1 Chronicles 4:39
and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks.
They went
This phrase indicates a deliberate action taken by a group of people. In the context of 1 Chronicles, this refers to the descendants of Simeon. The Hebrew root for "went" is "הלך" (halak), which often implies a purposeful journey or mission. This reflects the proactive nature of the Simeonites in seeking new opportunities and resources, a reminder of the importance of taking initiative in our spiritual and daily lives.

to the outskirts of Gedor
"Gedor" is a location mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often associated with the tribe of Judah. The "outskirts" suggest a boundary or a frontier area, indicating that the Simeonites were exploring new territories. This exploration can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, where believers are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones to discover new blessings and opportunities in their walk with God.

to the east side of the valley
The "east side" in biblical terms often symbolizes a place of new beginnings or a fresh start, as the sun rises in the east. Valleys in scripture can represent low points or challenges, but also places of fertility and growth. This phrase suggests that the Simeonites were seeking new beginnings even in challenging circumstances, a powerful reminder that God can provide opportunities for growth and renewal even in the valleys of life.

to seek pasture for their flocks
"Pasture" in Hebrew is "מרעה" (mireh), which signifies a place of nourishment and sustenance. Flocks were vital to the livelihood of the Israelites, symbolizing wealth, provision, and God's blessing. The act of seeking pasture reflects a dependence on God's provision and guidance. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the need to seek spiritual nourishment and rest in God's abundant provision, trusting that He will lead us to green pastures as described in Psalm 23.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Simeonites
This verse refers to the descendants of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were seeking new territory for their flocks.

2. Gedor
A location mentioned in the context of the Simeonites' search for pasture. It is believed to be a place in the southern part of Judah, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. The Valley
The specific valley is not named, but it is described as being on the east side, indicating a geographical direction in their search for resources.
Teaching Points
God's Provision
The search for pasture by the Simeonites reminds us of God's provision for His people. Just as they sought resources for their flocks, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision for our needs.

Seeking New Opportunities
The journey to Gedor illustrates the importance of seeking new opportunities and being willing to move when necessary. In our lives, we should be open to God's leading into new ventures or areas of service.

Community and Cooperation
The Simeonites' collective effort to find pasture highlights the value of community and working together. In our faith communities, cooperation and unity are essential for growth and success.

Faith in Action
The act of seeking pasture demonstrates faith in action. It is not enough to trust God passively; we must also take steps in faith to pursue what He has promised.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the search for pasture by the Simeonites teach us about trusting in God's provision in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking new opportunities, as demonstrated by the Simeonites, in our personal or professional lives?

3. In what ways can we foster a sense of community and cooperation within our church or faith group, similar to the Simeonites' collective effort?

4. How does the concept of "faith in action" challenge us to actively pursue God's promises in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith to seek something new. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's guidance and provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:7
This verse provides background on the tribe of Simeon, highlighting Jacob's prophecy about their dispersion, which connects to their search for new land in 1 Chronicles 4:39.

Joshua 19:1-9
These verses describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon, which was within the territory of Judah, providing context for their need to seek additional pasture.

Psalm 23:1-2
This passage speaks of God as a shepherd who provides for His flock, paralleling the Simeonites' search for pasture with God's provision.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
The SimeonitesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 4:31-43
Might and RightR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 4:39-41
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Adiel, Aharhel, Ahumai, Ahuzam, Allon, Amalek, Amalekites, Amaziah, Amnon, Anub, Asaiah, Asareel, Ashur, Asiel, Ben, Benaiah, Benhanan, Benzoheth, Bethrapha, Bethuel, Bilhah, Bithiah, Caleb, Carmi, Chelub, Coz, David, Elah, Elioenai, Epher, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtemoa, Eshton, Ethnan, Ezer, Ezra, Garmite, Gedor, Haahashtari, Hakkoz, Ham, Hamites, Hamuel, Hanan, Harum, Hathath, Hazelelponi, Heber, Helah, Hepher, Hezekiah, Hezron, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hur, Idbash, Iru, Ishbah, Ishi, Ishma, Izhar, Jaakobah, Jabez, Jahath, Jalon, Jamin, Jamlech, Jarib, Jedaiah, Jehaleleel, Jehu, Jekuthiel, Jephunneh, Jered, Jeshohaiah, Jesimiel, Jether, Jezoar, Jezreel, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jokim, Joshah, Josibiah, Kenaz, Koz, Laadah, Lahad, Mehir, Meonothai, Mered, Meshobab, Meunim, Meunites, Mibsam, Miriam, Mishma, Naam, Naarah, Naham, Nahash, Neariah, Nemuel, Ophrah, Othniel, Paseah, Pelatiah, Penuel, Perez, Pharaoh, Pharez, Rapha, Reaiah, Rechah, Rephaiah, Rinnah, Saraph, Saul, Seir, Seraiah, Shallum, Shammai, Shaul, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimon, Shimri, Shiphi, Shobal, Shuah, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Tehinnah, Temeni, Tilon, Tiria, Uzziel, Zacchur, Zaccur, Zerah, Zereth, Ziphah, Ziza, Zobebah, Zohar, Zoheth, Zorathites, Zoreathites
Places
Ain, Ashan, Baal, Beersheba, Beth-biri, Beth-marcaboth, Bethuel, Bilhah, Cozeba, Etam, Ezem, Gederah, Gedor, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susim, Hormah, Jerusalem, Lehem, Moab, Moladah, Mount Seir, Netaim, Recah, Rimmon, Shaaraim, Tochen, Tolad, Ziklag
Topics
East, Entrance, Flock, Flocks, Gedor, Grass-land, Journeyed, Opening, Pasture, Search, Seek, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:24-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 4:39-40

     4290   valleys

Library
The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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