1 Chronicles 4:32

KJV

And their villages [were], Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:

KJV (with Strong's)

And their villages {H2691} were, Etam {H5862}, and Ain {H5871}, Rimmon {H7417}, and Tochen {H8507}, and Ashan {H6228}, five {H2568} cities {H5892}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Their villages were 'Eitam, 'Ayin, Rimmon, Tokhen and 'Ashan, five cities,

Berean Standard Bible

And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns—

American Standard Version

And their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:32 is a concise verse within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Simeon, meticulously listing five specific settlements—Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—that constituted their villages. This detail, seemingly mundane, serves a profound purpose within the Chronicler's narrative: it affirms the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land allocation to Israel and underscores the importance of identity, heritage, and continuity for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 4 of 1 Chronicles is predominantly dedicated to the genealogies and territorial descriptions of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. Following an extensive and intricate lineage of Judah (verses 1-23), the narrative shifts to the tribe of Simeon from verse 24 onwards. This transition highlights the Chronicler's methodical approach to documenting the tribes, emphasizing their historical continuity and divine allocation of land. The inclusion of specific city names, as seen in 1 Chronicles 4:32, is characteristic of these genealogical and territorial records, providing tangible evidence of the tribes' presence and inheritance within the Promised Land. For the post-exilic audience, these lists were not merely historical curiosities but vital affirmations of their ancestral claims, land rights, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, even after the trauma of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly between 450-400 BCE, for a community returning to or rebuilding in Judah. In this context, genealogies and precise land descriptions held immense significance. They served to re-establish tribal identity, confirm land ownership, and provide a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic heritage and the foundational promises of God. The tribe of Simeon, though numerically smaller and historically less prominent than Judah, had a unique inheritance: their portion was located entirely [within the territory of Judah](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). This arrangement, detailed in earlier historical books, is implicitly affirmed by the Chronicler's inclusion of their settlements. The naming of specific "villages" rather than fortified cities suggests smaller, perhaps less strategically important settlements, yet their inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the tribal allocations and the importance of every detail in God's providential plan.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Divine Allocation of Land** and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan, as recorded in passages like [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). The precise naming of cities demonstrates the tangible and detailed fulfillment of these promises. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Identity and Heritage**. For a people grappling with their identity after exile, these genealogies and land records provided a vital link to their past, affirming their place within the covenant community. Lastly, it highlights the **Meticulous Record-Keeping** prevalent in ancient Israelite society, which served not only practical purposes (like land ownership and taxation) but also theological ones, demonstrating God's sovereign oversight and detailed care for His people, even down to the specific settlements of a smaller tribe like Simeon, whose inheritance is further detailed in [Joshua 19:9](/joshua/19-9 "Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Portion from Judah's Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Villages (Hebrew: חֲצֵרֵיהֶם, _ḥăṣērêhem_):** This term typically refers to unfortified settlements, often dependent on or associated with larger, fortified cities. Unlike "cities" (עָרִים, _ʿārîm_), which implies a more substantial, walled urban center, "villages" suggests smaller, more rural communities or hamlets. The use of this term here for Simeon's settlements might reflect their less prominent status or their integration within the larger tribal territory of Judah.
* **Ain (Hebrew: עַיִן, _ʿayin_):** Meaning "eye" or, more commonly in place names, "spring" or "fountain." This name suggests the presence of a vital water source, which would have been crucial for the establishment and sustenance of any settlement in the arid regions of ancient Israel.
* **Rimmon (Hebrew: רִמּוֹן, _rimmôn_):** Meaning "pomegranate." This name likely indicates that pomegranate trees were abundant in the vicinity of this settlement, suggesting a fertile area capable of supporting such fruit-bearing flora.
* **Ashan (Hebrew: עָשָׁן, _ʿāšān_):** Meaning "smoke." This name could refer to a place where smoke was frequently visible, perhaps from a high beacon, a sacrificial altar, or even a natural phenomenon like a volcanic vent (though less likely in this region). It might also allude to a place associated with burning or destruction in its history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their villages [were], Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan":** This clause directly lists five specific geographical locations associated with the tribe of Simeon. These names are not merely arbitrary but represent real, tangible settlements within the land of Canaan. The enumeration serves to concretize the abstract idea of tribal inheritance, providing precise details of their dwelling places. The names themselves, as seen in the Key Word Analysis, often carried descriptive meanings related to the local geography or characteristics.
* **"five cities":** This concluding phrase serves as a summary and confirmation of the preceding list. Despite being called "villages" at the outset, the Chronicler categorizes them collectively as "cities," indicating their status as recognized, inhabited settlements within the tribal allocation. This summary reinforces the accuracy and completeness of the record, leaving no ambiguity about the number of settlements listed.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:32 is **List/Catalogue**. The verse is part of an extensive genealogical and geographical catalogue that characterizes much of the early chapters of Chronicles. This device serves to establish historical and territorial claims, affirm identity, and demonstrate the meticulous fulfillment of divine promises. Related to this is **Enumeration**, where the explicit mention of "five cities" at the end of the list confirms the count and provides a sense of completeness and accuracy. Furthermore, **Toponymy** (the study of place names) is subtly present, as the names of the cities themselves (e.g., Ain, Rimmon, Ashan) often carry descriptive meanings that offer small glimpses into the physical or historical characteristics of the ancient landscape. While not a narrative, the precise naming of these locations grounds the theological message of God's faithfulness in tangible, geographical reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:32, though a simple list of names, is deeply embedded in the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: to demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the people of Israel. For the post-exilic community, such precise details served as a powerful reminder that God's promises were not vague generalities but specific, tangible realities fulfilled in history. The meticulous record-keeping of tribal boundaries and settlements underscored God's sovereign hand in allocating the land and preserving the identity of His people, even through periods of dispersion and exile. It affirmed that their heritage and future were rooted in God's detailed providence, providing hope and assurance for their return and rebuilding.

* [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - The Inheritance of Simeon")
* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient cities might initially appear to be one of the "drier" parts of Scripture, 1 Chronicles 4:32 holds profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It is a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises are not abstract concepts but are fulfilled with precision, down to the very details of land boundaries and village names. This should inspire us to trust in God's comprehensive care for our own lives, knowing that He is attentive to every detail, even those we might consider insignificant. Just as these records affirmed the identity and heritage of the Israelites, so too should we understand our spiritual identity and inheritance in Christ, recognizing that we are part of a grand, divinely orchestrated narrative. Every part of God's Word, even the genealogies, contributes to the complete picture of His redemptive plan, reminding us that no detail of His creation or covenant is without purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this verse challenge our tendency to overlook seemingly "unimportant" parts of Scripture?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's faithfulness in the "small details" of our own lives, even when they seem mundane?**
* **How does understanding our spiritual inheritance and identity in Christ provide a sense of belonging and purpose, similar to how these genealogies functioned for ancient Israel?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities and genealogies included in the Bible?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in 1 Chronicles 4:32, served several crucial purposes, especially for the post-exilic community for whom the Book of Chronicles was primarily written. Firstly, they established and confirmed tribal identity and lineage, which was vital for a people returning from exile and re-establishing their society. Secondly, they documented land rights and inheritance, ensuring that families and tribes could claim their ancestral portions of the Promised Land, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham. Lastly, they provided a sense of historical continuity and divine faithfulness, demonstrating that God had meticulously preserved His people and fulfilled His word, even through periods of judgment and dispersion. The inclusion of specific places like Etam, Ain, and Rimmon underscores the tangible reality of God's promises and His detailed care for His people's heritage, as also seen in the detailed land allocations in [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments").

**What was unique about Simeon's inheritance, as reflected in this verse?**

Answer: The inheritance of the tribe of Simeon was unique in that it was not a distinct, separate territory but rather a series of cities and their surrounding villages located entirely [within the larger territory of Judah](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). This arrangement is explicitly stated in [Joshua 19:9](/joshua/19-9 "Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Portion from Judah's Inheritance"), which explains that Judah's portion was too large for them, so Simeon's inheritance was taken from it. 1 Chronicles 4:32, by listing Simeon's "villages," implicitly confirms this historical reality. This unique situation may reflect Simeon's smaller size or their historical integration and eventual absorption into the dominant tribe of Judah, highlighting the dynamic nature of tribal boundaries and relationships in ancient Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:32 details the physical inheritance of an ancient tribe, its underlying themes find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous record of land allocation foreshadows the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Him. No longer are we defined by earthly territories or tribal genealogies, but our true identity and belonging are found in being "in Christ," where we become co-heirs with Him of an imperishable inheritance (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Jesus, the ultimate Son of David, is the one through whom all God's promises, including the Abrahamic covenant of blessing and inheritance, are perfectly fulfilled (as articulated in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). He is building a spiritual house, a new Jerusalem, where our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and our citizenship is in heaven (see [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") and [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Thus, the detailed record of Simeon's villages points beyond itself to the comprehensive and eternal inheritance secured for us by the Lamb of God.

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 19:7

Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages: