1 Chronicles 4:30
Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag,
Bethuel
The name "Bethuel" is derived from the Hebrew roots "beth," meaning "house," and "El," meaning "God." Thus, Bethuel can be interpreted as "House of God." This name is significant in the biblical narrative as it reflects the centrality of God in the lives of the Israelites. Bethuel is also a personal name in the Bible, known as the father of Rebekah, Isaac's wife. The mention of Bethuel in this context likely refers to a geographical location, a town within the territory of the tribe of Simeon. This highlights the importance of places named after divine attributes or figures, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and covenant with His people.

Hormah
The name "Hormah" is rooted in the Hebrew word "cherem," which means "devoted" or "destroyed." Historically, Hormah was a city in the Negev region of ancient Israel. It holds a significant place in Israel's history, particularly during the wilderness wanderings. In Numbers 21:3, the Israelites vowed to the Lord to utterly destroy the Canaanite cities, and Hormah was one of those places. This act of devotion and destruction was a fulfillment of God's command to purify the land from idolatry and sin. The mention of Hormah in 1 Chronicles 4:30 serves as a reminder of the Israelites' commitment to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.

Ziklag
Ziklag is a town with a rich biblical history, often associated with King David. The name "Ziklag" may derive from a root meaning "to press someone mentally," possibly indicating a place of pressure or distress. Ziklag was initially allotted to the tribe of Judah and later became a Philistine city. It was given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, as a place of refuge when David fled from Saul. This city became a base for David and his men, and it was from Ziklag that David launched raids against the Amalekites and other enemies. The mention of Ziklag in this verse underscores God's providence and protection over David, even in times of trial and uncertainty. It serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bethuel
A town in the territory of the tribe of Simeon, which was located within the larger allotment of the tribe of Judah. The name "Bethuel" means "house of God" in Hebrew, indicating a place of spiritual significance.

2. Hormah
Originally a Canaanite city, Hormah became significant in Israel's history as a place of victory and judgment. The name "Hormah" means "devotion" or "destruction," reflecting its history of being devoted to destruction in the conquest accounts.

3. Ziklag
A town given to the tribe of Simeon but later associated with David, who used it as a base during his time fleeing from King Saul. Ziklag holds historical importance as a place of refuge and strategic planning.
Teaching Points
Significance of Place Names
The names of places in the Bible often carry deep spiritual meanings and historical significance. Understanding these can enrich our comprehension of biblical accounts and God's work in history.

God's Faithfulness in History
The mention of these towns in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles reminds us of God's faithfulness to His people throughout history, fulfilling His promises despite human failures.

Spiritual Refuge and Strategy
Ziklag, as a place of refuge for David, symbolizes God's provision of safety and strategic planning in times of distress. Believers can trust God to provide refuge and guidance in their own lives.

Devotion and Destruction
The dual meaning of Hormah as both "devotion" and "destruction" serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the call to devote ourselves wholly to God, avoiding the path that leads to spiritual destruction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the meanings of the place names in 1 Chronicles 4:30 enhance our understanding of God's work in the lives of His people?

2. In what ways can the history of Ziklag inspire us to seek God's refuge and guidance in our own times of trouble?

3. How does the account of Hormah challenge us to consider the consequences of sin and the importance of devotion to God?

4. What connections can we draw between the towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:30 and the broader account of God's covenant with Israel?

5. How can we apply the lessons from these historical places to our modern-day walk with God, particularly in terms of faithfulness and strategic spiritual living?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Bethuel
The name is also associated with a person in Genesis, the father of Rebekah, connecting to the broader account of God's covenantal promises through the patriarchs.

Hormah
In Numbers and Judges, Hormah is mentioned in the context of Israel's battles and victories, illustrating themes of divine judgment and fulfillment of God's promises.

Ziklag
In 1 Samuel, Ziklag is where David sought refuge from Saul, highlighting themes of God's providence and protection over His anointed.
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
Bethuel, Bethu'el, Hormah, Ziklag
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

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