1 Chronicles 4 41

1 Chronicles 4:41 kjv

And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:41 nkjv

These recorded by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and they attacked their tents and the Meunites who were found there, and utterly destroyed them, as it is to this day. So they dwelt in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks there.

1 Chronicles 4:41 niv

The men whose names were listed came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings and also the Meunites who were there and completely destroyed them, as is evident to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:41 esv

These, registered by name, came in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and destroyed their tents and the Meunites who were found there, and marked them for destruction to this day, and settled in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4:41 nlt

But during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, these leaders of Simeon invaded the region and completely destroyed the homes of the descendants of Ham and of the Meunites. No trace of them remains today. They killed everyone who lived there and took the land for themselves, because they wanted its good pastureland for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 41 Meaning

This verse narrates a specific historical event concerning certain Simeonites who were registered "by name." During the reign of King Hezekiah, they embarked on an expedition, decisively defeating and completely annihilating the inhabitants found in an area previously not fully settled by them. They then occupied the vacated territories and habitations, driven by the practical need for grazing land for their abundant flocks.

1 Chronicles 4 41 Context

First Chronicles Chapter 4 is primarily a genealogical record focusing on the descendants of Judah and Simeon, emphasizing their lineages, dwelling places, and key historical achievements. This specific verse (1 Ch 4:41) details an expansion by a specific group of Simeonites. The preceding verses (1 Ch 4:39-40) describe other Simeonites seeking pasture and finding rich, good, quiet, and peaceful land formerly occupied by Hamites.

Historically, this event took place "in the days of Hezekiah King of Judah" (c. 715-686 BC). Hezekiah's reign was a significant period marked by religious reforms and national revival, amidst intense Assyrian pressure. This particular action by the Simeonites—a tribe whose territory was intertwined with Judah's and whose historical portion was relatively small (cf. Josh 19:1-9)—underscores a continued struggle and God's provision for their practical needs long after the initial conquest of Canaan. It shows a localized re-assertion of Israelite control and expansion during a time when Judah was attempting to regain strength and spiritual integrity under a righteous king.

1 Chronicles 4 41 Word Analysis

• And these written by name (Hebrew: וְאֵלֶּה הַכְּתוּבִים בְּשֵׁמוֹת, ve'elleh ha'k'tuvim b'shemot):
  • Word Level: "Written" (k'tuvim) implies a formal listing or registry. "By name" (b'shemot) means individual names were recorded, signifying specific individuals designated for this expedition or perhaps leaders of certain clans.
  • Significance: This detail suggests a deliberate, organized, and perhaps divinely sanctioned or divinely remembered undertaking, rather than a spontaneous migration. It may reflect military rosters or tribal genealogical records of those participating in a notable conquest, distinguishing them from the general population. This formal designation adds a layer of purpose and divine recognition to their actions.
• came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah:
  • Word Level: "Came" (ba'u) refers to their movement or participation in this event. "Hezekiah" was a historically significant king known for his piety and reforms. "King of Judah" situates the event within the southern kingdom's monarchical history.
  • Significance: Pinpoints the exact historical timing, anchoring this tribal account to a well-known period. Hezekiah's reign was one of revival and faithfulness, suggesting that God's favor was upon Judah and its allied tribes, enabling such an expansion. It also shows the ongoing dynamic between tribal life and the monarchy, where the king's authority or his reign's characteristics might enable specific tribal actions.
• and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there:
  • Word Level: "Smote" (וַיַּכּוּ, vayyakku, from נָכָה, nakah) implies a forceful, decisive military blow. "Tents" ('oholim) denotes nomadic or semi-nomadic dwellings. "Habitations" (mishkanim) suggests more permanent, fixed structures or settlements. "Found there" indicates discovery upon arrival.
  • Significance: Describes the military action against the previous occupants. The distinction between "tents" and "habitations" indicates the mixed nature of the population found there—some potentially nomadic, others more settled. This phrase confirms the forceful displacement of existing peoples.
• and destroyed them utterly unto this day:
  • Word Level: "Destroyed... utterly" (וַיַּחֲרִימוּ, vayyaharimu, from חָרַם, charam) refers to herem, a concept of utter devotion to destruction, often involving complete eradication of a population or property in service to God's judgment. "Unto this day" (`ad haiyom hazzeh) is a frequent biblical phrase.
  • Significance: The use of herem suggests a divinely sanctioned act of judgment or purification, reminiscent of the initial conquest of Canaan. It emphasizes the totality of the destruction, leaving no survivors. "Unto this day" underscores the lasting impact and permanence of the Simeonites' victory and occupation, asserting their continuous control of the territory up to the time the Chronicler wrote. It implies the fulfillment of their right to the land.
• and dwelt in their rooms:
  • Word Level: "Dwelt" (וַיֵּשְׁבוּ, vayyeshvu) means to settle or inhabit. "Their rooms" (עַל מְקוֹמָם, al m'qomam, literally "in their place") signifies taking possession of the exact locations and properties vacated by the vanquished.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the objective of the conquest: not merely destruction, but active, immediate resettlement and appropriation of the land. It represents a complete change of ownership and residency.
• because there was pasture there for their flocks:
  • Word Level: "Pasture" (mir'eh) refers to rich grazing land. "Flocks" (tson) signifies sheep and goats, vital to the livelihood of the Israelite tribes.
  • Significance: This reveals the primary, pragmatic motivation for the Simeonites' expedition—economic necessity and sustenance for their livestock. It highlights the recurring biblical theme of God providing for His people's physical needs, often through guiding them to abundant resources and fertile lands. It links the divinely-empowered conquest directly to the sustenance of His people.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah": This grouping emphasizes divine oversight and human leadership working together. The specific identity ("written by name") and historical context (Hezekiah's reign) underline the divine hand and legitimizes the expansion, positioning it as an organized and recognized event rather than random tribal wanderings.
• "and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms": This passage details the comprehensive nature of the conquest. It highlights the full cycle of military action: forceful confrontation, total elimination of previous inhabitants (a reflection of divine judgment often found in the Old Testament against pagan peoples), and the immediate, permanent resettlement, signifying complete dominion.
• "because there was pasture there for their flocks": This concluding phrase provides the direct and practical motivation, rooting the divinely-empowered conquest in the fundamental needs of a pastoral society. It portrays God's provision for His people through both their faithfulness (implied by Hezekiah's reign) and their physical exertion in taking the land and its resources.

1 Chronicles 4 41 Bonus section

This verse, found in a book known for its extensive genealogies, provides a brief but vital glimpse into the continuing process of the Israelite tribes securing their heritage. While Simeon's inheritance was technically within Judah's territory (Josh 19:1-9), this passage points to their further expansion, likely southward into what was known as the Negev or Gerar region. This area, previously unsettled or only sparsely settled by Israelites, often contained remnants of earlier inhabitants. The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific historical event within the tribal lists is significant, demonstrating his interest in showing how the various tribes, particularly those associated with Judah, functioned and adapted to their circumstances, actively expanding and securing resources even centuries after the initial conquest under Joshua. It bridges the gap between the ancient tribal narratives and the more solidified monarchical period, proving that tribal identity and practical needs remained highly relevant aspects of Israelite life throughout their history. The reference to "Hezekiah King of Judah" grounds this event in verifiable historical time, reinforcing the Chronicler's commitment to presenting accurate and impactful history, illustrating how God's promises of land and provision continued to be realized for His people across generations.

1 Chronicles 4 41 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:41 provides a concise, impactful narrative embedded within the often-dry genealogical lists, revealing significant aspects of tribal life and divine providence. This account of the Simeonites' expansion during Hezekiah's reign highlights their tenacity and resilience long after the initial settlement of Canaan. It underscores a key biblical principle: God provides for His people, often in direct response to their practical needs, such as a lack of sufficient pasture for their growing flocks. The explicit mention of them being "written by name" lends an air of legitimacy, perhaps even divine authorization, to their expedition, suggesting these were specific individuals or clans designated for this task.

The forceful actions—"smote their tents and habitations" and "destroyed them utterly"—reflect the common biblical theme of divine judgment enacted through Israel against groups that occupied lands destined for God's covenant people. The phrase "unto this day" emphasizes the permanence of their victory and occupation, suggesting a lasting divine seal on their possession of the land. This event, occurring during the reform-minded reign of Hezekiah, further links tribal activity to the broader spiritual and political landscape of Judah, where renewed faithfulness often brought about national strengthening and prosperity, even in territorial acquisition. This verse is not merely a historical note but a testament to God's continuous care for His people, guiding them to resources and giving them success in occupying lands to sustain their families and flocks.