1 Chronicles 4 32

1 Chronicles 4:32 kjv

And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:

1 Chronicles 4:32 nkjv

And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan?five cities?

1 Chronicles 4:32 niv

Their surrounding villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token and Ashan?five towns?

1 Chronicles 4:32 esv

And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities,

1 Chronicles 4:32 nlt

Their descendants also lived in Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token, and Ashan ? five towns

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 32 Meaning

This verse precisely enumerates five cities – Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan – as part of the settlements associated with the tribe of Simeon. It is a precise list within a larger genealogical record, detailing the extent of their inheritance or their habitation areas.

1 Chronicles 4 32 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 4 delves into the extensive genealogies of the tribes of Israel, primarily focusing on Judah, and then transitioning to Simeon. This specific verse, 1 Chronicles 4:32, is nestled within the section detailing the cities and dwelling places of the descendants of Simeon (1 Chr 4:24-43). The Chronicler’s interest in these lists emphasizes the divine allotment of the land to the tribes as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, especially relevant for the post-exilic community who needed to reaffirm their claim to the land and their identity. The historical context positions Simeon's tribe as having received an inheritance within the larger territory of Judah, reflecting Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:7) that Simeon would be scattered. These genealogical records served to legitimize tribal lineage, establish land claims, and demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His word.

1 Chronicles 4 32 Word analysis

• and Etam (וְעֵיטָם - `wᵉ‘êṭām`): "And Etam." Etam was a place name, meaning uncertain but possibly related to a "lair of wild beasts" or a "spring/fountain." It appears to have been an actual location, as it is also mentioned as a city fortified by King Rehoboam (2 Chr 11:6) and possibly a quarry where stone for the Temple was prepared. Its inclusion here marks it as one of the established habitations of the Simeonite clans.
• and Ain (וְעַיִן - `wᵉ‘ayin`): "And Ain." The Hebrew word `ayin` means "eye" or "fountain/spring." As a place name, it consistently denotes a site with a significant water source, crucial in the arid regions of ancient Judah. Ain often appears in geographical lists (e.g., Josh 15:32, 19:7) and was also designated as a Levitical city (Josh 21:16). Its listing signifies Simeon's occupation of a vital location.
• Rimmon (רִמּוֹן - `Rimmôn`): "Rimmon." This name means "pomegranate," likely referring to the presence of pomegranate trees in the area. It is frequently associated with Ain, forming the compound "En-Rimmon" (Neh 11:29), suggesting a close proximity or even a combined settlement. The linking of Ain and Rimmon indicates a common and important site in both Simeon and Judah's historical geographical descriptions.
• and Tochen (וְתוֹכֶן - `wᵉṯōḵen`): "And Tochen." This place name is less common and its precise meaning and location are less certain, potentially meaning "measure" or "limit." Some ancient manuscripts and versions differ on its inclusion in similar lists in Joshua (e.g., Josh 15:32). Its inclusion here highlights the specificity of the Chronicler's record for Simeon's domain, even for less prominent locations.
• and Ashan (וְעָשָׁן - `wᵉ‘āšān`): "And Ashan." The name means "smoke." Ashan is also listed as a city belonging to Judah (Josh 15:42) and Simeon (Josh 19:7). Moreover, it was later allocated to the Aaronites, a family of the Levites (1 Chr 6:59), demonstrating the shared nature of some territories and the Levites' role in them. Its recurrence in different tribal lists highlights the complex interplay of land claims and tribal co-existence.
• five cities (חָמֵשׁ עָרִים - `ḥāmêš ‘ārîm`): "five cities." This specific numerical summation underscores the precise nature of the Chronicler's record. It functions as a tally, emphasizing accuracy and completeness within the genealogical and geographical inventory. This detailed enumeration reinforces the concept of the inherited land as a direct, specified divine gift and possession, rather than an arbitrary occupation.

1 Chronicles 4 32 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s emphasis on these specific city lists in genealogies served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community. It provided a historical blueprint for re-establishing tribal and family claims to the land, reinforcing identity and continuity. The repetition of these city names across different biblical books (Joshua, Nehemiah, Chronicles) also confirms their historical reality and strategic importance, often linked to water sources or defensive positions. The fact that cities like Ain and Ashan were eventually designated as Levitical cities indicates a further layer of divine planning, ensuring the presence of spiritual instruction within tribal territories. This detailed geographical account solidifies the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham regarding the land, highlighting not only the possession but also the specific parcels allocated by divine decree.

1 Chronicles 4 32 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:32 offers a concise yet significant list of five cities—Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—that formed part of Simeon's territorial holdings. This verse is characteristic of the Chronicler's genealogical meticulousness, providing tangible evidence of tribal presence and land distribution. The repeated appearance of these cities in other biblical books (Joshua, Nehemiah) and their dual associations with Simeon and Judah underscore the close and often intertwined relationship between these two tribes, particularly Simeon's unique position of having an inheritance carved out from within Judah's larger portion. The enumeration "five cities" reinforces the careful documentation, demonstrating divine faithfulness in delivering promised land portions, even for a tribe like Simeon, whose original land expectations were significantly altered due to Jacob's prophecy regarding their scattering (Gen 49:7). It served to remind the post-exilic community that despite displacement, God's promise concerning the land remained precise and certain for their ancestors.