TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
American Standard Version
and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
World English Bible Messianic
and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Elionai, and Iaakobah, and Ieshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Iesimiel, and Benaiah,
Young's Literal Translation
and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
In the KJVVerse 10,422 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4 verses 24–43
24 ¶ The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:
25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
26 And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son.
27 And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.
28 And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,
29 And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,
30 And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,
31 And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David.
32 And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:
33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,
35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
37 And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;
38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.
39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.
40 And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old.
41 And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.
42 And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.
43 And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.
We have here some of the genealogies of the tribe of Simeon (though it was not a tribe of great note), especially the princes of that tribe, Ch1 4:38. Of this tribe it is said that they increased greatly, but not like the children of Judah, Ch1 4:27. Those whom God increases ought to be thankful, though they see others that are more increased. Here observe, 1. The cities allotted them (Ch1 4:28), of which see Jos 19:1, etc. When it is said that they were theirs unto the reign of David (Ch1 4:31) intimation is given that when the ten tribes revolted from the house of David many of the Simeonites quitted these cities, because they lay within Judah, and seated themselves elsewhere. 2. The ground they got elsewhere. When those of this tribe that revolted from the house of David were carried captive with the rest into Assyria those that adhered to Judah were remarkably owned of God and prospered in their endeavours to enlarge their coasts. It was in the days of Hezekiah that a generation of Simeonites, whose tribe had long crouched and truckled, was animated to make these bold efforts. (1.) Some of them attacked a place in Arabia, as it should seem, called the entrance of Gedor, inhabited by the posterity of accursed Ham (Ch1 4:40), made themselves masters of it, and dwelt there. This adds to the glory of Hezekiah's pious reign, that, as his kingdom in general prospered, so did particular families. It is said that they found fat pastures, and yet the land was quiet; even when the kings of Assyria were giving disturbance to all their neighbours this land escaped their alarms. The inhabitants being shepherds, who molested none, were not themselves molested, till the Simeonites came and drove them out and succeeded them, not only in the plenty, but in the peace, of their land. Those who dwell (as we do) in a fruitful country, and whose land is wide, and quiet, and peaceable, have reason to own themselves indebted to that God who appoints the bounds of our habitation. (2.) Others of them, to the number of 500, under the command of four brethren here named, made a descent upon Mount Seir, and smote the remainder of the devoted Amalekites, and took possession of their country, Ch1 4:42, Ch1 4:43. Now the curses on Ham and Amalek had a further accomplishment, when they seemed dormant, if not dead; as had also the curse on Simeon, that he should be divided and scattered (Gen 49:7): yet to him it was turned into a blessing, for the families of Simeon, which thus transplanted themselves into those distant countries, are said to dwell there unto this day (Ch1 4:43), by which it should seem they escaped the calamities of the captivity. Providence sometimes sends those out of trouble that are designed for preservation.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–43. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:36 meticulously lists seven individuals—Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, and Benaiah—as part of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Simeon. This verse, embedded within the Chronicler's comprehensive record of Israel's tribal lineages, serves to affirm the enduring identity, historical continuity, and divine preservation of God's covenant people in the post-exilic era, thereby underscoring the Lord's detailed knowledge and profound care for every individual within His overarching redemptive plan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, which serve as the foundational historical and theological preamble to the Chronicler's narrative of Israel's monarchy. Specifically, it falls within the detailed account of the tribe of Simeon, which commences in 1 Chronicles 4:24. The Chronicler meticulously traces the lineage of Simeon's sons and their families, their settlements, and their eventual expansion, culminating in the account of their victorious conquest of territory in 1 Chronicles 4:39-43. Verse 36, along with verses 34-37, presents a specific list of family heads or prominent individuals within the Simeonite clan, likely those who led the expansion or were significant in their generations, serving to concretize the tribal identity and historical continuity essential for the post-exilic community.
Historical & Cultural Context: The book of 1 Chronicles was composed for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem, most likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. After the traumatic return from Babylonian captivity, a paramount concern was the re-establishment of national, religious, and social identity. Genealogies in ancient Israel were far more than mere historical records; they functioned as crucial legal and social documents. They confirmed tribal affiliation, established rights to land inheritance (a vital issue after the disruption of exile), validated claims to priestly or Levitical service, and affirmed one's legitimate place within the covenant community. For the returning exiles, these meticulous lists provided a tangible, unbroken link to their heritage, assuring them that they were indeed the true heirs of God's promises to Abraham, despite the profound rupture of the exile.
Key Themes: The inclusion of such detailed genealogies, even seemingly obscure names like those in 1 Chronicles 4:36, highlights several profound theological themes. First, it underscores the Divine Preservation and Continuity of God's people. Despite the exile, dispersion, and apparent desolation, God faithfully maintained a remnant and preserved their lineages, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Second, these lists emphasize Identity and Inheritance, providing the returning exiles with a clear understanding of who they were as a people, their tribal affiliations, and their rightful claims to the land and temple service. Finally, the meticulous detail, extending even to individual names, reveals God's Sovereignty in Detail and His profound, personal care for every individual within His grand redemptive narrative, affirming that no one is forgotten in His divine plan, a truth beautifully echoed in Psalm 139:16.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 4:36 is Enumeration, which is the simple, sequential listing of items or names. This technique is characteristic of genealogical passages, serving the straightforward purpose of recording and preserving lineage with precision. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each name exemplifies Polysyndeton, creating a rhythmic, cumulative effect that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the record and the distinct identity of each individual within the collective. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a Genealogy, a specific literary genre crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, land rights, and covenantal standing. While not explicitly stated, the inherent meanings of some of the names (e.g., Elioenai, Benaiah) introduce a subtle layer of Onomastics, where the study of names provides an implicit theological commentary on the hopes, beliefs, or circumstances of the individuals or their parents, enriching the otherwise terse list with deeper spiritual resonance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 4:36 carries profound theological weight, testifying to God's meticulous memory and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Far from being insignificant, each name represents a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of salvation history, affirming that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and their lineages, often in ways unseen by human eyes. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies served to reassure the post-exilic community of their legitimate heritage and their indispensable place within God's ongoing redemptive narrative. It highlights that God is not a God of chaos, but of divine order and meticulous detail, actively involved in the seemingly mundane aspects of human history to bring about His ultimate purposes. The preservation of these family lines underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people stray or face hardship, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community until the appointed time.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 4:36 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or obscurity, holds immense significance in God's eyes and within His grand redemptive plan. Just as God meticulously recorded these ancient names, He knows each of us intimately—our past, present, and future—as powerfully declared in Psalm 139:13-16. This verse encourages us to embrace our own unique place in God's story, recognizing that our lives, too, are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. It fosters a deep sense of spiritual heritage, connecting us to the faithful lineage of God's people throughout history, and reinforcing our identity as children of God through Christ, which is a far greater and more enduring lineage than any earthly one. Ultimately, it calls us to trust in God's meticulous care, knowing that if He remembers ancient, seemingly obscure names, He certainly remembers and cares for us with an unfathomable love and precision.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly tedious?
Answer: These genealogies, while appearing tedious to a modern reader, served multiple crucial purposes for the ancient Israelite community, especially the post-exilic audience of Chronicles. They were vital legal documents, establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance, and confirming eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. Theologically, they demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite exile and dispersion, providing a tangible link to their historical roots and the promises made to Abraham. They also underscored the continuity of the nation and the divine order within God's plan, showing that God remembers and cares for every individual within His grand narrative.
Do these names have any prophetic significance?
Answer: Generally, the individual names listed in 1 Chronicles 4:36 do not carry direct prophetic significance in the sense of foretelling specific future events. Their primary purpose is historical and genealogical. However, the existence and preservation of these lineages are profoundly significant for the broader prophetic narrative, as they contribute to the unbroken line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Furthermore, as explored in the "Key Word Analysis," the meanings of some names (e.g., "My eyes are toward the Lord," "Yahweh has built") can offer subtle theological insights into the faith or hopes of the parents, or even reflect God's character and activity in their lives, subtly reinforcing the overarching divine narrative of God's redemptive work.
How do we apply a verse like this to our lives today?
Answer: While not a direct command or moral teaching, 1 Chronicles 4:36 offers several powerful applications. First, it reminds us of God's profound care for every individual; if He meticulously recorded these names, He certainly knows and values each one of us. Second, it encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage and the long line of faith that precedes us, finding our ultimate identity not in earthly lineage but in being children of God through Christ, as described in John 1:12. Third, it reinforces the truth that God is a God of order and detail, actively involved in the seemingly small and ordinary aspects of life and history, giving us confidence that He is at work in our own lives, even in ways we may not perceive.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found throughout 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly obscure list in 1 Chronicles 4:36, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus of Nazareth. While this specific verse lists Simeonite descendants, the overarching purpose of all biblical genealogies is to trace the lineage that culminates in the Messiah. The preservation of these tribal records, particularly the line of Judah, was absolutely essential for the coming of the promised "seed" (Galatians 3:16), through whom all the nations would be blessed. The Chronicler's profound emphasis on the continuity and divine preservation of the people of Israel directly points to God's unwavering faithfulness in preparing the way for His Son. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Son of David and Son of Abraham, is the culmination of all these genealogies, as affirmed in the New Testament accounts of His lineage in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. He is the one in whom all the promises made to Israel find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20), providing the ultimate identity and eternal inheritance for all who believe, thereby fulfilling the very purpose for which these ancient records were meticulously kept.