1 Chronicles 4:30

KJV

And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

KJV (with Strong's)

And at Bethuel {H1328}, and at Hormah {H2767}, and at Ziklag {H6860},

Complete Jewish Bible

B'tu'el, Hormah, Ziklag,

Berean Standard Bible

Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag,

American Standard Version

and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:30, nestled within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Simeon, meticulously lists three of the towns inhabited by Simeon's descendants: Bethuel, Hormah, and Ziklag. This seemingly simple enumeration serves a profound purpose for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, affirming the historical continuity of tribal land claims, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, and providing a foundational record for re-establishing Israelite identity and heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4 is part of the Chronicler's comprehensive genealogical record, spanning chapters 1-9. Specifically, this chapter details the lineage of Judah (vv. 1-23) and Simeon (vv. 24-43). Verse 30 falls within a detailed list of towns and villages belonging to the tribe of Simeon (vv. 28-33), immediately followed by an account of Simeonites seeking new pasturelands and conquering territory (vv. 34-43). This meticulous cataloging of settlements underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on land inheritance as a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and a crucial element for the re-establishment of the community after the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of these specific place names validates the historical claims and tribal identities of the returning exiles, grounding their present in their divinely ordained past.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Chronicler wrote centuries after the events described, likely during the post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE). For this audience, who had returned from Babylon to a devastated homeland, the detailed genealogies and land allocations were vital. They provided a sense of continuity with their ancestral heritage and legitimate claims to the land promised by God. In ancient Israel, land was not merely property but a sacred trust, an inheritance given by God, symbolizing covenant relationship and security. The tribe of Simeon, uniquely, had its inheritance within the larger territory of Judah, as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance"). This geographical integration, coupled with Simeon's relatively small size and later historical obscurity, made the preservation of their specific land claims particularly important for the Chronicler, ensuring that no tribe's divinely allotted portion was forgotten.
* **Key Themes:** The listing of these towns in 1 Chronicles 4:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises concerning the land of Canaan, first given to Abraham and later distributed through Joshua, as seen in [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Land Allotments"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Ancestral Inheritance and Land Tenure**, emphasizing the enduring importance of tribal boundaries and the right to possess the land as a foundational element of Israelite identity and covenant blessing. Thirdly, the detailed record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's commitment to **Historical Continuity and Genealogical Preservation**, providing a vital link between the past and the present for a community seeking to rebuild its identity and structure after exile. This meticulous attention to detail, even for seemingly minor place names, served to legitimize the returning community's claim to their heritage and their place in God's ongoing plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethuel (Hebrew, _Bəṯūʾēl_):** This name means "house of God" or "daughter of God." Its inclusion as a city of Simeon (also referred to as Bethul in [Joshua 19:4](/joshua/19-4 "Bethul in Simeon's Lot") and possibly Bethel in other contexts, though distinct from the famous Bethel of Jacob's dream) points to the sacred significance attributed to the land and its settlements. The name itself suggests a connection to divine presence or consecration, perhaps reflecting the Israelite understanding of their inherited land as God's dwelling place among His people.
* **Hormah (Hebrew, _Ḥormâ_):** Meaning "devotion to destruction" or "destruction," this name carries a potent historical and theological weight. Originally named Zephath, it was renamed Hormah after a significant Israelite victory over the Canaanites, following an earlier defeat (see [Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Defeat at Hormah") and [Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Victory at Hormah")). The name serves as a perpetual reminder of God's judgment against the Canaanites and His faithfulness in granting victory to Israel when they were obedient to His commands. Its presence in Simeon's list connects this tribe to a broader narrative of conquest and divine intervention in the land.
* **Ziklag (Hebrew, _Ṣiqlag_):** The etymology of Ziklag is uncertain, though some suggest "winding" or "flowing." This city is perhaps the most historically prominent of the three, famously known as the Philistine city given to David by Achish, king of Gath, where David resided during his flight from Saul ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "David at Ziklag")). Its inclusion here in Simeon's territory indicates its original tribal allocation, highlighting the complex and fluid nature of ancient borders and control. The city's later association with David underscores its strategic importance and its role in the unfolding history of Israel's monarchy, even as it remained part of Simeon's ancestral inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at Bethuel":** This phrase identifies Bethuel as one of the key settlements within the tribal inheritance of Simeon. The listing of specific towns, rather than general regions, emphasizes the meticulous nature of the land distribution and the Chronicler's commitment to precise historical record-keeping. Bethuel's name, potentially meaning "house of God," subtly imbues the physical land with spiritual significance for the Israelite community.
* **"and at Hormah":** The inclusion of Hormah points to a city with a rich and dramatic history, signifying both Israelite defeat and decisive victory. Its name, meaning "devotion to destruction," serves as a historical marker, reminding the audience of God's judgment and His power to grant triumph. For the Chronicler's audience, this name would have evoked memories of divine intervention and the fulfillment of vows made in battle, connecting Simeon's territory to the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan.
* **"and at Ziklag":** Ziklag's mention highlights a city that played a significant role in the early life of King David. While later associated with David and the Philistines, its listing here confirms its original status as part of Simeon's inheritance. This demonstrates the Chronicler's comprehensive approach to detailing the historical claims of each tribe, even for cities whose control shifted over time. Ziklag's strategic location would have made it a valuable possession, underscoring the importance of these specific land allocations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:30, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 4, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The verse is a concise list of place names, a common feature in biblical genealogies and land allocations. This cataloging serves to provide a detailed, verifiable record of tribal inheritance, essential for the post-exilic community. Related to this is **Toponymy**, the study of place names. Each name—Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag—is not merely a label but carries historical, etymological, and often theological significance, alluding to deeper narratives and events. For instance, "Hormah" functions as a **Historical Allusion**, referencing specific events of conquest and divine judgment recorded elsewhere in the Pentateuch and Judges. The very act of listing these names, seemingly dry to a modern reader, would have resonated with the Chronicler's original audience, evoking a rich tapestry of **Historical Memory** and reinforcing their connection to their ancestral land and the covenant promises associated with it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:30, though a simple list of names, is deeply theological. It powerfully testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land, specifically designated to each tribe, was not merely a geographical possession but a tangible manifestation of God's blessing and a sign of His covenant relationship with Israel. The Chronicler's careful preservation of these details, even for a tribe like Simeon that was largely absorbed into Judah, underscores the enduring validity of God's word and His providential care over His people's inheritance, both physical and spiritual. This faithfulness extends beyond land to every promise God has made, assuring His people that His word will always be fulfilled.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Borders of Canaan")
* [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Simeon's Inheritance")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "God's Covenant with Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:30 might initially appear as a dry historical record, it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who remembers His promises and faithfully fulfills them, even across generations and through periods of exile and hardship. Just as the Simeonites had their designated places and inheritance, we too have a divinely appointed place and purpose within God's grand narrative. This verse encourages us to trust in God's providential care over our lives, recognizing that our "inheritance" in Christ is secure and meticulously planned. It also calls us to value our spiritual heritage, understanding the rich history of God's faithfulness to His people, and to consider how we might preserve and pass on this legacy to future generations. Our spiritual "boundaries" and "places" are not random but are part of God's sovereign design for our lives and for the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land allocation for Simeon encourage your trust in His providential care for your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you see God's faithfulness to His promises manifested in your own life or in the history of the church?**
* **What does it mean for you to have a "spiritual inheritance" in Christ, and how does this compare to the physical land inheritance of ancient Israel?**
* **How can you contribute to preserving and passing on the spiritual heritage of faith to future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed lists of towns and genealogies?**

Answer: The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, included detailed lists of towns and genealogies for several crucial reasons. Firstly, these records served to re-establish and validate tribal identities and land claims for those returning to Judah. After the Babylonian exile, many had lost their connection to their ancestral lands and lineage. By meticulously detailing these, the Chronicler provided a historical and legal basis for their re-settlement. Secondly, these lists underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land of Canaan, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Tribal Land Allotments"). The very existence of these towns within Israelite territory, even centuries later, was a testament to God's enduring word. Thirdly, it provided a sense of continuity and legitimacy for the re-formed community, connecting them to their glorious past and the lineage of David, upon which their future hopes for a restored monarchy rested.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:30 speaks of a physical land inheritance, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous detail of God's faithfulness in allocating land to Simeon foreshadows the precision and certainty of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ. No longer are God's people defined by geographical boundaries or tribal lineages, but by their union with Christ, who is the true "house of God" (echoing Bethuel's meaning), the living temple in whom God dwells ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus, the Temple")). The historical significance of Hormah, a place of decisive victory over enemies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph")). Furthermore, just as Ziklag served as a strategic refuge and base for David, Christ is our ultimate refuge and the secure foundation of our spiritual lives ([Psalm 91:2](/psalm/91-2 "God Our Refuge"); [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "Christ the Foundation")). Our true inheritance is not a plot of land, but eternal life and all the spiritual blessings "in the heavenly realms in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), a promised land that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")). Thus, these ancient place names ultimately direct our gaze to the person and work of Jesus, in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises in Christ")).

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

1 Chronicles 12:1

¶ Now these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

1 Samuel 27:6

Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.

Joshua 19:4

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

Joshua 19:5

And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,

1 Samuel 30:1

¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

Joshua 15:31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

Nehemiah 11:28

And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,