1 Chronicles 4:43
and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.
They struck down
This phrase indicates a decisive military action. The Hebrew root word here is "נָכָה" (nakah), which means to strike, smite, or kill. Historically, the Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. The act of striking down the Amalekites signifies a fulfillment of divine justice and a continuation of the Israelites' God-given mission to secure the Promised Land. This action reflects obedience to God's commands, as the Amalekites were to be completely destroyed due to their persistent hostility and sin against Israel (Exodus 17:14-16).

the remnant of the Amalekites
The term "remnant" refers to what is left of a group after a significant portion has been removed or destroyed. In Hebrew, "שְׁאֵרִית" (she'erit) is used, often implying a small, surviving group. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, were a nomadic tribe that frequently harassed Israel. This remnant represents the last vestiges of a people who had been a thorn in Israel's side since the Exodus. Theologically, the destruction of this remnant symbolizes the eradication of persistent sin and opposition to God's purposes.

who had escaped
This phrase suggests that some Amalekites had previously survived earlier conflicts. The Hebrew word "פָּלַט" (palat) means to escape or deliver oneself. Historically, the Amalekites had been defeated multiple times, yet some managed to survive and regroup. This persistence in survival highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and its enemies, a struggle that is both physical and spiritual. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and perseverance in the face of recurring challenges.

and they have lived there
The phrase indicates a transition from conflict to settlement. The Hebrew verb "יָשַׁב" (yashab) means to sit, dwell, or inhabit. This suggests a period of peace and stability following the conquest. The Israelites' ability to live in the land signifies God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. It also reflects the establishment of God's order and blessing in the land, as the Israelites settle and thrive where their enemies once dwelled.

to this day
This expression underscores the lasting impact of the events described. In Hebrew, "עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (ad hayom hazeh) is often used to indicate continuity or permanence. The phrase suggests that the effects of the Israelites' actions were enduring, with the land remaining under their control. It serves as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the lasting nature of His promises. This continuity also provides a historical anchor, affirming the reliability of the biblical narrative and God's unchanging nature throughout generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Simeonites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Simeon, who were involved in the conquest of the Amalekites as described in this passage.

2. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel, representing persistent opposition to God's people.

3. Mount Seir
The region where the remnant of the Amalekites was struck down by the Simeonites.

4. The Remnant
The remaining Amalekites who had escaped previous conflicts and were living in Mount Seir.

5. The Settlement
The Simeonites settled in the region after defeating the Amalekites, indicating a change in territorial control.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Judgment
God's promise to judge the Amalekites is fulfilled, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's incomplete obedience in 1 Samuel 15 led to continued conflict with the Amalekites, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to God.

Spiritual Warfare
The Amalekites symbolize spiritual opposition. Believers are called to be vigilant and persistent in spiritual battles, relying on God's strength.

Inheritance and Rest
The Simeonites' settlement in the land signifies the rest and inheritance that comes after obedience and victory in God's battles.

God's Sovereignty Over History
The account shows God's control over historical events, using them to fulfill His purposes and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to judge the Amalekites in 1 Chronicles 4:43 encourage you in trusting God's promises today?

2. In what ways can the account of the Amalekites and the Simeonites inform our understanding of spiritual warfare in the New Testament context?

3. Reflect on a time when incomplete obedience led to further challenges in your life. How can you apply the lesson of complete obedience from this passage?

4. How does the concept of inheritance and rest after victory in this passage relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament?

5. Considering God's sovereignty over history, how can you find peace and assurance in His control over current world events and personal circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17
The initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, which Saul fails to fully execute.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
A reminder to Israel to remember what Amalek did and the command to blot out their memory.

Esther 3
Haman, an Agagite, is a descendant of the Amalekites, showing the continued threat they posed to Israel.
God's Ways with AmuletR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 4:43
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
Amalek, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Death, Destroyed, Dwell, Dwelt, Escaped, Got, Living-place, Remaining, Remnant, Rest, Safely, Smite, Smote, Struck
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:24-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 4:41-43

     5354   invasions

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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