1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 4:1

1. Judah (2:14:23)Judah was the head of the largest tribe and the foremost in blessing and promise, and thus his genealogy is the first and the longest to be taken up (2:34:23). The genealogies of two descendants of Judah are developed more fullyCaleb: 1Ch_2:18-20, 1Ch_2:42-55 (this is not the Caleb of Num. 13; see 4:15), and David: 1Ch_3:1-24. Several historical notes are sprinkled throughout the genealogies. These are things to which the Holy Spirit would draw our attention, points of interest in this panoramic sweep of the history of Israel. In the genealogies of Judah, God’s dealings with two wicked men and His blessing of one righteous man are brought to our attention. “Er, the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He killed him” (1Ch_2:3). He was the offspring of Judah’s marriage to Shua, a Canaanite woman (Gen_38:1-10). We are not told what he did, but only that he was evil in the sight of the LORD. His wickedness cost him his privileges as the firstborn, his place in the messianic line, and his life. His name became a blot on the family record for all generations to view. Men would do well to ponder the consequences of evil before it is too late. “For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psa_37:9). The story of Achar (Achan) (1Ch_2:7) is found in Joshua 7. He “saw,” “cov-eted,” and “took” (Jos_7:21) the things under the ban in Jericho. He troubled Israel in that, because of his sin, thirty-six men died in the unsuccessful attack on Ai. He was singled out by the Lord, and he and his family were executed. “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers” (4:9). Here was a man who had a large concept of God and honored Him by seeking His blessing. Jabez was a man of faith, and the Lord took note of it. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb_11:6). Ironside comments: His prayer is fourfold. “Bless me indeed.” That is, “Give me true happiness.” This is only found as one prevails and walks with God. “Enlarge my coast.” He was not content to go on only with what he had. He would enter into and enjoy more of the inheritance of the Lord. “That Thine hand may be with me!” He counted on God’s protecting care. And lastly, he prayed, “Keep me from evil that it may not make me sorrowful.” Sin is the only thing that can rob a child of God of his joy in the Lord. Jabez sought and was rewarded. May God strengthen us to follow his example! Bithia (4:18) is one of the few women mentioned in these genealogies. She was a daughter of Pharaoh but was now living with the chosen people. Her name means daughter of Jehovah. One apparent discrepancy should be mentioned before we move on. In 1Ch_2:15 David is called the seventh son of Jesse while in 1Sa_16:10-11 and 1Sa_17:12 he is the eighth son. One of Jesse’s sons probably died childless or before he married and so is not included by the chronicler.

1 Chronicles 4:24

2. Simeon (4:24-43)4:24-43 Simeon, Jacob’s second born, is taken up next, probably because of the close association of his tribe with Judah. Simeon’s portion in the Promised Land was within the territory of Judah (Jos_19:9). The cities listed in 4:28-33 were their inheritance. However, later in history they acquired additional land through conquest.