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1 Chronicles 4

43 verses

TL;DR

Chapter 4 of 1 Chronicles lists the descendants of Judah and other families, highlights Jabez's prayer for blessing, and records the geographic distribution and activities of these peoples during King Hezekiah’s reign.

Summary

The chapter opens with a genealogical list of Judah’s sons—Pharez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal—and continues through multiple generations, noting families such as the Zorathites and descendants of Ephratah. It includes a brief narrative about Jabez, whose mother named him because of her sorrow, and his prayer for God’s blessing, which God granted. Subsequent passages enumerate additional families and individuals, often noting their roles or trades, such as craftsmen and potters. The text also identifies numerous towns and villages, mapping the habitation of these lineages. Finally, it describes actions taken during King Hezekiah’s reign—smashing tents and destroying settlements—illustrating the political and military context for these families. The chapter functions largely as a historical record, preserving lineages and place names for later generations.

Outline
  1. Genealogical lists of Judah’s descendants and associated families.
  2. Narrative highlight of Jabez and his prayer for divine blessing.
  3. Geographic references and later historical events under King Hezekiah.
Themes
Lineage and heritageDivine blessing through prayerHistorical memory and identity
Keywords
genealogyJudahlineageJabezblessingprayerHezekiahIsraeldescendants
People
JudahPharezHezronCarmiHurShobalReaiahJahathAhumaiLahadEtamJezreelIshmaIdbashHazelelponiPenuelGedorEzerHushahAshurTekoaHelahNaarahAhuzamHepherTemeniHaahashtariZerethJezoarEthnanCozAnubZobebahAharhelHarumJabezChelubShuahMehirEshtonBethraphaPaseahTehinnahIrnahashKenazOthnielSeraiahHathathMeonothaiOphrahJoabCalebJephunnehIruElahNaamJehaleleelZiphZiphahTiriaAsareelEzraJetherMeredEpherJalonMiriamShammaiIshbahJehudijahJeredHeberSochoJekuthielBithiahHodiahKeilahEshtemoaShimonAmnonRinnahBenhananTilonIshiZohethBenzohethShelahErLecahLaadahMareshahAshbeaJokimChozebaJoashSaraphJashubilehem
Places
JudahEphratahBethlehemTekoaBeershebaMoladahHazarshualBilhaEzemToladBethuelHormahZiklagBethmarcabothHazarsusimBethbireiShaaraimGedorSeirMount SeirKingdom of Judah
Things
Genealogical recordsPrayerBlessingPastureValleysCitiesVillagesPottersCraftsmanshipMilitary actionsDestruction of settlements
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 4:10: Highlights Jabez’s prayer for blessing and God's gracious response, illustrating faith and divine favor.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:1: Sets the genealogical context for the chapter, establishing the focus on Judah’s lineage.
Questions
  • Why is genealogy so emphasized in this chapter?
  • What does Jabez’s prayer reveal about the relationship between human petition and divine blessing?
  • How do the geographic references help us understand the social and political landscape of the time?
  • In what ways does the record of destruction during Hezekiah’s reign reflect broader themes of judgment and renewal?
  • What can modern readers learn from the way families and places are memorialized in this text?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter presents factual genealogical data with a single positive narrative about prayer.