1 Chronicles 2:55
and the clans of the scribes who lived at Jabez--the Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.
and the clans of the scribes who lived at Jabez—

Jabez was a settlement in Judah associated with families devoted to scribal work. Their presence shows that the preservation, copying, and administration of written records had an established place within Israel’s tribal life. The Chronicler’s concern for genealogies and inherited responsibilities reflects the value of faithfully preserving the testimony of God’s works and covenant dealings.

1Ch 4:9-10 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.…
Ezr 7:11 This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given…
2Ch 34:13 were over the laborers and supervised all…

the Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites.

These clans formed recognized divisions among the scribes at Jabez. Scripture gives no further account of their individual histories, yet their names preserve the memory of families whose service supported the spiritual and civic life of the nation. God’s purposes often advance through faithful households whose labor receives little notice elsewhere.

Jdg 1:16 Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite…
1Sa 27:10 Who would ask him, “What have you raided today?”…
1Sa 30:29 those in Racal and in the cities of the Jerahmeelites…

These are the Kenites who came from Hammath,

The Kenites had longstanding connections with Israel, including the family of Moses’ father-in-law, whose descendants settled among Judah (Judg. 1:16). Their inclusion among Judah’s records shows that those who joined themselves to the people of God could share in the life and inheritance of the covenant community. Hammath was the ancestor from whom these Kenite families traced their descent.

Jdg 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites,…
Jdg 5:24 Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber…
1Sa 15:6 And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness…

the father of the house of Rechab.

The Rechabites became known for obeying the command of Jonadab son of Rechab to remain nomadic and abstain from wine (Jeremiah 35:6–10). The Lord commended their steadfast obedience as a rebuke to Judah’s refusal to heed His word. Their appearance among the scribal clans joins disciplined family faithfulness with the careful preservation of Israel’s sacred history.

Jer 35:2-19 Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them…
2Ki 10:15-23 When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jabez
A location where the clans of scribes resided. It is significant for its association with the scribes, who were responsible for recording and preserving the law and history of Israel.

2. Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites
These are the clans of scribes mentioned in the verse. They played a crucial role in maintaining the written records and traditions of the Israelites.

3. Kenites
A nomadic tribe with a history of association with Israel. They are noted for their wisdom and skills, particularly in metalwork and writing.

4. Hammath
The ancestor of the Kenites mentioned here, indicating a lineage that contributed to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Israel.

5. House of Rechab
A family within the Kenites known for their strict adherence to a nomadic lifestyle and abstention from wine, as seen in other biblical references.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Scribes
The role of scribes in preserving God's word and history is crucial. We should value and support those who dedicate themselves to studying and teaching Scripture.

Faithfulness to Tradition
The Kenites, particularly the Rechabites, exemplify the importance of maintaining godly traditions. We should evaluate and uphold traditions that align with biblical principles.

Integration and Influence
The Kenites' integration into Israel demonstrates how different groups can contribute positively to God's people. We should be open to learning from diverse backgrounds within the Christian community.

Commitment to Godly Values
The Rechabites' commitment to their values, even when counter-cultural, challenges us to stand firm in our convictions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the scribes in ancient Israel compare to the role of Bible teachers and scholars today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our traditions align with biblical teachings, similar to the Rechabites' adherence to their ancestral commands?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Kenites' integration into Israel about welcoming and learning from diverse groups within the church?

4. How can we apply the Rechabites' example of commitment to godly values in our daily lives, especially when faced with societal pressures?

5. Reflect on a tradition or practice in your life. How does it align with Scripture, and what steps can you take to ensure it honors God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 1:16
This verse mentions the Kenites' association with the Israelites, highlighting their integration and influence within the community.

Jeremiah 35
The Rechabites are commended for their faithfulness to their ancestral commands, illustrating their commitment to their traditions and values.

2 Kings 10:15-23
Jehu's interaction with Jehonadab, a member of the house of Rechab, underscores the respect and influence the Rechabites held.
ScribesJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 2:55
The Families of the ScribesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 2:55
The Mission of the KenitesR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 2:55
The Human FamilyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 2:1-55
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abigail, Abihail, Abijah, Abinadab, Abishai, Abishur, Achan, Achar, Achsa, Achsah, Ahban, Ahijah, Ahlai, Amasa, Amminadab, Appaim, Aram, Ardon, Asahel, Asher, Ashur, Atarah, Attai, Azariah, Azubah, Bathshua, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Boaz, Bunah, Calcol, Caleb, Carmi, Chelubai, Dan, Dara, Darda, David, Eker, Elasah, Eleasah, Eliab, Elishama, Ephah, Ephlal, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtaolites, Eshtaulites, Ethan, Gad, Gazez, Gesham, Geshem, Hamul, Haran, Hareph, Haroeh, Hazi-hammana-hethites, Helez, Heman, Hemath, Hezron, Hur, Ishi, Issachar, Ithrites, Jabez, Jada, Jahdai, Jair, Jamin, Jarha, Jehu, Jekamiah, Jerahmeel, Jerioth, Jesher, Jesse, Jether, Jithrites, Joab, Jonathan, Joseph, Jotham, Kenites, Korah, Levi, Maacah, Maachah, Maaz, Machir, Manahathites, Manahethites, Maon, Menahethites, Mesha, Mishraites, Molid, Moza, Nadab, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nathan, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obed, Onam, Onan, Oren, Ozem, Pelet, Peleth, Perez, Pharez, Puhites, Puthites, Raddai, Raham, Rechab, Regem, Rekem, Reuben, Salma, Salmon, Segub, Seled, Shaaph, Shallum, Shammai, Sheber, Shelah, Shema, Sheshan, Sheva, Shimea, Shimeathites, Shimma, Shobab, Shobal, Shua, Shumathites, Simeon, Sisamai, Sucathites, Suchathites, Tamar, Tappuah, Tirathites, Tireathites, Tirhanah, Uri, Zabad, Zareathites, Zaza, Zebulun, Zerah, Zereathites, Zeruiah, Zimri, Zorathites, Zoreathites, Zorites, Zur
Places
Aram, Edom, Geshur, Gilead, Hammath, Havvoth-jair, Jabez, Kenath
Topics
Dwelt, Families, Family, Hammath, Hemath, Inhabitants, Jabez, Kenites, Ken'ites, Offspring, Recab, Rechab, Scribes, Shimeathites, Shim'e-athites, Sucathites, Su'cathites, Suchathites, Tirathites, Ti'rathites, Tireathites
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:55

     5514   scribes

Library
Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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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