1 Chronicles 4:29

KJV

And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

KJV (with Strong's)

And at Bilhah {H1090}, and at Ezem {H6107}, and at Tolad {H8434},

Complete Jewish Bible

Bilhah, 'Etzem, Tolad,

Berean Standard Bible

Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

American Standard Version

and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:29 is a succinct but significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the book, specifically detailing the settlements of the tribe of Simeon. It lists three towns—Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad—as part of the inherited territory and dwelling places for Simeon's descendants. Far from being a mere enumeration, this verse underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, affirming the tribal identity and inheritance of one of Israel's twelve tribes within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping genealogical record, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapters 2-9 are dedicated to these detailed lists, establishing the identity, inheritance, and historical continuity of each tribe. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 4 focuses on the descendants of Judah (verses 1-23) and Simeon (verses 24-43). Within the Simeonite section, verses 24-27 list the heads of their families, while verses 28-33 enumerate their dwelling places, including the towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:29. This meticulous listing serves to affirm the Simeonites' rightful claim to their allotted territory, originally detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance"), and to document their historical presence and expansion within Judah's territory. The subsequent verses (34-43) further detail their population growth and their eventual expansion into new areas, culminating in a successful military campaign against the Amalekites.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), addressing a community that had returned from Babylonian captivity. For this audience, a clear understanding of their lineage, tribal identity, and land inheritance was paramount. The genealogies served to re-establish their connection to their ancestral heritage, affirm their claim to the land promised by God, and reinforce their identity as God's covenant people. Land ownership was not merely an economic matter but a theological one, directly linked to God's covenant with Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The mention of specific towns like Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad confirms the historical reality of these settlements and the fulfillment of the divine promise, providing a tangible link for the returning exiles to their past and their future hope. These records also served practical administrative purposes for the reorganized community, including matters of taxation, military service, and priestly duties.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 4:29, along with the broader genealogical lists, contributes to several key themes within Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**. Even in what appears to be a dry list of names and places, God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises are evident. The precise allocation of territories to each tribe, as first outlined in books like Joshua and reiterated here, demonstrates that God's word concerning the inheritance of the promised land was precisely carried out, even for a tribe like Simeon, whose inheritance was within Judah's larger portion ([Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Allotment")). Second, it reinforces the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**. For ancient Israel, land was intrinsically linked to identity, security, and covenant blessings. These detailed records ensured that each family and tribe knew their heritage and their rightful place within God's chosen nation, solidifying Simeon's established territory. Third, it highlights the importance of **Historical Record-Keeping** within the biblical narrative. The inclusion of such granular data emphasizes the historical and administrative precision, affirming the organized structure of Israelite society under God's overarching plan and providing a tangible link to God's past actions for the post-exilic community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bilhah (Hebrew, _Bil-hah'_):** This name is shared with one of Jacob's concubines (Genesis 29:29), but here it refers to a town. It is also known as Baalah in [Joshua 15:29](/joshua/15-29 "Joshua 15:29 - Baalah in Judah's Territory") and Balah in [Joshua 19:3](/joshua/19-3 "Joshua 19:3 - Balah in Simeon's Territory"). Its inclusion signifies a specific, identifiable location within the Simeonite inheritance. The variation in naming across different texts underscores the ancient practice of multiple names for places or slight variations in transcription.
* **Ezem (Hebrew, _E-tsem'_):** Meaning "bone" or "strength," Ezem is another town listed as part of Simeon's inheritance in [Joshua 15:29](/joshua/15-29 "Joshua 15:29 - Ezem in Judah's Territory") and [Joshua 19:3](/joshua/19-3 "Joshua 19:3 - Ezem in Simeon's Territory"). Its mention here reinforces the consistency of the biblical record regarding tribal allotments.
* **Tolad (Hebrew, _To-lad'_):** Also referred to as Eltolad in [Joshua 15:30](/joshua/15-30 "Joshua 15:30 - Eltolad in Judah's Territory") and [Joshua 19:4](/joshua/19-4 "Joshua 19:4 - Eltolad in Simeon's Territory"), this name likely means "generation" or "birth." Like the other names, its presence in this list serves to confirm the specific boundaries and settlements of the Simeonites, linking the post-exilic community to their ancient heritage and the fulfillment of God's land promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,"**: This simple enumeration serves as a direct continuation of the list of Simeonite dwelling places that began in 1 Chronicles 4:28. The conjunction "And at" (or "and") links these three towns directly to the preceding list, indicating they are further examples of the specific geographic locations where the tribe of Simeon settled and held their inheritance. The listing of these distinct towns, rather than a general description, emphasizes the precision and detail with which the Chronicler records the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. Each name represents a tangible piece of the divine inheritance, underscoring the historical reality and the meticulous nature of God's covenant keeping. For the post-exilic audience, these names would have served as concrete evidence of their ancestral claims and God's enduring faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:29, and indeed throughout the early chapters of Chronicles, is **Cataloging** or **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names, places, or events. In this verse, it specifically lists three towns. This technique serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record, emphasizing the historical accuracy and the fulfillment of divine promises. Closely related is **Genealogy**, which, while broader than this single verse, provides the overarching framework. The detailed listing of towns within a genealogical context reinforces the idea that the land inheritance was intrinsically tied to tribal identity and lineage. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of these place names (Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad) across various biblical texts (e.g., Joshua, 1 Chronicles) acts as a form of confirmation, lending weight and credibility to the historical claims. Finally, there is a subtle **Symbolism** at play: each named town, however obscure, symbolizes a tangible piece of God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel, particularly regarding the promise of land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 4:29 appears as a mere list of names, its theological weight is profound. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises, particularly the land grant to Abraham's descendants. The precise identification of Simeon's dwelling places, even within the territory of Judah, demonstrates that God's word is not vague but specific, detailed, and utterly reliable. For the post-exilic community, these records were vital for re-establishing their identity, claiming their heritage, and understanding their place within God's ongoing plan of salvation history. It reminds us that God is sovereign over geography and history, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, even in the seemingly mundane details of tribal settlements.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Simeon's Allotment within Judah's Territory")
* [Nehemiah 11:26-30](/nehemiah/11-26 "Post-Exilic Settlements in Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:29, though part of a genealogy, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail, whose plans encompass even the seemingly insignificant aspects of life. Just as He meticulously ensured the fulfillment of land promises to ancient Israel, so too does He attend to the specifics of our lives, demonstrating His sovereignty and care. This should cultivate a deep trust in His providence, knowing that no detail of our existence is too small for His attention. Furthermore, the reliability of God's ancient promises, evidenced by these historical records, strengthens our faith in His promises for us today—promises of salvation, eternal life, and His abiding presence. It encourages us to value all of Scripture, recognizing that even the "dry" parts serve a vital purpose in establishing the historical context of God's work and revealing His consistent character. Our lives, like these ancient towns, are part of a larger divine narrative, meticulously woven into God's grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies and land allotments, like 1 Chronicles 4:29, deepen your trust in God's faithfulness in your own life?**
* **What "small" or "mundane" details in your life might God be orchestrating for a greater purpose, even if you don't fully see it yet?**
* **In what ways does understanding the historical fulfillment of God's promises in the Old Testament strengthen your confidence in the New Testament promises, particularly those concerning Christ's return or eternal life?**

### FAQ
**Why are these seemingly obscure towns listed in the Bible?**

Answer: These towns are listed primarily for two crucial reasons. First, they serve as historical documentation of the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed enumeration of specific towns like Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad confirms that the tribe of Simeon, despite its smaller size and inheritance within Judah's territory ([Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")), did indeed possess its allotted portion. Second, for the post-exilic community, these records were vital for re-establishing tribal identity, land claims, and the continuity of their heritage after returning from Babylonian exile. They provided a tangible link to their past and a basis for their future in the promised land, affirming that God's promises endure across generations.

**What is the significance of Simeon's inheritance being within Judah's territory?**

Answer: The tribe of Simeon's inheritance being within Judah's territory, as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Allotment"), is significant for several reasons. Theologically, it can be seen as a partial fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy in [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy on Simeon and Levi"), where he declares that Simeon and Levi would be "scattered in Israel." While Levi was scattered among the tribes as priests, Simeon's inheritance within Judah meant they did not have a contiguous, independent territory of their own. Historically, it reflects the practical reality of land distribution and tribal dynamics in ancient Israel. It also highlights the Chronicler's interest in the southern kingdom, as Judah was the dominant tribe from which the Davidic line, and ultimately the Messiah, would come. The inclusion of Simeon's towns within Judah's larger account in Chronicles emphasizes the unity of the twelve tribes under God's covenant, even as their specific circumstances differed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:29 appears to be a dry list of ancient towns, it points to Christ in profound ways, primarily through the theme of covenant fulfillment and inheritance. The meticulous recording of tribal land allotments underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, specifically the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants. This earthly inheritance, though significant, ultimately foreshadows a greater, spiritual inheritance found in Christ. Just as the Simeonites received their designated places, believers in Christ receive an imperishable inheritance, reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The genealogies themselves, which form the backdrop of this verse, meticulously trace the lineage leading to Jesus, demonstrating His rightful claim as the promised Messiah from the tribe of Judah ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, not just of land, but of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). He is the true "place" where God's people find their rest, identity, and eternal dwelling, transcending any earthly territory, for in Him, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")).

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 19:3

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

Joshua 19:4

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,