I Chronicles Chapter 4
Please read: I Chronicles 4 –
Chapters 4 through 7 give us the records of the descendants of 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel. There is also a record of the descendants of Levi, another son of Jacob. And through this genealogical record we arrive at our first king of Israel Saul and the second king, King David. Please keep in mind that these records do not carry the records of every child born but is given in such a way as the chronicler wanted to show record of God’s purpose through the life of the descendants of Abraham. God had promised that his descendants would become as numerous as the sands of the sea.
The Bible says in verse 33 that “they kept a genealogical record.” Stop and think about that phrase for a moment. In this particular verse, it is in reference to the descendants of Simeon. Did all of the people of the ancient world keep genealogical records? Historians can vouch for the fact that most of them did. They did a much better job recording this important task than we do in modern times. Yet it still questionable that all people groups kept great records. We can only explain it with one important truth, and that is that our God ordained that these records were kept or that they were gathered by Him as the scriptures were written.
Let's Reflect
1. In the middle of the list of the descendants of Judah, we find the story of a man named Jabez. His name means pain as his mother bore him in much pain. The ancient world believed that the meaning of their given names would serve to orchestrate their whole life. But Jabez did not want his life to be marked by pain. The Bible says that Jabez was different than his brothers. What made him different?
2. Jabez understood that his life could be different if he looked to the one who created Him. So, in faith Jabez prayed a prayer to God? What was his prayer? Did God answer his prayer?
3. What occupation is mentioned of the family of Ge-harashim in verse 14?
4. Verse 23 mentions another type of occupation of the descendants, what was that occupation?
5. Beginning in verse 24 is the descendants of Simeon. What comparison statement is made at the end of verse 27 in regard to these descendants?
6. Verse remaining verses of the chapter describe the territory and the length of the descendants of Simeon. There is a time stamp given to us in verse 41, a king of Judah (as in the name of the southern kingdom). This king was the 13th king to reign in the southern kingdom after David. What was the king’s name? This is more proof that God kept His covenant promises through the ages.
