1 Chronicles 4:31
Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David.
Beth-marcaboth
This name translates to "house of chariots." The Hebrew root "beth" means "house," and "marcaboth" is derived from "merkabah," meaning "chariot." This suggests a place associated with military strength or transportation. In the context of ancient Israel, chariots were a symbol of power and might, often used in warfare. The mention of Beth-marcaboth may indicate a strategic location or a center of military activity, reflecting the tribe's preparedness and strength.

Hazar-susim
The name "Hazar-susim" translates to "village of horses." "Hazar" means "village" or "settlement," and "susim" is the plural of "sus," meaning "horse." Horses were valuable assets in ancient times, used for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. This settlement likely played a crucial role in breeding or housing horses, contributing to the tribe's economic and military capabilities. The presence of such a village underscores the importance of horses in the socio-economic and military fabric of ancient Israel.

Beth-biri
"Beth-biri" translates to "house of my creation" or "house of my well-being." The root "beth" again means "house," while "biri" can be linked to "bara," meaning "to create" or "to be well." This name may reflect a place of prosperity or divine blessing, suggesting that the inhabitants experienced a sense of well-being or divine favor. It highlights the spiritual and material prosperity that can be found in a community dedicated to God.

Shaaraim
The name "Shaaraim" means "two gates" or "double gates." The root "shaar" means "gate," and the dual form suggests a fortified city with significant defenses. Gates were crucial in ancient cities for protection and control of entry and exit. The mention of Shaaraim indicates a place of security and strength, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the life of the community.

These were their cities until the reign of David
This phrase situates the cities within a specific historical context, marking a transition in leadership and governance. The reign of David was a pivotal period in Israel's history, characterized by unification and expansion. The mention of these cities "until the reign of David" suggests changes in territorial control or administrative organization during his rule. It highlights the dynamic nature of Israel's history and God's providential guidance through different leadership phases. David's reign brought about significant shifts, reflecting God's unfolding plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Beth-marcaboth
A town mentioned in the territory of the tribe of Simeon. The name means "house of chariots," indicating a possible military significance or a place where chariots were kept or manufactured.

2. Hazar-susim
Another town in the Simeonite territory. The name translates to "village of horses," suggesting a place associated with horse breeding or stabling.

3. Beth-biri
A town whose name means "house of my creation" or "house of my well," indicating a place of personal or divine significance.

4. Shaaraim
A town meaning "two gates," possibly indicating a fortified city with significant defenses.

5. Reign of David
Refers to the period when David was king over Israel, a time of consolidation and expansion for the nation.
Teaching Points
Significance of Place Names
The names of places often carry historical and spiritual significance. Understanding these can deepen our appreciation of biblical accounts and God's work in history.

God's Sovereignty in Territorial Changes
The transition of these towns until the reign of David illustrates God's hand in the shifting of territories and leadership. It reminds us of His control over nations and leaders.

Legacy and Heritage
The mention of these towns in the context of Simeon's inheritance encourages us to consider our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations.

The Role of Leadership
David's reign marked a significant period of change and consolidation. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and shaping communities and nations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can the names and historical significance of these towns teach us about God's involvement in the details of our lives?

2. How does the transition of these towns until the reign of David reflect God's sovereignty over political and territorial changes?

3. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage, like the tribe of Simeon, impact our faith and daily walk with God?

4. How does the leadership of David during this period serve as a model for godly leadership in our own communities?

5. What lessons can we learn from the strategic importance of these towns that can be applied to how we prioritize and manage resources in our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 19:1-9
This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon, which includes the towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:31. It provides context for the geographical and tribal significance of these locations.

1 Samuel 27:5-6
David's interactions with the Philistines and his request for a place to dwell highlight the strategic importance of towns and territories during his reign.

2 Samuel 5:1-5
The establishment of David's reign over all Israel provides a backdrop for understanding the political and territorial changes during his kingship.
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
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
Beth, Bethbirei, Beth-birei, Beth-biri, Bethmarcaboth, Beth-marcaboth, Beth-mar'caboth, Biri, Cities, David, Hazar, Hazarsusim, Hazar-susim, Ha'zar-su'sim, Marcaboth, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Shaaraim, Sha-ara'im, Shaarim, Susim, Till, Towns
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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