1 Chronicles 4:24
The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul.
The sons of Simeon
This phrase introduces the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Simeon is often associated with the southern part of the land of Israel, and its history is intertwined with that of the tribe of Judah. The genealogical records in Chronicles serve to remind the Israelites of their heritage and God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The listing of names underscores the importance of family lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises through generations.

Nemuel
The name Nemuel means "Day of God" or "God's Day" in Hebrew. This name reflects the cultural and religious significance of naming in ancient Israel, where names often carried theological meanings or expressed the parents' hopes for their children. Nemuel's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of the Simeonite line and God's ongoing relationship with His people.

Jamin
Jamin means "Right Hand" or "South" in Hebrew. The right hand is often symbolic of strength and favor in biblical literature. This name may suggest a position of honor or strength within the tribe. The mention of Jamin in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the diverse roles and characteristics within the tribes of Israel, each contributing to the nation's identity and mission.

Jarib
The name Jarib means "He Contends" or "He Pleads" in Hebrew. This name could imply a role of advocacy or leadership within the tribe. In the broader biblical narrative, the act of contending or pleading is often associated with intercession or standing up for justice. Jarib's presence in the genealogy may symbolize the tribe's role in upholding justice and righteousness within the community.

Zerah
Zerah means "Rising" or "Dawning" in Hebrew. This name evokes imagery of new beginnings and hope. In the context of the genealogy, Zerah's name may symbolize the renewal and continuation of God's promises to His people. The dawn is often used in Scripture as a metaphor for God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption.

Shaul
The name Shaul means "Asked For" or "Prayed For" in Hebrew. This name reflects the practice of seeking God's guidance and blessing through prayer. Shaul's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of prayer and dependence on God in the life of the Israelite community. It serves as a reminder that the tribes of Israel were not only defined by their lineage but also by their relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simeon
The second son of Jacob and Leah, Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants are listed in this passage, highlighting the continuation of his lineage.

2. Nemuel
A descendant of Simeon, Nemuel is mentioned as one of his sons. His name means "Day of God" in Hebrew, indicating a possible connection to divine timing or purpose.

3. Jamin
Another son of Simeon, Jamin's name means "right hand" or "south" in Hebrew, which could symbolize strength or direction.

4. Jarib
A descendant of Simeon, Jarib's name means "he contends" or "he will plead," suggesting a role of advocacy or conflict resolution.

5. Zerah
Also a son of Simeon, Zerah's name means "rising" or "dawning," which can symbolize new beginnings or enlightenment.

6. Shaul
The last son listed, Shaul's name means "asked for" or "prayed for," indicating a child of promise or fulfillment of a request.
Teaching Points
Legacy and Lineage
The listing of Simeon's descendants reminds us of the importance of family heritage and the impact of our lineage on future generations. We are encouraged to consider the legacy we are building and leaving behind.

Names and Meanings
The meanings of the names listed (e.g., "Day of God," "right hand") can inspire us to reflect on the significance of our own names and identities in God's plan. Each name carries a potential calling or characteristic that can be explored in our spiritual journey.

Integration and Inheritance
The tribe of Simeon's integration into Judah's territory highlights the theme of unity and shared inheritance among God's people. We are called to seek unity within the body of Christ and recognize our shared spiritual inheritance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Simeon reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways can the meanings of the names of Simeon's descendants inspire us to live out our own God-given identities and callings?

3. How does the integration of Simeon's tribe into Judah's territory illustrate the importance of unity among believers today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical context of Simeon's descendants that apply to our understanding of family and community in the church?

5. How can we ensure that the legacy we leave behind is one that honors God and impacts future generations positively?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29:33
This verse provides the background of Simeon's birth, explaining Leah's feelings of being unloved and her hope that bearing sons would bring her closer to Jacob.

Numbers 26:12-14
This passage lists the clans of the Simeonites during the census in the wilderness, showing the growth and development of Simeon's descendants.

Joshua 19:1-9
These verses describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah, indicating their integration and shared inheritance.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
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
Jamim, Jamin, Jarib, Nemuel, Nem'uel, Saul, Shaul, Sha'ul, Simeon, Sons, Zerah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:24-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

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

Links
1 Chronicles 4:24 NIV
1 Chronicles 4:24 NLT
1 Chronicles 4:24 ESV
1 Chronicles 4:24 NASB
1 Chronicles 4:24 KJV

1 Chronicles 4:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 4:23
Top of Page
Top of Page