1 Chronicles 4:22
and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and returned to Lehem (now the records are ancient).
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to skim past the names, but this verse subtly highlights how God preserves the ordinary, everyday lives and histories of His people, even those whose deeds are "ancient" and perhaps not earth-shattering. The inclusion of "the men of Cozeba" and the return to "Lehem" shows that every lineage and migration, no matter how small, is part of God's grand, recorded narrative. This reminds us that our own seemingly minor stories are known and valued by Him.
This passage is part of a long, detailed genealogy in Chronicles, often overlooked for its "who's who" names. It's tracing the lineage of Judah, specifically focusing on those who held positions of authority and influence in various communities, even those as far-flung as Moab. The mention of "ancient records" highlights how these genealogies preserved a sense of identity and history for the people of God throughout their difficult journey.
This verse drops a list of names into a sprawling genealogy. What's so important about these seemingly obscure individuals?
In the grand sweep of biblical history, it's easy to focus only on the big heroes. But 1 Chronicles is a testament to the faithfulness of everyday people, too. These names, and the brief mention of their
These families "ruled in Moab and returned." What does this simple phrase tell us about their journey and God's providence?
The mention of ruling in Moab and then returning signifies a period of displacement or sojourn, followed by a return to their homeland. This echoes the broader biblical theme of exile and restoration. Even in foreign lands, these families held onto their identity and eventually returned, mirroring Israel's journey through the Babylonian exile and their eventual return to Jerusalem.
Their return isn't just a geographical move; it's a spiritual homecoming, a re-establishment of their place within God's covenant people. It speaks to God's persistent plan to bring His people back, even after periods of wandering and hardship.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Chronicles 4:22 is available in the Sola app.
The verse ends with a parenthetical note: "now the records are ancient." Why is this detail included, and what does it mean for us?
This final phrase, "now the records are ancient," serves a crucial purpose. It acknowledges the age of the genealogies but simultaneously validates their importance. These aren't fleeting, modern accounts; they are historical documents, meticulously kept by generations.
For the original readers of 1 Chronicles, these ancient records were vital. They established identity, traced lineage (especially important for the priesthood and land inheritance), and proved God's faithfulness through history. For us, it's a reminder that God values history and continuity. He roots His work in the past, building upon faithfulness and promises made long ago.
Understand the original words
mashal · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of governing or exercising authority over a people or territory, frequently associated in the Old Testament with God’s delegation of leadership or the exercise of power.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, these often refer to family genealogies or historical accounts preserved to maintain the identity, inheritance rights, and covenantal history of the people of Israel.
This verse mentions Simeon's descendants, highlighting a lineage that connects back to the patriarchal era, similar to how 1 Chronicles traces ancient family lines.
Numbers 26:12This passage lists the families of Simeon, providing another Old Testament genealogical record that complements the information found in Chronicles.
Joshua 19:1-9This describes the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon, showing the territory where some of these families, including those mentioned in 1 Chronicles, likely settled and lived.
Ruth 1:1-4This narrative about Elimelech and his family living in Moab before returning to Bethlehem echoes the movement of people between Israel and Moab mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
It's easy to skim past the names, but this verse subtly highlights how God preserves the ordinary, everyday lives and histories of His people, even those whose deeds are "ancient" and perhaps not earth-shattering. The inclusion of "the men of Cozeba" and the return to "Lehem" shows that every lineage and migration, no matter how small, is part of God's grand, recorded narrative. This reminds us that our own seemingly minor stories are known and valued by Him.
This passage is part of a long, detailed genealogy in Chronicles, often overlooked for its "who's who" names. It's tracing the lineage of Judah, specifically focusing on those who held positions of authority and influence in various communities, even those as far-flung as Moab. The mention of "ancient records" highlights how these genealogies preserved a sense of identity and history for the people of God throughout their difficult journey.
This passage is part of a long, detailed genealogy in Chronicles, often overlooked for its "who's who" names. It's tracing the lineage of Judah, specifically focusing on those who held positions of authority and influence in various communities, even those as far-flung as Moab. The mention of "ancient records" highlights how these genealogies preserved a sense of identity and history for the people of God throughout their difficult journey.
"and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and returned to Lehem (now the records are ancient)." — It's easy to skim past the names, but this verse subtly highlights how God preserves the ordinary, everyday lives and histories of His people, even those whose deeds are "ancient" and perhaps not ear…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
