1 Chronicles 4 34

1 Chronicles 4:34 kjv

And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah, the son of Amaziah,

1 Chronicles 4:34 nkjv

Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah;

1 Chronicles 4:34 niv

Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah,

1 Chronicles 4:34 esv

Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah the son of Amaziah,

1 Chronicles 4:34 nlt

Other descendants of Simeon included Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah,

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 34 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:34 continues a detailed list of genealogical records within the tribe of Simeon. This verse names three individuals—Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah—with Joshah being explicitly identified as "the son of Amaziah." Its primary meaning is to provide an accurate and detailed accounting of the lineage of Simeon, contributing to the comprehensive tribal registers meticulously preserved in the book of Chronicles, especially vital for post-exilic Israel's identity and land claims.

1 Chronicles 4 34 Context

1 Chronicles 4 is primarily a genealogical register, continuing from chapter 3, which details the lineage of David. Chapter 4 shifts its focus to the other tribes, beginning with Judah (verses 1-23), presenting its significant families, including a special emphasis on Jabez (vv. 9-10). From verse 24, the chapter lists the descendants of Simeon, including their habitations and later conquests for land. Verses 34-37 meticulously list leaders and prominent families within the tribe of Simeon, highlighting their strength and settlement areas. This specific verse (v. 34) is part of this extended record of Simeonite chieftains and families, demonstrating the continuity and established nature of their tribal presence and identity.

In the broader context of the Book of Chronicles, genealogies are foundational. Written after the Babylonian exile, the Chronicler sought to remind the returning exiles of their heritage, their identity as "all Israel," and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises (especially the Davidic covenant) and the land. By providing detailed tribal registers, the Chronicler legitimized claims to land, reinforced tribal identity, and linked the present generation to their historical roots and God's grand narrative of salvation, even for a seemingly less prominent tribe like Simeon, whose territory was assimilated within Judah. These seemingly "dry" lists underscore divine order, the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan, and His precise attention to every family and individual within His people.

1 Chronicles 4 34 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): This common Hebrew conjunction serves to connect these individuals to the previous list in a simple enumeration, signifying continuation.
• Meshobab (מְשׁוֹבָב - Meshovav): A proper name meaning "returned" or "turning back." While not explicit in the text, its root might subtly resonate with the theme of Israel's post-exilic "return" (Teshuvah) to the land, which is a significant backdrop to the Book of Chronicles. This is merely a speculative thematic connection, as its primary purpose is simply to identify an individual.
• and (וְ - ve): Connects the next name.
• Jamlech (יַמְלֵךְ - Yamlekh): A proper name, meaning "he will reign" or "he will make king." This name points towards the concept of authority, kingship, or divine rule, themes deeply significant to the Chronicler's narrative which highlights the Davidic monarchy and God's ultimate sovereignty.
• and (וְ - ve): Connects the next name.
• Joshah (יוֹשָׁה - Yosha): A proper name, likely a shortened form or variant of "Jehovah is salvation" or "saved by Yah/God." Names expressing God's salvific nature were common among Israelites, reflecting their reliance on God for deliverance and preservation, a core tenet of their faith.
• the son of (בֶּן־ - ben-): This phrase explicitly denotes patrilineal descent, essential for establishing tribal identity, family relationships, and, crucially, hereditary rights concerning land and tribal standing within ancient Israelite society.
• Amaziah (אֲמַצְיָה - Amatzyah): A proper name, meaning "strength of the Lord" or "Jehovah is mighty." This theophoric name, containing the divine name "Yah" (short for Yahweh), affirms God as the source of strength and power, a pervasive theme throughout Scripture regarding Israel's well-being and conquests.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah: This string of personal names linked by "and" highlights the detailed, exhaustive nature of the Chronicler's genealogical record-keeping. It signifies a continuous, orderly lineage, emphasizing the individual members that constitute the larger tribal identity, rather than just the collective. It represents meticulous attention to divine-human interaction within historical progression.
• Joshah the son of Amaziah: This precise genealogical statement defines the familial relationship. In ancient Israel, such clear designations of fatherhood were paramount for legal purposes, including tribal registration, land inheritance claims, and establishing authenticity within the community. For the post-exilic audience, it validated their right to re-settle and reclaim ancestral lands according to God's promises.

1 Chronicles 4 34 Bonus section

The seemingly tedious nature of biblical genealogies, as seen in this verse, paradoxically reveals several profound truths. Firstly, they demonstrate the historical accuracy and continuity upon which the biblical narrative is built, linking real people through real time. Secondly, for the original audience, these lists functioned as living legal documents, confirming legitimacy for priesthood, land ownership, and communal roles. Thirdly, the preservation of such minute details over centuries speaks to the divine inspiration and preservation of Scripture itself, reinforcing its claim as a precise and reliable record of God's interaction with humanity. Even names within seemingly less prominent tribes like Simeon hold value in God's eternal memory, showcasing His particular care for all His covenant people, not just the main figures or prominent lines. The individual meanings of the names (return, reign, salvation, strength) could also be seen as reflecting universal themes of Israel's national history and hope, resonating particularly with the post-exilic community who longed for restoration and God's rule.

1 Chronicles 4 34 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:34, though a simple list of names, is deeply significant when understood in its original context. It serves as a vital component of the comprehensive genealogical records compiled by the Chronicler, primarily for the returning exiles. These genealogies were not mere historical curiosity but served foundational purposes:

1. Identity Affirmation: They confirmed who was truly "Israel," helping the dispersed people reconnect with their ancestral roots and the covenants God made with their forefathers. Each name represents a link in the unbroken chain of God's covenant people.
2. Land Claims: For the returning exiles, these detailed lineages legitimized their rights to inherited land in Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Knowing their specific tribal and familial affiliation, as demonstrated here for Simeon, was crucial for re-establishing territorial claims.
3. God's Order and Faithfulness: The meticulous preservation of these names, even obscure ones, underscores God's intricate knowledge of His people and His faithfulness to His word through generations. It shows that God remembers individuals and works through their family lines. The Chronicler emphasizes that God pays attention to detail and providentially guides the destiny of families within His grand plan. These seemingly mundane lists point to the profound truth that no individual within God's people is overlooked by Him.

This verse exemplifies God's orderly approach to His creation and people, highlighting that every individual has a place and purpose within His divine blueprint. Just as each name serves as a building block in the genealogies, so too is each believer integral to the greater body of Christ today (Eph 2:19-22).