1 Chronicles 4:34

KJV

And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Meshobab {H4877}, and Jamlech {H3230}, and Joshah {H3144} the son {H1121} of Amaziah {H558},

Complete Jewish Bible

Meshovav, Yamlekh, Yoshah the son of Amatzyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah,

American Standard Version

And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:34 is a succinct verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon, meticulously detailing three individuals: Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah, identified as the son of Amaziah. Far from being a mere list, this verse underscores the divine meticulousness in preserving the lineage of God's covenant people, highlighting the individual value of each person within the grand tapestry of redemptive history and affirming the faithfulness of God to His promises through generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping series of genealogies, spanning the first nine chapters, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes of Israel, and various prominent families. [Chapter 4](/1_chronicles/4 "1 Chronicles 4 - Genealogies of Judah and Simeon") specifically focuses on the descendants of Judah and Simeon. Verses [1 Chronicles 4:24-43](/1_chronicles/4-24-43 "1 Chronicles 4:24-43 - The Descendants of Simeon") are dedicated to the tribe of Simeon, detailing their family heads, territories, and later migrations, including their expansion into new lands. This particular verse, [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants: Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah"), contributes to this meticulous record-keeping, ensuring the tribal structure and individual identities are preserved before the narrative shifts to the reign of King David and the history of the united and divided monarchies. The inclusion of such detailed lists emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for legitimate lineage and continuity, particularly for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was primarily written for the post-exilic community returning to Judah, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BC. For these returning exiles, the genealogies served a crucial function: re-establishing their identity, validating land claims, confirming priestly and Levitical duties, and connecting them back to their heritage and God's covenant with their ancestors. In ancient Israelite society, lineage was paramount for inheritance, social status, and religious participation. Knowing one's tribal affiliation was essential for understanding one's place within the covenant community and for demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land and the coming Messiah. The meticulous nature of these lists reflects a society deeply rooted in its past and dependent on its historical records for its future, providing a tangible link to God's historical faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of seemingly obscure names like those in [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants") contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it highlights **Divine Meticulousness and Remembrance**, emphasizing that God's plan encompasses every individual, no matter how seemingly minor, and that He remembers His covenant people. Second, it underscores the **Preservation of Lineage and Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly those concerning the land and the future Davidic king. These genealogies are not merely historical records but theological statements about God's faithfulness to His word, ensuring the continuity of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, a theme echoed in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Finally, they serve as a **Foundation for Identity and Hope** for the returning exiles, reminding them of their heritage and the enduring nature of God's covenant, even after periods of judgment and displacement, offering assurance of God's continued presence and purpose for His people, as seen in the restoration narrative of [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meshobab (Hebrew, _mᵉshōwḇâḇ'_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew root `שׁוּב` (shuv), meaning "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." Thus, Meshobab can be interpreted as "returned" or "restored." In the context of the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was written, names with such meanings could carry a subtle resonance of hope and restoration for the nation, hinting at divine intervention in their history.
* **Jamlech (Hebrew, _yamlēḵ'_):** Derived from the root `מָלַךְ` (malakh), meaning "to reign" or "to be king." Jamlech therefore means "he will make king" or "he shall reign." While not explicitly tied to a royal line in this specific context, the presence of such a name within a genealogy subtly points to the broader theme of kingship and governance within Israel's history and future, anticipating the Davidic monarchy.
* **Joshah (Hebrew, _yōwšāh'_):** This name is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It combines `יה` (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh, with `ישע` (yasha), meaning "to save" or "to deliver." Thus, Joshah means "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." This name powerfully encapsulates a core theological truth about God's character and His redemptive work, a truth that permeates the entire biblical narrative and foreshadows the ultimate deliverer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Meshobab,"**: This phrase introduces the first individual in this specific enumeration of Simeon's descendants. The name "Meshobab" signifies "returned" or "restored," subtly hinting at themes of divine turning or restoration, which would have been significant for the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, who were themselves experiencing a form of national return.
* **"and Jamlech,"**: The second individual listed, "Jamlech," carries the meaning "he shall reign" or "he will make king." Its inclusion emphasizes the diverse nature of names within Israelite genealogies, some of which bear kingly or authoritative connotations, reflecting the various roles and hopes within the tribal structures and pointing to God's sovereign hand in establishing leaders.
* **"and Joshah the son of Amaziah,"**: This final part of the verse names Joshah and identifies his father, Amaziah. "Joshah" means "Yahweh is salvation," a profound theological statement embedded in a personal name, declaring God's saving nature. The patronymic "the son of Amaziah" (meaning "Yahweh is strong") provides further specificity, grounding these individuals within their immediate family units and demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping that was vital for tribal identity, continuity, and the accurate tracing of lineages.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants") and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy**, which functions as a foundational structuring principle for the entire book. Unlike narrative prose, a genealogy's purpose is not to tell a story but to establish lineage, identity, and historical continuity, serving as a theological statement about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Within this genealogical framework, there is an implicit use of **Repetition** (of names, "son of" phrases) across the broader lists, which reinforces the meticulousness of the record and the systematic nature of the Chronicler's work. Furthermore, **Onomastics**, the study of proper names and their meanings, is highly significant here. As seen in the Key Word Analysis, the names Meshobab ("returned"), Jamlech ("he shall reign"), and Joshah ("Yahweh is salvation") are not arbitrary sounds but carry theological weight and subtle prophetic or thematic undertones, even for individuals whose specific life stories are not recounted. The very act of listing these names also serves as a form of **Inclusivity**, demonstrating that every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, is known and remembered within God's comprehensive and sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly simple listing of names in [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants") profoundly underscores God's meticulous care for every individual within His covenant people and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. These genealogies are not merely historical archives; they are theological affirmations that God remembers His people, preserves their identity, and orchestrates their history to fulfill His redemptive purposes. For the post-exilic community, these lists re-established their connection to the past, reminding them that they were part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness, even after the trauma of exile. They served as a tangible link to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly concerning the land and the future Messiah, demonstrating that God's plan is unfolding precisely as He purposed.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of Noah's Sons")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Romans 9:4-5](/romans/9-4-5 "Romans 9:4-5 - Israel's Privileges and the Messiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse like [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants") might initially appear dry or insignificant, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God speaks volumes about divine intentionality and the intrinsic value of every life. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, who knows each of us by name and values our individual place within His grand narrative of redemption. For us today, this verse invites us to consider our own place in God's story, recognizing that our lives, though seemingly small in the vast expanse of history, are known, purposed, and remembered by Him. It encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faithful believers and to understand that our faith is built upon a historical foundation of God's unwavering faithfulness. Just as the returning exiles found their identity and hope in these ancient lists, we too can find assurance in God's enduring commitment to His people and His plan, trusting that His purposes will prevail through every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, even those with seemingly obscure names, challenge our perception of what God considers important and worthy of remembrance?**
* **In what ways does the inclusion of individuals like Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah affirm the value of every person in God's eyes, regardless of their historical prominence or lack thereof?**
* **How can understanding the purpose of these ancient genealogies deepen our appreciation for our own spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's work through history?**
* **What does God's faithfulness in preserving these lineages teach us about His commitment to His promises in our own lives and in the broader sweep of redemptive history?**

### FAQ

**Why are these long lists of names included in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These extensive genealogies, including [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants"), serve several critical purposes. For the ancient Israelites, especially the post-exilic community, they were vital for establishing tribal identity, validating land claims, confirming priestly and Levitical roles, and ensuring proper inheritance rights. Theologically, they demonstrate God's meticulous attention to detail, His faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, and the continuity of His redemptive plan. They show how God worked through specific families and individuals to bring about His promises, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah. They are not just historical records but profound theological statements about God's unwavering commitment to His word and His people.

**Do the meanings of the names in genealogies matter?**

Answer: Yes, often they do. While not every name's meaning is explicitly highlighted in the text, many Hebrew names carry significant theological or historical connotations. For instance, in [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants"), names like "Meshobab" ("returned"), "Jamlech" ("he shall reign"), and "Joshah" ("Yahweh is salvation") are not random. They can subtly reflect themes present in the biblical narrative, foreshadow future events, or encapsulate core truths about God's character and actions. Their inclusion can add layers of meaning and provide a deeper understanding of the divine hand guiding history, even when the individuals themselves are not prominent figures in the narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane listing of names in [1 Chronicles 4:34](/1_chronicles/4-34 "1 Chronicles 4:34 - Simeon's Descendants"), like all biblical genealogies, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these lineages across centuries underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). The entire purpose of these detailed records, from Adam through the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel, was to trace the specific line through which the Messiah would come. Jesus's own genealogies, as presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), validate His claim as the promised Son of David and the Son of God, fulfilling the hopes and expectations embedded within these ancient lists. The names themselves, like Joshah ("Yahweh is salvation"), resonate with the very essence of Christ's mission: to bring salvation. He is the ultimate "return" and "restoration" for humanity, and He is the King who "shall reign" forever, establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends all earthly lineages ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and Christ's Reign")). Thus, even in the most obscure names, we glimpse the meticulous divine hand guiding history towards its glorious culmination in Christ, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/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.