1 Chronicles 4
BSB1 The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. 2 Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites. 3 These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. And their sister was named Hazzelelponi. 4 Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer was the father of Hushah. These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and the father of Bethlehem. 5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 6 Naarah bore to him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah. 7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, 8 and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Zobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum. 9 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez. 11 Chelub the brother of Shuhah was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah. 13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai. 14 Meonothai was the father of Ophrah, and Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of those living in Ge-harashim, which was given this name because its people were craftsmen. 15 The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz. 16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah. Mered also took a Judean wife, who gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. 19 The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and of Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth. 21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea, 22 Jokim, the men of Cozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi-lehem. (These names are from ancient records.) 23 These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king. 24 The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul. 25 The sons of Shaul: Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma. 26 The sons of Mishma: Hammuel, Zaccur, and Shimei. 27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their whole clan did not become as numerous as the sons of Judah. 28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29 Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32 And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns— 33 and all their surrounding villages as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record: 34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah, 35 Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah (son of Seraiah, son of Asiel), 36 Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 and Ziza son of Shiphi (son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah). 38 These men listed by name were the leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39 and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. 40 There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly. 41 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. 42 And five hundred of these Simeonites led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir 43 and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 4
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a list of the sons of Judah, including Er, Onan, and Shelah, and their descendants. It then provides an account of the family lines of Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, highlighting their notable achievements and contributions to the tribe of Judah. The chapter also mentions the sons of Simeon and their descendants, as well as the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. Key verses, such as 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, highlight the importance of prayer, faith, and God's blessing in the lives of His people. The chapter concludes with a list of the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the kingdom of Israel from the death of Saul to the reign of David. The chapter serves as a reminder of the significance of the tribe of Judah and their role in the larger narrative of God's people. The genealogy and family lines of Judah provide a foundation for understanding the subsequent chapters, which will focus on the reign of David and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it. We are also encouraged to be faithful in prayer and to trust in God's goodness and provision, just as Jabez did. May we seek to honor God with our lives and to trust in His faithfulness and covenant promises towards us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the family lines of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It lists the descendants of Judah and highlights notable figures, such as Jabez, who prayed for God's blessing and protection. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of family, prayer, and faith in our lives, and encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and covenant promises towards us, as seen in 1 Chronicles 4:10.
Voices from the Church
“The prayer of Jabez is a model for our own prayers, as it expresses a deep desire for God's blessing and protection. May we learn to pray with similar faith and humility, seeking God's will and purpose for our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The genealogy of Judah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people. May we trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He is a loving and gracious Father who desires to bless and prosper us.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Descendants of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1-8) — The chapter begins with a list of the sons of Judah and their descendants, highlighting their family lines and notable achievements.
- The Family Line of Perez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) — The chapter provides an account of the family line of Perez, including the story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection.
- The Inhabitants of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 4:11-12) — The chapter mentions the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures.
- The Descendants of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:13-15) — The chapter provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements.
- Conclusion (1 Chronicles 4:16-23) — The chapter concludes with a list of the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Family
- This chapter highlights the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it.
- The Power of Prayer
- The story of Jabez serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, highlighting the importance of seeking God's blessing and protection.
- The Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the lives of His people and the course of human history.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 4
- The Importance of Prayer — The story of Jabez serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, highlighting the importance of seeking God's blessing and protection.
- The Significance of Family — The chapter emphasizes the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the lives of His people and the course of human history.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He is a loving and gracious Father who desires to bless and prosper us.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 4
- Genealogy and Family — The chapter provides a detailed account of the descendants of Judah, highlighting their family lines and notable achievements.
- Prayer and Faith — The story of Jabez serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, highlighting the importance of seeking God's blessing and protection.
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- Sovereignty and Providence — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the lives of His people and the course of human history.
- Trust and Obedience — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He is a loving and gracious Father who desires to bless and prosper us.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the genealogy of Judah in this chapter?
- What can we learn from the story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection?
- How does this chapter highlight the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative?
- What does this chapter teach us about God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and relationships?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Descendants of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1-8)
| 4:1 | The chapter begins with a list of the sons of Judah and their descendants, highlighting their family lines and notable achievements. |
| 4:2 | The verse mentions the sons of Judah, including Er, Onan, and Shelah, and their descendants. |
| 4:3 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Perez, including his sons and descendants. |
| 4:4 | The verse mentions the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures. |
| 4:5 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements. |
| 4:6 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants. |
| 4:7 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, including his sons and descendants. |
| 4:8 | The verse mentions the inhabitants of Beersheba and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures. |
2. The Family Line of Perez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
| 4:9 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Perez, including the story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection. |
| 4:10 | The verse mentions Jabez's prayer and God's response, highlighting the importance of prayer and faith in our lives. |
3. The Inhabitants of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 4:11-12)
| 4:11 | The verse mentions the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures. |
| 4:12 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements. |
4. The Descendants of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:13-15)
| 4:13 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements. |
| 4:14 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants. |
| 4:15 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, including his sons and descendants. |
5. Conclusion (1 Chronicles 4:16-23)
| 4:16 | The verse mentions the inhabitants of Beersheba and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures. |
| 4:17 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements. |
| 4:18 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants. |
| 4:19 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, including his sons and descendants. |
| 4:20 | The verse mentions the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions, highlighting their family lines and notable figures. |
| 4:21 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements. |
| 4:22 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants. |
| 4:23 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, including his sons and descendants. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the genealogy of Judah in this chapter?
The genealogy of Judah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As seen in 1 Chronicles 4:10, the chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in our lives.
What can we learn from the story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection?
The story of Jabez serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, highlighting the importance of seeking God's blessing and protection. As seen in 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez's prayer is a model for our own prayers, expressing a deep desire for God's blessing and protection.
How does this chapter highlight the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative?
The chapter emphasizes the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it. As seen in 1 Chronicles 4:1-8, the chapter provides a detailed account of the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 4:1 → Genesis 38:1-30 | The chapter provides a detailed account of the descendants of Judah, which is also mentioned in Genesis 38:1-30. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 4:10 → Matthew 1:3-6 | The story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection is a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, which is also emphasized in Matthew 1:3-6. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 4:13 → Genesis 49:1-28 | The chapter provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, which is also mentioned in Genesis 49:1-28. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 4:15 → Numbers 26:12-14 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, which is also mentioned in Numbers 26:12-14. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 4:18 → Exodus 6:14-25 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants, which is also mentioned in Exodus 6:14-25. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 4:20 → Leviticus 10:1-3 | The verse provides an account of the descendants of Simeon, including their family lines and notable achievements, which is also mentioned in Leviticus 10:1-3. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 4:22 → Deuteronomy 33:1-29 | The verse mentions the sons of Simeon, including Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, and their descendants, which is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:1-29. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 4:23 → Joshua 19:1-9 | The verse provides an account of the family line of Jemuel, including his sons and descendants, which is also mentioned in Joshua 19:1-9. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 4:1 → Luke 3:33 | The chapter provides a detailed account of the descendants of Judah, which is also mentioned in Luke 3:33. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 4:10 → John 1:1-18 | The story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection is a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, which is also emphasized in John 1:1-18. |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 5 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and restoration in the Christian faith. He highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and se |
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The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5 by Alan Redpath | The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love o |
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Who Do You Think You Are by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a plane struggling to take off to illustrate the meaning of the gospel. He explains that the plane was held down by the law of gravi |
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Ichabod: The Glory Departed by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes that many preachers today are not delivering God's message but their own opinions and worldly philosophies to entertain people. T |
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Learning to Pray in the Spirit and the Word (Part One) by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of corporate prayer and encourages the audience to participate in it. He shares his personal experience of attending prayer me |
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Weakness by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jabez from the Bible, who was a man honored above his brethren. The preacher emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Word |
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Jabez a Lonely Man by John Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a cartoon that appeared in an American newspaper during the time of the moon landing. The cartoon depicts two astronauts on Mars, |
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Enlargement by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading three passages from the Bible that talk about the work of Jesus on the cross and the call to rejoice. He emphasizes the importance of |
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Jabez by Douglas Crossman | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of God's people being brought out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan. God made a covenant with them, promising to be with them and |
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(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 10 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as portrayed by Luke, who was a doctor. The speaker highlights the compassion, sensitivity, and reality of Jesus' chara |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4
In this chapter, we have a continuation of the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, which is a reminder of the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative. The story of Jabez and his prayer for God's blessing and protection serves as a model for our own prayers, expressing a deep desire for God's blessing and protection. The chapter also highlights the significance of the family lines of Perez and Simeon, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the genealogy of Judah is a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.' May we learn to trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He is a loving and gracious Father who desires to bless and prosper us. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Family
The chapter emphasizes the significance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, highlighting the genealogy and family lines of Judah. This serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating our own family heritage and the role we play within it.
The Power of Prayer
The story of Jabez serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in our lives, highlighting the importance of seeking God's blessing and protection. This encourages us to be faithful in prayer and to trust in God's goodness and provision.
The Faithfulness of God
The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and covenant promises to His people, which are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This serves as a reminder of God's love and faithfulness towards us, encouraging us to trust in His goodness and provision.