1 Chronicles 4 22

1 Chronicles 4:22 kjv

And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.

1 Chronicles 4:22 nkjv

also Jokim, the men of Chozeba, and Joash; Saraph, who ruled in Moab, and Jashubi-Lehem. Now the records are ancient.

1 Chronicles 4:22 niv

Jokim, the men of Kozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi Lehem. (These records are from ancient times.)

1 Chronicles 4:22 esv

and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and returned to Lehem (now the records are ancient).

1 Chronicles 4:22 nlt

Jokim; the men of Cozeba; and Joash and Saraph, who ruled over Moab and Jashubi-lehem. These names all come from ancient records.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 22 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:22 lists several individuals: Jokim, the men of Chozeba, Joash, and Saraph, along with Jashubilehem. It highlights Saraph and potentially his companions as having exercised authority or settled in the land of Moab. The verse concludes with the declaration, "And these are ancient things," signifying that these records are not new or fabricated, but well-established facts from long ago, lending them legitimacy and historical weight. The passage speaks to the detailed memory and preserved lineage within the tribe of Judah, linking them to specific territories and events of the distant past.

1 Chronicles 4 22 Context

First Chronicles Chapter 4 is primarily a genealogical record focusing on the descendants of Judah. It meticulously lists various families, their settlements, and sometimes their notable achievements or the characteristics of their patriarchs. This lengthy genealogy serves a crucial purpose for the Chronicler's original audience, the post-exilic community. It grounds them in their history, establishes their tribal identity, legitimizes their land claims, and affirms God's covenant faithfulness through successive generations, even after periods of judgment and exile. Verse 22, situated within this list, speaks of specific figures and their association with Moab, an enemy nation that also had ancient historical ties with Israel (e.g., through Ruth and King David's conquest). The statement "And these are ancient things" concludes a specific historical reference within the genealogy, emphasizing its venerable truth and enduring significance from a time predating the current audience, thus confirming the validity of the record.

1 Chronicles 4 22 Word analysis

• And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, and Jashubilehem: These are names of individuals or groups, forming a genealogical or historical list within the tribe of Judah. The Chronicler's careful documentation underscores the importance of every lineage detail to the returning exiles. These figures are part of God's wider, sovereign plan, even if their specific roles remain largely obscure outside this verse.
• who had the dominion (אֲשֶׁר־בָּעֲלוּ - 'asher ba'alu):
  • 'asher: A relative pronoun, meaning "who," "which," or "that."
  • ba'alu: From the root בָּעַל (ba'al), meaning "to possess," "to rule," "to have as husband/lord." Here, it denotes taking possession, holding authority, or exercising sovereignty. It implies that these individuals or their clans held significant sway, possibly through conquest, settlement, or establishing an influential presence.
• in Moab (לְמוֹאָב - ləMô'āḇ):
  • lə: The preposition "to" or "for." When combined with ba'al, it implies "over" or "belonging to," signifying their rule over Moab or within Moabite territory. Moab was a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often hostile to Israel (Num 22-25; Judg 3:12-30) but also having ancient familial ties (Lot, Ruth). This phrase could refer to a specific historical conquest, a period of settlement, or the intermarriage that led to a measure of Israelite control or influence within Moab. It suggests a time when Judahite power extended into or was established within Moabite lands, likely predating the exile.
• And these are ancient things. (וְהַדְּבָרִים עַתִּיקִים הֵמָּה - vəhaDdəvarim 'attiqim hemmah):
  • vəhaDdəvarim: "And the things" or "and the matters." Refers to the preceding historical statements.
  • 'attiqim: This is the plural form of 'attiyq, meaning "old," "ancient," "venerable." It conveys not just old age, but also permanence, validity, and long-standing truth. The implication is that these are not mere stories but well-established, venerable facts preserved from antiquity.
  • hemmah: "They are." Reinforces the direct statement.
  • This concluding phrase lends authenticity and weight to the entire genealogical entry. For the post-exilic community, it provided reassurance of their unbroken heritage and the reliability of their lineage and past achievements, establishing continuity with God's work in ancient Israel. It validates the details presented as legitimate and historically factual.

1 Chronicles 4 22 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogical records (chapters 1-9) underscores the belief that individual and communal identity, as well as land claims and access to priestly roles, were tied to one's lineage and historical continuity with ancient Israel.
• The inclusion of details about "dominion in Moab" serves a polemic purpose by subtly reminding the audience of Yahweh's power over surrounding nations, even historical adversaries. It reasserts God's covenant with Israel, indicating His faithfulness in delivering enemies into their hands in the past, a promise they could trust for their future.
• The phrase "ancient things" can also subtly allude to things that are fixed, unchangeable, or predestined by God, giving the records an enduring, almost eternal, quality. It aligns with the Chronicler's theological emphasis on the unwavering nature of God's covenant with David and Israel.
• The obscurity of many names listed, alongside significant figures, indicates God's attention to every detail of His people's history and the lives of those seemingly "unimportant" to grand narratives, demonstrating His comprehensive care and knowledge.

1 Chronicles 4 22 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:22 encapsulates the Chronicler's intricate work of restoring national and spiritual identity post-exile. Within the detailed Judaean genealogies, this verse specifically calls out certain individuals—some obscure, some known—and attributes to them dominion in Moab. This small detail, particularly Saraph and his company, hints at specific historical events or periods of Judahite control or settlement in a region often associated with conflict or rivalry with Israel. It echoes passages like David's subjugation of Moab (2 Sam 8) and underscores Israel's historical sovereignty.

The culminating phrase, "And these are ancient things," is more than a simple chronological note. It serves as a seal of authenticity and importance. The Hebrew term 'attiqim implies venerable antiquity, established truth, and divinely preserved memory. For the original audience, who had returned from exile to a fractured society, this declaration was deeply reassuring. It connected them directly to a glorious past, validating their lineage and divine election. It suggests that these seemingly minor historical notes are not accidental but part of a greater, enduring divine narrative. The verse ultimately highlights God's faithfulness in remembering His people and their history, even seemingly minor details, proving His overarching providence through generations.