TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And these written H3789 by name H8034 came H935 in the days H3117 of Hezekiah H3169 king H4428 of Judah H3063, and smote H5221 their tents H168, and the habitations H4583 that were found H4672 there, and destroyed H2763 them utterly unto this day H3117, and dwelt H3427 in their rooms: because there was pasture H4829 there for their flocks H6629.
Complete Jewish Bible
Those whose names are written above came during the time of Hizkiyahu king of Y'hudah; they attacked their tents and the Me'unim who were found there, destroyed them completely, and have lived there in place of them to this day; because there was pasture there for their flocks.
Berean Standard Bible
These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites and Meunites there in their dwellings, devoting them to destruction even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.
American Standard Version
And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the Meunim that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their stead; because there was pasture there for their flocks.
World English Bible Messianic
These written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and struck their tents, and the Meunim who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place; because there was pasture there for their flocks.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And these described by name, came in the dayes of Hezekiah king of Iudah, and smote their tents, and the inhabitants that were found there, and destroyed them vtterly vnto this day, and dwelt in their roume, because there was pasture there for their sheepe.
Young's Literal Translation
And these who are written by name come in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smite their tents, and the habitations that have been found there, and devote them to destruction unto this day, and dwell in their stead, because pasture for their flock is there.
See also
In the KJVVerse 10,427 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
Meticulously records a significant historical event involving a specific group of Simeonites during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. These individuals, whose names were formally documented, undertook a military expedition to seize territory from its existing inhabitants, utterly destroying them and taking permanent possession of their dwellings. The primary and explicit motivation for this decisive conquest was the discovery of abundant pasture land, vital for sustaining their expanding flocks and securing their economic livelihood. This concise narrative, uniquely embedded within extensive tribal genealogies, illuminates the persistent struggles for resources and land that characterized ancient Israelite life, centuries after the initial conquest of Canaan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a striking narrative interlude within the otherwise exhaustive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). Specifically, it provides a concrete historical illustration concluding the detailed enumeration of the tribe of Simeon's descendants and settlements, which commences in 1 Chronicles 4:24. The preceding verses, 1 Chronicles 4:38-40, describe how various Simeonite families sought and found new territories, expanding into the fertile valley of Gedor and encountering peaceful inhabitants. Verse 41 then shifts from a general description of expansion to a specific, detailed account of a violent conquest undertaken by a named contingent of Simeonites. This deliberate shift from genealogical list to narrative not only provides a vivid example of tribal dynamism but also underscores the Chronicler's dual interest in both lineage and the significant historical events that shaped the identities and territories of God's people, offering a tangible glimpse into the lived realities behind the ancestral records.
Historical & Cultural Context: The event described in 1 Chronicles 4:41 is precisely dated to "the days of Hezekiah king of Judah," placing it firmly in the late 8th century BC (c. 715-686 BC). This chronological marker is crucial, as it indicates that territorial adjustments and conflicts for vital resources were ongoing realities centuries after the initial Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. The tribe of Simeon historically occupied a somewhat precarious position, with its initial inheritance situated as an enclave within the larger territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9), often leading to their gradual assimilation or dispersal. The mention of "tents" and "habitations" suggests that the dispossessed inhabitants were likely nomadic or semi-nomadic groups, possibly remnants of Amalekites or other indigenous peoples who still occupied desirable grazing lands in the Negeb or southern Judah. The act of "utterly destroy[ing] them" (Hebrew: ḥāram) reflects the harsh and often brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare and territorial acquisition, where the complete eradication or displacement of a population was a common, albeit severe, practice employed to secure land permanently and eliminate future threats. The explicit economic imperative, "pasture there for their flocks," vividly highlights the paramount importance of livestock and grazing land in an agrarian society, serving as a powerful and practical driver for tribal movements, expansion, and conflict.
Key Themes: 1 Chronicles 4:41 powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the ongoing fulfillment of the land promise to Israel, demonstrating that God's covenantal pledge concerning the land's distribution continued to unfold, even through localized and often violent actions by individual tribes centuries after the initial conquest. Secondly, the meticulous recording of "these written by name" reinforces the importance of tribal identity and continuity, as the Chronicler carefully preserves the actions of specific Simeonite families, thereby affirming their enduring place within the grand tapestry of Israel's history and their contribution to its territorial expansion. Thirdly, the explicit mention of "pasture there for their flocks" highlights the practical and economic realities that profoundly shaped the lives of the Israelite tribes, revealing the constant, tangible need for essential resources and the lengths to which people would go to secure their livelihood. This pragmatic motivation grounds the narrative in the everyday struggles of ancient life. Finally, the emphasis on precise documentation, "written by name," reflects the Chronicler's deep commitment to historical accuracy and the preservation of Israel's heritage, illustrating how even seemingly minor or isolated events contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative of God's sovereign dealings with His chosen people. The Chronicler's work often emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant, as seen in passages like 2 Chronicles 15:2, which promises divine presence to those who seek Him.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and underscore its significance. It functions primarily as a concise Historical Report, delivering a factual and direct account of a specific tribal expedition. The Chronicler's inclusion of the phrase "written by name" serves as an Attestation of Authenticity, lending credibility and authority to the narrative by implying it is drawn from official or reliable records, thereby grounding the account in verifiable history. The concluding phrase "unto this day" acts as an Etiological Marker, explaining the contemporary reality of Simeonite presence in that specific region at the time the Chronicler was composing his work. Furthermore, the explicit statement of motivation ("because there was pasture there for their flocks") provides a clear Causal Explanation, directly linking the violent action to a practical, economic necessity. This directness in stating the motive adds a layer of realism and pragmatism to the historical account, highlighting the fundamental concerns that often drove ancient tribal movements and territorial acquisitions.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor historical detail, nestled within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles 4:41, offers profound theological and thematic insights. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land given to Israel, were fulfilled not solely through grand, sweeping military campaigns but also through localized, ongoing struggles and expansions undertaken by individual tribes over centuries. The Simeonites' violent acquisition of land for pasture underscores the biblical theme of divine provision intertwined with human agency and responsibility in securing essential resources. While the means employed reflect the harsh realities of ancient warfare and territorial acquisition, the underlying human need for sustenance, security, and the drive to secure a livelihood for one's family and community are timeless and universal. The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such a specific, almost mundane, act of conquest within a sacred historical record suggests that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of human life, from the grand narratives of nations to the practicalities of tribal survival and economic well-being. It illustrates how the divine plan unfolds through the complex interplay of human choices, needs, and actions, even those involving conflict and displacement, ultimately working towards His overarching purposes for His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the direct application of an ancient conquest for pasture land might initially seem distant, 1 Chronicles 4:41 offers timeless principles for profound reflection. It reminds us that human endeavor, throughout history, has often been driven by fundamental needs—for provision, security, and a place to thrive and flourish. For us today, the "pasture for their flocks" can symbolize the essential resources, opportunities, and stability we seek for ourselves, our families, and our communities. This verse prompts us to critically examine how we pursue these necessities in our own lives: do we rely on divine provision, exercise responsible stewardship of the earth's resources, and act with integrity and justice in our interactions with others? It also challenges us to grapple with the complex realities of biblical history, acknowledging that God's overarching purposes unfolded through imperfect human actions, sometimes involving violence and displacement. This should lead us to a deeper appreciation for the peace and abundance we often take for granted in our contemporary societies, and to a renewed commitment to seeking justice, equity, and compassionate solutions in our own pursuit of resources and well-being. Ultimately, the passage encourages us to cultivate unwavering trust in God's overarching sovereignty, even when human actions are morally ambiguous, and to find our true "pasture" and ultimate satisfaction in His guidance, grace, and eternal provision.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the "written by name" individuals?
Answer: The phrase "written by name" refers to specific individuals or families from the tribe of Simeon whose names were formally recorded in the tribal genealogies or official registers of the time. These were likely the Simeonite leaders or heads of households mentioned in the preceding verses of 1 Chronicles 4:38-40, who led this particular expedition. The Chronicler emphasizes their documented identity to underscore the historical veracity and significance of their actions, presenting a verifiable account rather than an anonymous legend.
Why did Simeon need more pasture land so late in Israel's history?
Answer: The tribe of Simeon's initial inheritance, as detailed in Joshua 19:1-9, was relatively small and located as an enclave within the larger territory of Judah. Over time, they faced significant challenges, including population growth, resource scarcity, and a tendency to be scattered or absorbed into Judah. This expedition, occurring centuries after the initial conquest (during Hezekiah's reign in the late 8th century BC), suggests an ongoing and pressing need for additional resources. It reflects a practical response to economic pressures, such as a growing population, diminishing local pasture, or perhaps even drought, driving them to seek new, fertile grazing lands for their expanding flocks in a region known for its pastoral potential.
What does "unto this day" signify in this context?
Answer: "Unto this day" is a common biblical idiom used to indicate that the effect, outcome, or consequence of a described event was still observable, permanent, and relevant at the time the biblical text was written. In the context of 1 Chronicles 4:41, it signifies that the Simeonites continued to occupy the territory they conquered for pasture, confirming the lasting success and permanence of their acquisition and the enduring displacement of the previous inhabitants. It serves as a historical marker, affirming the long-term impact of this specific tribal action.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:41 describes a physical conquest for literal pasture, its underlying themes of inheritance, divine provision, and securing a place of rest find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Simeonites sought physical land for their flocks to thrive and expand their earthly livelihood, but Christ, the true Good Shepherd, leads His people to an eternal, spiritual inheritance. He guides His flock not to mere earthly pastures that can be seized or lost, but to abundant life and true spiritual nourishment (John 10:9-10). The earthly struggle for land and resources, often marked by conflict and displacement, points to humanity's deep-seated need for security, belonging, and provision—a need fully and perfectly met in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has secured for all believers an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them. This heavenly dwelling is not seized by human violence but is freely given by divine grace. The ultimate "rest" and "room" that God provides for His people are found in the New Covenant, where believers are citizens of a heavenly Jerusalem and are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Thus, the earthly pursuit of pasture in 1 Chronicles 4:41 foreshadows the spiritual provision, eternal peace, and complete satisfaction found in the Lamb of God, who truly satisfies all our deepest needs both now and for eternity (Philippians 4:19).