1 Chronicles 4:19

And the sons of [his] wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite.

And the sons {H1121} of his wife {H802} Hodiah {H1940} the sister {H269} of Naham {H5163}, the father {H1} of Keilah {H7084} the Garmite {H1636}, and Eshtemoa {H851} the Maachathite {H4602}.

The sons of the wife of Hodiyah the sister of Nacham were the father of Ke'ilah the Garmi and Esht'moa the Ma'akhati.

The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite.

And the sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:19 is part of the extensive and detailed genealogies found in the opening chapters of the book of 1 Chronicles. These lists primarily trace the descendants of Judah, highlighting the lineage that would eventually lead to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. This particular verse specifies certain individuals connected through family ties, specifically mentioning the sons of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, and identifying them with the towns of Keilah and Eshtemoa.

Context of 1 Chronicles 4:19

The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, serving a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community in Israel. After returning from Babylonian captivity, it was vital for the people to re-establish their tribal identities, land claims, and priestly functions. These meticulously recorded family lines ensured the continuity of their heritage and the legitimacy of their claims within the restored nation. Verse 19 fits within the detailed listing of the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the intricate web of family relationships within this prominent tribe.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation of Lineage: Even seemingly obscure names in a long list demonstrate God's meticulous care in preserving the family lines, especially those connected to the covenant promises and the future Messiah. This attention to detail underscores God's faithfulness through generations.
  • Identity and Heritage: These genealogies provided a sense of belonging and a clear understanding of one's place within the community of Israel. For the original audience, knowing their ancestry was foundational to their identity and their rights within the land.
  • God's Sovereignty in Detail: The inclusion of specific individuals like Hodiah, Naham, and their descendants, even without narrative accounts of their deeds, signifies that every person has a place in God's overarching plan.

Linguistic and Geographical Insights

The verse mentions "Hodiah," a name that means "majesty of Yahweh" or "God is my splendor," reflecting a common theme in biblical names. The individuals mentioned are associated with specific places: "Keilah the Garmite" and "Eshtemoa the Maachathite."

  • Keilah: A fortified city in the lowlands of Judah. It is famously known in the narrative books, notably when David rescued its inhabitants from the Philistines before they betrayed him to Saul. The designation "Garmite" likely refers to a family or clan associated with Keilah.
  • Eshtemoa: A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, mentioned as part of the inheritance given to the priests (see Joshua 21:14 and 1 Samuel 30:28). The "Maachathite" likely indicates an association with the region of Maachah, possibly indicating a migration or intermarriage.

Practical Application

While 1 Chronicles 4:19 might seem like a mere list of names, it offers valuable spiritual lessons for us today:

  • Every Life Matters: This verse reminds us that every individual, no matter how seemingly small or unrecorded in grand narratives, is known to God and has a place in His sovereign plan. Your life and lineage are significant in His eyes.
  • The Importance of Heritage: Just as the Israelites valued their physical heritage, believers today are encouraged to understand their spiritual heritage, tracing the faithfulness of God through generations of believers.
  • God's Faithfulness Across Generations: The preservation of these detailed records speaks to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that His plan unfolds precisely as He intends, even through the intricate details of human history.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:44 (3 votes)

    And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

  • 1 Samuel 23:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

  • 1 Samuel 23:13 (2 votes)

    Then David and his men, [which were] about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.