1 Chronicles 4 29

1 Chronicles 4:29 kjv

And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

1 Chronicles 4:29 nkjv

Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

1 Chronicles 4:29 niv

Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

1 Chronicles 4:29 esv

Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

1 Chronicles 4:29 nlt

Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 29 Meaning

This verse continues the listing of towns and settlements specifically allotted to or inhabited by the tribe of Simeon. It identifies three additional places: Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad. The detailed enumeration of cities and lineages served to affirm tribal identity, substantiate land claims, and reinforce the continuity of God's covenant promises to Israel, especially for the post-exilic community reading the Chronicler's work. It grounds the descendants in their heritage and divinely appointed territory.

1 Chronicles 4 29 Context

First Chronicles 4 is primarily a genealogical record focusing on the descendants of Judah (verses 1-23) and Simeon (verses 24-43). Specifically, 1 Chronicles 4:29 is part of a list (verses 28-33) detailing the towns where the Simeonites resided. This detailed enumeration of cities served a critical purpose for the post-exilic Israelite community, to whom the Chronicler was writing. It reaffirmed their historical connection to the land and to specific tribal territories. The inclusion of these particular settlements, some of which were deep within Judah's allotted territory (as per Joshua), highlights the unique and often transient nature of Simeon's tribal inheritance and their eventual reliance on Judah's territory, echoing Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49 that Simeon would be "scattered." The meticulous cataloging aimed to validate the returnees' ancestral claims and reinforce their identity as God's chosen people with a divinely promised heritage, even after generations of exile.

1 Chronicles 4 29 Word analysis

• and at Bilhah: (וּבְבִלְהָה - ūḇə·ḇil·hāh)
  • Bilhah (בִּלְהָה): Likely a variant of "Balah" or "Baalah" mentioned in Joshua 19:3 and 15:29 respectively, indicating a shared, sometimes disputed, or cohabited territory between Simeon and Judah. This detail reflects the intricate, often fluid, tribal land distributions. Its inclusion solidifies Simeon's documented presence.
• and at Ezem: (וּבְעֶצֶם - ūḇə·ʿeṣem)
  • Ezem (עֶצֶם): This name consistently appears in lists of Simeonite towns (Joshua 19:3) and is also mentioned as part of Judah's southern allocation (Joshua 15:29). This cross-referencing in different texts affirms its historical existence and again points to the intermingling or boundary overlap between Judah and Simeon, a tribe whose inheritance was described as "scattered" among Israel (Gen 49:7).
• and at Tolad, (וּבְתוֹלָד - ūḇə·tōwlāḏ)
  • Tolad (תּוֹלָד): Possibly identical to "Eltolad" (אֶלְתּוֹלָד) found in Joshua 15:30 (Judah) and 19:4 (Simeon). The word "Tolad" literally means "offspring" or "generations" in Hebrew (תּוֹלְדוֹת). This might hint at a settlement named after a founding ancestor or lineage. Its mention further specifies the Simeonite habitation within the southern parts of the land of Canaan, contributing to the geographical precision of the tribal records.

Words-group analysis

• "and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad": This repeated structure "and at..." is a characteristic feature of ancient Near Eastern geographical lists. It systematically enumerates locations, demonstrating the meticulous detail with which land allocations and tribal habitations were recorded. For the Chronicler, it was essential to establish the validity and historicity of these tribal settlements, grounding the post-exilic community in their ancestral land claims and reaffirming God's faithfulness to His promises of territory and identity.

1 Chronicles 4 29 Bonus section

The repetitive inclusion of certain towns within both Judah and Simeon's territories (like Ezem and potentially Bilhah/Balah and Tolad/Eltolad) highlights the historical complexities of tribal boundaries. While Joshua outlines ideal initial distributions, the realities on the ground involved fluidity, shared occupancy, and sometimes even later movements or conquests. The Chronicler, compiling these lists post-exile, was affirming Simeon's established historical presence in these locations. Furthermore, the detailed genealogies and land records in Chronicles reflect the crucial importance of family and place for the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society, anticipating a return to Jerusalem and temple worship under their specific ancestral and land identity.

1 Chronicles 4 29 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:29 is a concise verse within an extensive genealogical and geographical register concerning the tribe of Simeon. It underscores the Chronicler's primary goal: to provide a firm sense of identity and belonging to the returning exiles. By meticulously listing the specific towns, the text connects them directly to their ancestral lands. These precise details were not merely historical records; they served as validation for territorial claims and reinforced the divine providence in settling the tribes. For Simeon, whose portion was somewhat dependent on Judah, these listed cities were their established strongholds, solidifying their heritage and place within the restored Israel. The emphasis on tangible land connects the present community to the faithful past, reassuring them of God's enduring covenant and blessings.