1 Chronicles 5:4

KJV

The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Joel {H3100}; Shemaiah {H8098} his son {H1121}, Gog {H1463} his son {H1121}, Shimei {H8096} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Yo'el: his son Sh'ma'yah, his son Gog, his son Shim'i,

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Joel:

American Standard Version

The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:4, part of the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Reuben, meticulously lists "The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son." This seemingly simple verse is a vital thread in the Chronicler's larger tapestry, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Israel, particularly for the post-exilic community. It underscores the importance of identity, inheritance, and the continuity of God's covenant people, even through generations that might otherwise seem obscure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with an expansive and detailed genealogical record, spanning from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular verse is situated within the tribal register of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, found in [1 Chronicles 5](/1_chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - Genealogy of Reuben"). While Reuben was the firstborn, he forfeited his birthright due to a grave transgression ([Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression") and [Genesis 49:4](/genesis/49-4 "Genesis 49:4 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Reuben")), leading to a redistribution of his preeminence: the double portion of the birthright went to Joseph's sons ([1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1 "1 Chronicles 5:1-2 - Reuben's Lost Birthright")), and the royal line was established through Judah ([1 Chronicles 5:2](/1_chronicles/5-2 "1 Chronicles 5:2 - Judah's Preeminence")). The meticulous listing of names, including those in 1 Chronicles 5:4, serves to underscore the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the tribal records, which were crucial for re-establishing land inheritance, tribal identity, and the legitimacy of priestly or royal succession following the Babylonian exile. The flow of names, son after father, creates a sense of continuity and divine oversight across generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Chronicles were compiled and edited primarily for the post-exilic community, those who had returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish their national and religious identity. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were foundational documents. They served as legal proofs for land ownership, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for priestly service or leadership roles. For a people returning from exile, these records provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their covenant relationship with God and their rightful place in the land promised to their ancestors. The emphasis on specific lineages, even those of tribes like Reuben who did not hold the primary leadership roles, highlights the Chronicler's concern for the unity and comprehensive identity of all Israel, reminding them of their shared heritage and God's enduring covenant promises. The inclusion of names like "Gog" (distinct from the later prophetic figure) also reflects the commonality of certain names across different individuals and periods in Israelite history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogical framework of Chronicles, contributes significantly to several key themes. Primarily, it emphasizes the **preservation of lineage**, illustrating God's faithfulness in maintaining a remnant and ensuring the continuity of His people through countless generations, even amidst periods of judgment and exile. These lists reinforce the concept of **divine order and identity**, where every individual, regardless of their prominence, holds a specific place within the larger covenant community of Israel. Each name, though seemingly minor on its own, contributes to the grand narrative of God's unfolding plan for His people, demonstrating His meticulous attention to detail. Furthermore, the Chronicler's **historical accuracy** and detailed record-keeping provide a robust foundation for the post-exilic community's present and future, connecting them to the covenant promises made to their forefathers. This attention to historical continuity and the careful enumeration of descendants, as seen in the detailed records of the tribes of Israel in [1 Chronicles 2-9](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2-9 - Genealogies of Israel"), reflects a deep respect for God's providential hand in history and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shĕmaʿyāh_):** This name literally means "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." It is a common name in the Old Testament, borne by several individuals, including a prophet (Jeremiah 29:24), a Levite (1 Chronicles 9:14), and a scribe (Nehemiah 3:29). Its inclusion here, like other names in genealogies, speaks to the significance of divine attention and response, even if the specific individual's life details are not elaborated.
* **Gog (Hebrew, _Gōg_):** In this context, "Gog" is simply a personal name, distinct from the more infamous "Gog of Magog" mentioned in the prophetic book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog of Magog"). The repetition of names throughout biblical history for different individuals is common, and here it serves as a reminder that not every instance of a name carries the same prophetic or symbolic weight. It is simply part of the historical record of Reuben's descendants.
* **Shimei (Hebrew, _Shimʿī_):** This name is also relatively common, meaning "my fame" or "renowned." It is related to the root "to hear" (שָׁמַע, _shamaʿ_), similar to Shemaiah, potentially implying someone who is heard or whose reputation is heard. Like the other names, its primary function here is to establish a link in the lineage, contributing to the overall historical and tribal record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Joel;":** This phrase establishes the immediate paternal link for the subsequent names. Joel is presented as the father, and the following individuals are his direct male descendants. This highlights the patrilineal nature of Israelite genealogies, where lineage is traced through the male line to establish tribal identity and inheritance rights. It connects this specific branch of Reuben's family to the broader tribal structure.
* **"Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,":** This enumerates three direct descendants of Joel. The repetitive "his son" emphasizes the direct generational succession, creating a clear chain of lineage. While no biographical details are provided for these individuals, their inclusion signifies their place within the covenant community and their contribution to the continuity of the tribe of Reuben. In a culture where identity and legal standing were tied to one's family and tribe, simply being named in such a record was an affirmation of existence and belonging within God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 5:4, and indeed throughout the extensive genealogies of Chronicles, is **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The simple listing of names, linked by the recurring phrase "his son," serves to meticulously enumerate the generations. This seemingly dry technique is profoundly effective in conveying a sense of continuity, order, and comprehensiveness. It emphasizes the unbroken chain of lineage, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving His people through time. The sheer volume of names, even without accompanying narratives, underscores the vastness of God's covenant family and His meticulous attention to every individual within it. This systematic presentation reinforces the historical validity of the Israelite nation and their claim to the land, which was crucial for the post-exilic audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 5:4 is a simple list of names, it carries significant theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The preservation of these detailed genealogies, even for individuals whose lives are otherwise unrecorded, demonstrates that every life within God's plan has significance. It underscores the concept of corporate identity within Israel, where individuals are part of a larger story of redemption and inheritance. For the post-exilic community, these lists were not just historical records but a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness in maintaining a remnant and ensuring the continuity of His people, providing hope and a foundation for rebuilding. They show that God remembers His people across generations, fulfilling His promises through the long sweep of history.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "God's Everlasting Covenant")
* [Romans 9:4-5](/romans/9-4 "The Privileges of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern reader, a verse like 1 Chronicles 5:4 might initially appear as a mere historical curiosity, a dry list of names. However, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God invites us to look deeper. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, who knows each of us intimately, even to the number of hairs on our head ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Knowledge of Individuals")). Just as He meticulously recorded the lineage of His ancient people, He sees and values every individual life within His grand narrative. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own place within the larger story of God's redemptive work, whether through our biological family or, more importantly, our spiritual heritage in the family of faith. It calls us to consider the legacy we are building and passing on, recognizing that our faithfulness today contributes to the spiritual continuity for future generations, much like the generations listed here contributed to the continuity of Israel. We are part of a lineage of faith that stretches back to Abraham and forward to the consummation of all things, built on God's enduring faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this verse, challenge your perception of God's attention to individual lives?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual heritage (the history of God's work in the church, or in your family) provide you with grounding and purpose today?**
* **What spiritual legacy are you actively building and passing on to the next generation, reflecting the importance of faithfulness across time?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies so extensive and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one found in [1 Chronicles 5:4](/1_chronicles/5-4 "1 Chronicles 5:4 - Genealogy of Reuben"), are extensive and can appear repetitive because they served crucial theological, historical, and legal functions in ancient Israel. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, used these lists to establish the identity and legitimacy of the returning community, connecting them directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They provided legal proof for land inheritance, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for priestly or royal service. The repetition emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness across generations, demonstrating that despite periods of exile and hardship, God preserved a remnant of His people. Far from being mere lists, they are a testament to God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring that the lineage leading to the Messiah would be preserved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:4, a simple listing of names, does not directly prophesy Christ, it finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader theological purpose of biblical genealogies. These meticulously preserved records, stretching from Adam through the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel, ultimately serve as the essential historical framework leading to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Joel, Shemaiah, Gog, and Shimei, and countless others, underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, which culminate in the Messiah. The entire genealogical project of the Old Testament, from the promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) to the detailed records in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history to bring forth the Savior. Jesus, as the "son of David, the son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus' Lineage")), is the ultimate heir to all the promises embedded within these ancient family trees. Thus, every name, every generation, every preserved lineage, including those in 1 Chronicles 5:4, points to the steadfast love of God who meticulously prepared the way for the coming of His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling all the hopes and promises of Israel.

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.