TRV
Translation
King James Version
And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.
Complete Jewish Bible
They attacked the remnant of 'Amalek who had escaped and have lived there to this day.
Berean Standard Bible
and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.
American Standard Version
And they smote the remnant of the Amalekites that escaped, and have dwelt there unto this day.
World English Bible Messianic
They struck the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they smote the rest of Amalek that had escaped, and they dwelt there vnto this day.
Young's Literal Translation
and they smite the remnant of those escaped of Amalek, and dwell there unto this day.
See also
In the KJVVerse 10,429 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
This verse climactically concludes a unique historical narrative within the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, recording the decisive and final victory of a group of Simeonites over the last remnants of the Amalekites in Mount Seir. Driven by a pragmatic need for new pasturelands for their expanding flocks, these Simeonites, acting during the reign of King Hezekiah, conquered the territory previously inhabited by Hamites and, crucially, the Amalekites. This act not only secured vital resources for the Simeonite clans but also fulfilled a long-standing divine mandate for the complete eradication of this persistent enemy of Israel, establishing their permanent settlement in the region and underscoring God's unwavering justice and faithfulness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this concise yet impactful verse. It functions as a Fulfillment Narrative, presenting the Simeonite conquest as the culmination of a long-standing divine mandate against the Amalekites, thereby bringing a definitive closure to a significant historical and theological tension in Israel's history. The phrase "unto this day" is a classic Idiom used for historical validation, asserting the permanence and enduring reality of the described event for the Chronicler's contemporary audience. There is an implicit Contrast with King Saul's earlier, incomplete obedience regarding the Amalekites, highlighting God's sovereignty and the eventual, albeit delayed, triumph of His will through a different segment of His people. The entire account serves as a form of Historical Validation, solidifying the Simeonites' claim to this territory and demonstrating God's faithful provision and judgment across generations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The eradication of the Amalekites by the Simeonites in 1 Chronicles 4:43 is far more than a mere historical footnote; it is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice, His commitment to fulfilling His word, and His sovereign patience. The Amalekites, from their initial unprovoked attack on a vulnerable Israel in the wilderness, represented a persistent, insidious enemy of God's people, embodying a spirit of opposition to divine purposes and a rejection of God's covenant. Their final defeat underscores that God's judgments, though sometimes delayed for centuries, are ultimately sure, complete, and inescapable. This event also highlights God's faithfulness in providing for His people's needs—the Simeonites' territorial expansion was a direct answer to their need for sustenance, demonstrating that God's provision can come through the execution of His righteous decrees and the obedience of His people. It reassures the post-exilic audience of the Chronicler that God remains faithful to His promises and purposes, even when human efforts falter.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 4:43 describes a specific historical military conquest, its spiritual lessons resonate deeply for believers today. The long delay between God's initial command to blot out Amalek and its final fulfillment by the Simeonites serves as a powerful reminder of divine patience and the certainty of God's justice, even if its full manifestation takes time. This encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and that His timing is perfect. Spiritually, the Amalekites can be seen as representing persistent "enemies" in our lives—entrenched sinful patterns, spiritual strongholds, or ungodly influences that seek to hinder our walk with God and drain our spiritual vitality. Just as the Simeonites decisively "smote" the remaining Amalekites, we are called to be vigilant and persistent in dealing with spiritual opposition, seeking God's power to overcome sin and temptation, leaving no "remnant" of disobedience. Moreover, the Simeonites' need for pasture and God's provision through conquest reminds us that God is faithful to meet our needs, often in ways that require courage, obedience, and active participation in His will, trusting that He will make a way where there seems to be none.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this brief account of Simeonites' conquest included in a genealogy?
Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in including this historical vignette within the genealogies is multifaceted and intentional. It's not merely a dry list of names but a vibrant demonstration of God's ongoing work through His people. This account validates the Simeonites' claim to the conquered territory, showing how their need for expansion was met through divine provision and the execution of a long-standing divine judgment. It highlights the tribe's active role in fulfilling God's purposes, even if they were a lesser-known tribe compared to Judah. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in bringing His decrees to pass, even generations later, providing a sense of historical continuity and divine oversight for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, who also needed assurance of God's enduring covenant with Israel.
What is the significance of the phrase "unto this day"?
Answer: "Unto this day" (Hebrew: 'ad hayyom hazzeh) is a common biblical idiom used by historical writers to affirm the lasting reality or consequence of an event from the past up to the time of the narrative's composition. In 1 Chronicles 4:43, it means that the Simeonites' permanent settlement in the former Amalekite territory remained true and observable at the time the Chronicler was writing. This phrase lends credibility and historical weight to the account, emphasizing the enduring impact of God's actions and the established territorial claims of His people, assuring the audience of the historical veracity and ongoing relevance of the events described.
How does this account relate to King Saul's failure with Amalek?
Answer: This Simeonite action is a direct echo and eventual fulfillment of the divine command given to King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:3 to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Saul, however, failed to fully obey, sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, which led to his rejection as king. The event in 1 Chronicles 4:43, occurring centuries later during King Hezekiah's reign (1 Chronicles 4:41), demonstrates that God's purposes and judgments will ultimately prevail, even if human instruments initially fail. It highlights God's sovereignty in bringing His word to pass through other means and at His appointed time, completing a long-delayed divine mandate and affirming that God's will cannot be ultimately thwarted by human disobedience.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical victory of the Simeonites over the Amalekites, a long-standing and persistent enemy of God's people, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Amalekites represented a relentless, insidious foe that continually harassed Israel and opposed God's purposes, humanity faces spiritual enemies in sin, death, and Satan. The decisive "smiting" of the Amalekites by the Simeonites foreshadows Christ's complete and final triumph over these ultimate spiritual adversaries. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and through His resurrection, He conquered death, the last enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). Where the Simeonites secured a physical land for their people, Christ secures an eternal inheritance and spiritual "rest" for all who believe in Him, fulfilling the promise of a true and lasting dwelling place (Hebrews 4:9-10). His victory is not merely a historical event but an ongoing reality, ensuring that the "prince of this world" is cast out (John 12:31) and that His people will ultimately dwell with Him in new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells forever (2 Peter 3:13).