1 Chronicles 4:35

KJV

And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joel {H3100}, and Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Josibiah {H3143}, the son {H1121} of Seraiah {H8304}, the son {H1121} of Asiel {H6221},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'el, Yehu the son of Yoshivyah the son of S'rayah the son of 'Asi'el,

Berean Standard Bible

Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah (son of Seraiah, son of Asiel),

American Standard Version

and Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:35 is a concise genealogical entry, meticulously recording a segment of the lineage within the tribe of Simeon: Joel, Jehu, Josibiah, Seraiah, and Asiel. Situated amidst the extensive ancestral records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, this verse underscores the profound importance of lineage for the post-exilic Israelite community, serving to re-establish tribal identities, validate land claims, and firmly anchor them within the enduring covenant history of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:35 is nestled within the sprawling genealogical records that dominate the first nine chapters of the book of 1 Chronicles. This section, specifically from [1 Chronicles 4:24](/1_chronicles/4-24 "1 Chronicles 4:24 - The Sons of Simeon") to [1 Chronicles 4:43](/1_chronicles/4-43 "1 Chronicles 4:43 - Further Simeonites"), meticulously details the descendants of the tribe of Simeon. The immediate verses preceding verse 35 continue the listing of Simeon's family heads, their settlements, and their expansion, providing a continuous thread of tribal identity and historical presence. The inclusion of such detailed lineages serves as a foundational element for the subsequent historical narratives of the united and divided monarchies, grounding the later accounts in the divine promise and the continuity of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly by Ezra or a contemporary scribe, for the community returning from Babylonian captivity. For these repatriated Israelites, the meticulous genealogical records were not mere historical curiosities but vital documents for societal and spiritual reconstruction. They were crucial for re-establishing tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral land (as outlined in the Mosaic Law, e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Allotment by Tribe")), and ensuring the purity of priestly and levitical lines. The tribe of Simeon, whose inheritance was historically situated within the larger territory of Judah (as seen in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")), had a somewhat dispersed and often absorbed identity, making the preservation of its lineage particularly significant for its continued recognition.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple list of names contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of lineage and identity** in ancient Israel, where one's place in the community, access to land, and role in worship were determined by tribal and family affiliation. Secondly, it highlights **God's faithfulness in preservation**, demonstrating His meticulous attention to His covenant people, even through periods of dispersion and apparent decline. The very existence of these records after the exile testifies to His sovereign hand in maintaining the continuity of Israel's story. Finally, these genealogies reinforce the theme of **historical continuity and divine purpose**, connecting the post-exilic community directly to the patriarchs and the foundational promises made to Israel, thereby reaffirming their place within God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joel (Hebrew, _Yo'el'_):** Meaning "Yahweh is God." This name is common in the Old Testament, borne by various individuals, including a prophet. Its theological meaning reflects a foundational Israelite confession of faith, emphasizing the exclusive sovereignty and deity of Yahweh.
* **Jehu (Hebrew, _Yehu'_):** Meaning "He is Yahweh." Like Joel, this name is a theophoric name, incorporating the divine name Yahweh. It signifies a declaration of God's existence and active presence. While the most famous Jehu was a king of Israel, this individual is distinct, indicating the commonality of such faith-filled names.
* **Asiel (Hebrew, _'Asi'el'_):** Meaning "God has made" or "God has created." This name points to God as the ultimate creator and sustainer, acknowledging divine agency in human existence. Its presence in this lineage subtly reinforces the theological worldview embedded within Israelite naming conventions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joel,"**: This introduces the first individual in this segment of the Simeonite genealogy, indicating a direct descendant or head of a family within the tribe.
* **"and Jehu the son of Josibiah,"**: Here, a second individual, Jehu, is introduced, along with his immediate father, Josibiah. This "son of" construction is the standard genealogical marker, establishing direct paternal lineage.
* **"the son of Seraiah,"**: This phrase clarifies that Josibiah is the son of Seraiah, extending the lineage back another generation. The repetition of "the son of" (implied for Joel as well, or as a head of a household) is characteristic of biblical genealogies.
* **"the son of Asiel,"**: The final phrase in this verse extends the lineage one more generation, identifying Seraiah as the son of Asiel. This four-generational sequence (Asiel -> Seraiah -> Josibiah -> Jehu) provides a specific snapshot of a family line within Simeon, demonstrating the meticulous detail of the Chronicler's record-keeping.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:35, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This systematic listing of ancestors and descendants serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, establishing identity, continuity, and covenantal connection. The frequent **Repetition** of phrases like "the son of" (or implied filial connections) is characteristic of genealogical lists, providing clarity and emphasizing the directness of lineage. Furthermore, the verse functions as part of an extended **List**, a common biblical literary form used to organize information, whether it be laws, names, or events. In this context, the list of names, though seemingly dry, is imbued with profound significance, asserting the enduring presence and identity of God's people through generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 4:35 might appear as a mere list of names, it carries significant theological weight. It affirms God's meticulous knowledge and care for every individual within His covenant people, regardless of their historical prominence. The preservation of such detailed genealogies, even for seemingly obscure figures, testifies to God's faithfulness in maintaining His promises and sustaining the identity of Israel through generations. It underscores the biblical principle that every life has value and a place within God's overarching plan, even if their specific deeds are not recorded. This divine attention to detail provides comfort and assurance that God knows each of His children intimately and orchestrates their place in His grand narrative.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - The Book of Life")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Genealogical Records After Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of a genealogical list like 1 Chronicles 4:35 offers a profound spiritual lesson for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan is not abstract but deeply personal, woven through the lives of countless individuals across generations. Just as Joel, Jehu, Josibiah, Seraiah, and Asiel were known and accounted for in their time, so too are we known by God. Our lives, with their unique stories, challenges, and contributions, are not insignificant but are integral threads in the tapestry of God's unfolding purpose. This verse encourages us to embrace our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us in faith, and that our lives contribute to the ongoing story of God's kingdom. It invites us to live with the awareness that our names, too, are precious in His sight, and that we are called to live faithfully within the lineage of faith handed down to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in biblical genealogies, like this one, deepen your understanding of God's character and His attention to detail?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God values every individual, even those not highlighted for grand deeds, impact your sense of self-worth and purpose?**
* **How can we, in our own lives, honor our spiritual heritage and contribute to the ongoing story of faith for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in 1 Chronicles because the book was written for the post-exilic community. These lists served several vital functions: they re-established tribal identities and land claims after the Babylonian exile, confirmed the legitimacy of the priesthood and levitical service, and provided a sense of historical continuity, connecting the returning exiles to their rich heritage and God's enduring covenant promises. They reminded the people of their roots and their place in God's ongoing plan, particularly emphasizing the lineage of David leading to the Messiah (as seen in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - The Sons of David")).

**Do these genealogies have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While we don't track physical lineage in the same way, these genealogies illustrate several timeless truths. They demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His promises across generations. They highlight that every individual, even those seemingly obscure, is known and valued by God. For Christians, our "lineage" is spiritual, connecting us to Abraham through faith (as explained in [Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")). These lists ultimately point to the meticulous way God prepared the lineage for the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:35 appears as a simple list of names from the tribe of Simeon, its ultimate significance, like all Old Testament genealogies, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. These meticulous records underscore God's sovereign and detailed plan to preserve a chosen lineage through which His redemptive purposes would unfold. Every name, every 'son of,' ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in maintaining the line that would eventually lead to the Messiah. Jesus himself is the culmination of all genealogies, tracing His earthly lineage through both Judah and David, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). He is the true 'Son of David' and the 'Son of Abraham,' embodying the promises made to both. Furthermore, the emphasis on names being recorded in these ancient lists foreshadows the ultimate 'Book of Life' in which the names of those redeemed by Christ are eternally inscribed, as mentioned in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life Opened"). Thus, even a seemingly minor verse like 1 Chronicles 4:35 whispers of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, culminating in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and establishes a new spiritual lineage of believers.

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.