations, providing a steadfast sense of continuity and hope for the post-exilic community who were rebuilding their identity and nation. The very existence of these settled places affirms God's providential care and His unwavering commitment to His people's historical and geographical rootedness, demonstrating that His plans are precise and His promises are true.

* [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")
* [Nehemiah 11:26-29](/nehemiah/11-26-29 "Nehemiah 11:26-29 - Post-Exilic Settlements in Southern Judah")
* [Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "Genesis 21:31 - Abraham's Covenant at Beersheba")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of towns in 1 Chronicles 4:28 offers profound insights into the very character of God and our place within His grand, unfolding narrative. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, unwavering faithfulness, and sovereign provision. Just as He meticulously recorded the dwelling places of Simeon, ensuring their inheritance despite their unique circumstances and Jacob's prophecy of scattering, so too does He care for every detail of our lives, even those we might consider insignificant. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's providential care, even when our personal circumstances seem less than ideal, our path appears uncertain, or our identity feels fragmented. It teaches us that our ultimate identity and belonging are not solely determined by our physical location, our family lineage, or our earthly achievements, but by our secure place within God's eternal covenant family. The Chronicler's emphasis on historical continuity and divine promise provides a powerful reminder that our present experiences are deeply rooted in God's past faithfulness and are purposefully moving towards His glorious future designs. We are called to recognize and deeply appreciate the historical foundations of our faith, understanding that God works through specific people, in specific places, and at specific times to accomplish His divine will, and that we are privileged participants in this ongoing, redemptive story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness to Simeon, despite Jacob's prophecy of scattering, encourage you in your own life when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain?**
* **In what specific ways do you recognize God's meticulous care for details reflected in your own personal journey or in the broader story of redemption?**
* **How can understanding the historical and geographical roots of our faith deepen our appreciation for God's enduring covenant with His people and His unwavering commitment to His promises?**

### FAQ
**Why are these seemingly mundane lists of names so important in the book of Chronicles?**

Answer: These lists are far from mundane; they are foundational to the Chronicler's overarching theological and historical purpose. For the post-exilic community returning to Judah, these genealogies and geographical records served several crucial functions. Firstly, they provided a **historical and theological anchor**, meticulously tracing their lineage back to the patriarchs and affirming their rightful, divinely allocated claim to the Promised Land. Secondly, they powerfully reinforced **identity and continuity**, reminding a displaced and rebuilding people of their unbroken connection to God's covenant promises and their enduring place within the broader, sacred story of Israel. They validated their tribal heritage and their legitimate right to rebuild the temple and the nation. Thirdly, the specific mention of towns like Beersheba, Moladah, and Hazarshual served as a **legal and administrative record**, demonstrating the historical reality of Israelite settlement and control over the land, thereby providing a concrete basis for their re-establishment and future claims. This meticulous detail underscored God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific people in specific places, providing immense encouragement and legitimacy to a community seeking to re-establish itself. For example, the mention of Beersheba connects the Simeonite settlement directly to the patriarchal history of [Abraham and Isaac](/genesis/21-31 "Genesis 21:31 - Abraham's Covenant at Beersheba"), reinforcing the ancient roots and divine sanction of their claim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:28 meticulously details the physical dwelling places of Simeon's descendants in the earthly Promised Land, it subtly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, who provides a spiritual dwelling and an eternal inheritance far surpassing any earthly territory. The meticulous record of tribal lands in Chronicles, signifying a place of belonging and security, foreshadows the comprehensive inclusion of all believers—both Jew and Gentile—into God's spiritual family, the church, which is the true "household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Believers as Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Just as Simeon found its allotted place within Judah's territory, believers are now spiritually "in Christ," finding their true identity, security, and belonging not in a physical location but in an unbreakable spiritual union with the Messiah. The Old Testament concept of an "inheritance," intricately tied to land and lineage, finds its ultimate and glorious reality in the "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for all those who are born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "place" of rest, security, and eternal habitation, the one in whom all God's promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), providing a spiritual dwelling place and eternal citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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.

Cross-References

Joshua 19:2

And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

Joshua 19:3

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

Joshua 15:28

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

Joshua 15:29

Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

Joshua 19:9

Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.