Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David reigned.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 4:31
What does 1 Chronicles 4:31 mean?
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1 Chronicles 4:31
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It's easy to skim over these names, but they're not just a list of places. These were established, organized communities, a sign of settled life and a significant development for these descendants of Simeon, showing the progress God enabled. The phrase "until David reigned" points to a pivotal time of growth and consolidation in Israel's history, where even these peripheral communities flourished.
Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David reigned.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage lists the towns and settlements belonging to the tribe of Simeon, highlighting their enduring presence and established territories. It immediately follows an account of Simeon's military victories and the subjugation of their enemies, setting the stage for David's unified kingdom by detailing the areas that would come under his reign. The mention of "until David reigned" suggests a shift from tribal independence to a more consolidated monarchy.
Ever wonder why genealogies and lists of cities fill so much of the Old Testament? It’s easy to skim over them, but these names tell a story of God's faithfulness.
This verse, nestled within the lengthy genealogies of 1 Chronicles, lists cities belonging to the descendants of Judah. While they might seem like obscure place names to us today, each city represented a home, a community, and a place where God's people lived out their faith. The fact that these lists are preserved shows us that God cares about the details of His people's lives, even down to the places they inhabited. They are a testament to His consistent care and provision through generations.
The end of this verse gives us a specific historical marker: 'until David reigned.' What does this tell us about the significance of David's era?
Mentioning 'until David reigned' anchors these cities and their inhabitants within a significant period of Israel's history. David's reign marked a time of consolidation, expansion, and increased prosperity for the kingdom. It suggests that the importance or perhaps the administrative status of these cities shifted or became more prominent during his rule. This temporal marker also implies that the record is being compiled or finalized around that time, providing a historical context for the genealogy itself. It reminds us that God's work unfolds within human history, marked by key figures and events.
Understand the original words
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‘iyr · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term referring to a permanent residence, town, or city, often implying a fortified or significant inhabited place.
David · Hebrew Noun
An anointed king of Israel, prefiguring the Messiah, who established the throne in Jerusalem and consolidated the kingdom.
The verse highlights specific cities and their significance, pointing out that their established order and recognition were relevant 'until David reigned.' This framing emphasizes David's transformative role in consolidating territory and establishing a unified kingdom, making the pre-Davidic era distinct in the historical memory preserved in these records.
c. 1400-1000 BC
Israelite Settlement in Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and wanderings in the wilderness, the Israelites conquered and settled in the land of Canaan. This period saw the establishment of tribal territories and the gradual integration of Israelite society.
c. 1050 BC
Beginning of the Monarchy
The period of the Judges ended, and the first king, Saul, was anointed. This marked a significant shift from a tribal confederation to a centralized monarchy, laying the groundwork for future expansion and consolidation.
c. 1010-970 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Consolidation
David became king over all Israel, conquering Jerusalem and establishing it as the capital. His reign brought relative peace and significant expansion of Israelite territory and influence.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon's Reign
Solomon succeeded David, ushering in an era of prosperity and major building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. The kingdom reached its zenith of power and influence during his time.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division weakened the nation and led to increased external pressures.
This passage lists cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Simeon, which includes many of the same cities mentioned in 1 Chronicles, showing their earlier assignment and occupation.
1 Samuel 30:26-31This passage details how David sent gifts from the spoil of his victory to various cities and leaders, including many of the same towns associated with Simeon, highlighting David's influence and these locations' importance.
Nehemiah 11:25-29This chapter recounts who resettled in Judah after the Babylonian exile, and it mentions several of these same cities, demonstrating their continued significance and re-inhabitation over centuries.
It's easy to skim over these names, but they're not just a list of places. These were established, organized communities, a sign of settled life and a significant development for these descendants of Simeon, showing the progress God enabled. The phrase "until David reigned" points to a pivotal time of growth and consolidation in Israel's history, where even these peripheral communities flourished.
This passage lists the towns and settlements belonging to the tribe of Simeon, highlighting their enduring presence and established territories. It immediately follows an account of Simeon's military victories and the subjugation of their enemies, setting the stage for David's unified kingdom by detailing the areas that would come under his reign. The mention of "until David reigned" suggests a shift from tribal independence to a more consolidated monarchy.
This passage lists the towns and settlements belonging to the tribe of Simeon, highlighting their enduring presence and established territories. It immediately follows an account of Simeon's military victories and the subjugation of their enemies, setting the stage for David's unified kingdom by detailing the areas that would come under his reign. The mention of "until David reigned" suggests a shift from tribal independence to a more consolidated monarchy.
"Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David reigned." — It's easy to skim over these names, but they're not just a list of places. These were established, organized communities, a sign of settled life and a significant development for these descendants of…
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Last reviewed October 2026