Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 4:24
The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:
24 27. The Genealogy of Simeon
24. The sons of Simeon ] in Gen 46:10 and Exo 6:15 we have six sons of Simeon named as against five here; Jemuel (here Nemuel), Jamin (as here), Ohad (not mentioned here), Jachin (here Jarib), Zohar (here Zerah), and Shaul (as here). In Num 26:12-13 the same list is given as here (except that Jachin stands for Jarib), and descendants are ascribed to the five. Ohad is omitted from Num. and Chron., perhaps as having no children.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 24. The sons of Simeon] This genealogy is very different from that given in Ge 46:10, and Nu 26:12. This may be occasioned by the same person having several names, one list taking one name, another list some other, and so on: to reconcile is impossible; to attempt it, useless.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The sons of Simeon: these are here joined with Judah, because their possession was taken out of Judahs portion, Jos 19:1. This account seems to differ from that Ge 46, both in the number and names of the persons, which is not strange, considering how customary it was amongst the Hebrews for one person to have two or three names given to him upon several occasions. And for Ohad, Gen 46:10, he may be omitted here, because he left no posterity or family after him, as the rest did.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24. The sons of SimeonTheyare classed along with those of Judah, as their possession was partlytaken out of the extensive territory of the latter (Jos19:1). The difference in several particulars of the genealogygiven here from that given in other passages is occasioned by some ofthe persons mentioned having more than one name [compare Gen 46:10;Exo 6:15; Num 26:12].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
The sons of Simeon,…. The account of whom, next to the tribe of Judah, is given before Reuben, because its inheritance lay in the tribe of Judah, Jos 19:1 his sons were Nemuel, the same with Jemuel, Ge 46:10
and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul; who, in the place referred to, is said to be the son of a Canaanitish woman; and Jarib and Zerah are the same with Jachin and Zohar there: and Obed is here omitted, it may be because he died without issue; see Nu 26:12.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The families of Simeon. – Of the six sons of Simeon, Gen 46:10 and Exo 6:15, only the five are here named who, according to Num 26:12-14, founded the families of this tribe. The third son, Ohad, is omitted even in Num 26:12 in the list of the families of Simeon, at the numbering of the people in the fortieth year of the journey through the wilderness, clearly only because the posterity of Ohad had either died out, or had so dwindled away that it could form no independent family. The names of the five sons agree with the names in Num 26:12-14, except in the case of Jarib, who in Num 26:12, which coincides here with Gen 46:10 and Exo 6:15, is called Jachin; , consequently, must be looked upon as a transcriber’s error for . Nemuel and Zerah ( , the rising of the sun) are called in Genesis and Exodus Jemuel (a different form of the same name) and Zohar ( , i.e., candor ), another name of similar meaning, which, at first used only as a by-name, afterwards supplanted the original name.
1Ch 4:25-26 “Shallum (was) his son;” without doubt the son of the last named Shaul, who in Genesis and Exodus is called the son of a Canaanitish woman, and is thereby distinguished from the other sons. His family is traced down, in 1Ch 4:25, 1Ch 4:26, through six generations to one Shimei. But this list is divided into two groups by the words “and the sons of Mishma,” inserted at the beginning of 1Ch 4:26, but the reasons for the division are unknown. The plural, sons of Mishma, refers to Hammuel and his descendants Zacchur and Shimei. Perhaps these two together form, with the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons mentioned in 1Ch 4:25, a single larger family.
1Ch 4:27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, by whom he became the father of a numerous race. “His brothers,” i.e., the other Simeonites, on the contrary, had not many sons. Hence it happens that they made not their whole race, i.e., the whole race of the Simeonites, numerous unto the sons of Judah, i.e., that the Simeonites were not so numerous as the descendants of Judah. This account is corroborated by the statement made at the numberings of the people under Moses; see on Num 1-4 (1:2, S. 192).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| Genealogies. | B. C. 715. |
24 The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul: 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26 And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son. 27 And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah. 28 And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual, 29 And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, 30 And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag, 31 And at Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susim, and at Beth-birei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. 32 And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: 33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy. 34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37 And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah; 38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly. 39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old. 41 And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42 And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.
We have here some of the genealogies of the tribe of Simeon (though it was not a tribe of great note), especially the princes of that tribe, v. 38. Of this tribe it is said that they increased greatly, but not like the children of Judah, v. 27. Those whom God increases ought to be thankful, though they see others that are more increased. Here observe, 1. The cities allotted them (v. 28), of which see Joshua xix. 1, c. When it is said that they were theirs unto the reign of David (<i>v. 31) intimation is given that when the ten tribes revolted from the house of David many of the Simeonites quitted these cities, because they lay within Judah, and seated themselves elsewhere. 2. The ground they got elsewhere. When those of this tribe that revolted from the house of David were carried captive with the rest into Assyria those that adhered to Judah were remarkably owned of God and prospered in their endeavours to enlarge their coasts. It was in the days of Hezekiah that a generation of Simeonites, whose tribe had long crouched and truckled, was animated to make these bold efforts. (1.) Some of them attacked a place in Arabia, as it should seem, called the entrance of Gedor, inhabited by the posterity of accursed Ham (v. 40), made themselves masters of it, and dwelt there. This adds to the glory of Hezekiah’s pious reign, that, as his kingdom in general prospered, so did particular families. It is said that they found fat pastures, and yet the land was quiet; even when the kings of Assyria were giving disturbance to all their neighbours this land escaped their alarms. The inhabitants being shepherds, who molested none, were not themselves molested, till the Simeonites came and drove them out and succeeded them, not only in the plenty, but in the peace, of their land. Those who dwell (as we do) in a fruitful country, and whose land is wide, and quiet, and peaceable, have reason to own themselves indebted to that God who appoints the bounds of our habitation. (2.) Others of them, to the number of 500, under the command of four brethren here named, made a descent upon Mount Seir, and smote the remainder of the devoted Amalekites, and took possession of their country, 1Ch 4:42; 1Ch 4:43. Now the curses on Ham and Amalek had a further accomplishment, when they seemed dormant, if not dead; as had also the curse on Simeon, that he should be divided and scattered (Gen. xlix. 7): yet to him it was turned into a blessing, for the families of Simeon, which thus transplanted themselves into those distant countries, are said to dwell there unto this day (v. 43), by which it should seem they escaped the calamities of the captivity. Providence sometimes sends those out of trouble that are designed for preservation.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Tribe of Simeon, Verses 24-43
The ultimate destiny of the tribe of Simeon is one of the enigmas of the Scriptures. Originally they seem to have been kind of forgotten in the division of the land after the conquest of Canaan. While the other tribes were apportioned lots from the vanquished territory Simeon was given cities within the allotment of Judah (Jos 19:1-9). The cities and villages assigned to them were in the far southern area around Beersheba, the most notable of the places they received.
They were never a strong tribe, seeming to be dominated by Judah among whom they dwelled (see Jdg 1:3). They were one of the largest tribes at the first numbering in the wilderness, but had dwindled to become the smallest, for some unknown reason, by the time of the second census (cf. Num 1:23; Num 26:14). In all the history of Israel there are mentioned no prominent persons of this tribe. Although their failure to multiply greatly is noted in verse 27, the persons named in the genealogy are called “princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly” (verse 38). This is evidently a comparative statement with regard to the families other than those of the princes.
One of the greatest enigmas. concerning Simeon is what happened to the tribe after the division of the kingdom. The northern kingdom is also referred to as the kingdom of the ten tribes, which would necessitate the inclusion of Simeon, since Benjamin remained with Judah in the southern kingdom. Some commentators believe Simeon was so scattered by that time as to have lost its tribal identity, which would be in keeping with the prediction of Jacob that the tribe, along with Levi, would be scattered in Israel (Gen 49:7).
There is an indication that they were indeed scattered widely in the historical footnotes of verses 39-43. The “entrance of Gedor” is an evident reference to the frontier of a southern area, the definite location of which is unknown. It was a land of valleys and green pastures, formerly inhabited by a Hamitic people. Some of the Simeonites came there during the reign of Hezekiah, destroyed the inhabitants and possessed their land. Five hundred men of this tribe also migrated into the land of Mount Seir, where the Amalekite remnant from the war with King Saul (1Sa 15:1 ff) then dwelled. They destroyed these and were still living there at the time of the writing of the Chronicles.
Some lessons: 1) Even most persons of great prestige and position are forgotten with time; 2) God kept His promise to preserve the sons of David to the time of Christ’s birth; 3) God’s word does not intend to satisfy one’s curiosity about some events and persons related therein.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
4. THE DESCENDANTS OF THE TRIBE OF SIMEON (1Ch. 4:24-43)
TEXT
1Ch. 4:24. The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul: 25. Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26. And the sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. 27. And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply like to the children of Judah. 28. And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual, 29. and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, 30. and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag, 31. and at Beth-marcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Beth-biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. 32. And their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities; 33. and all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and they have their genealogy. 34. And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35. and Joe, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36. and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Abiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37. and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah; 38. these mentioned by names were princes in their families: and their fathers houses increased greatly. 39. And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40. And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they that dwelt there aforetime were of Ham. 41. And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the Meunim that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their stead; because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42. And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43. And they smote the remnant of the Amalekites that escaped and have dwelt there unto this day.
PARAPHRASE
1Ch. 4:24. The sons of Simeon: Nemu-el, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul. 25. Shauls son was Shallum, his grandson was Mibsam, and his great-grandson was Mishma. 26. Mishmas sons included Hammu-el (the father of Zaccur and grandfather of Shime-i). 27. Shime-i had sixteen sons and six daughters, but none of his brothers had large familiesthey all had fewer children than was normal in Judah. 28. They lived at Beer-sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29. Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30. Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31. Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These cities were under their control until the time of David. 32, 33. Their descendants also lived in or near Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan: some were as far away as Baal. (These facts are recorded in their genealogies.) 3439. These are the names of some of the princes of wealthy clans who traveled to the east side of Gedor Valley in search of pasture for their flocks: Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah, Joel, Jehu, Eli-o-enai, Ja-akobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adi-el, Jesimi-el, Benaiah, Ziza (the son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah). 40, 41. They found good pastures, and everything was quiet and peaceful; but the land belonged to the descendants of Ham. So during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah these princes invaded the land and struck down the tents and houses of the descendants of Ham; they killed the inhabitants of the land and took possession of it for themselves. 42. Later, five hundred of these invaders from the tribe of Simeon went to Mount Seir. (Their leaders were Pelatiah, Ne-ariah; Rephaiah, and Uzzielall sons of Ishi.) 43. There they destroyed the few surviving members of the tribe of Amalek. And they have lived there ever since.
COMMENTARY
The descendants of Simeon are reviewed in 1Ch. 4:24-43. Since he was not in the direct line of descent leading to Christ, this record is included simply to remind the reader that Jacob had other sons beside Judah. Jacob practically disinherited Simeon at the time of the pronouncement of the patriarchal blessing (Gen. 49:5-7). Simeon had a rather numerous family; however, by Gods own design, this tribe was never to be a great one in Israel. The Simeonites took their possession within the limits of the territory of Judah. Some of their chief villages were Beersheba, Hormah, and Ziklag. All of these places are important in Hebrew history. When David came on the scene he found the Simeonites living in the territory which had been theirs since Joshuas day. There was a place in Judah called Etam where Samson took refuge on one occasion (1Ch. 4:32). The Simeonite people for the most part were shepherds and they lived in good pasture lands. The reference to Ham in 1Ch. 4:40 simply states that some of these people who settled mainly in Canaan and Egypt at one time lived in the southern tract of Judah. During Hezekiahs day (c. 700 B.C.) there had been conflict in Simeons territory over pasture lands. The Simeonites were able at that time to take some territory in Edom (Mount Seir). At the same time the Simeonites successfully engaged the Amalekites in war.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
III.THE TRIBE OF SIMEON: ITS CLANS, AND THEIR SETTLEMENTS AND CONQUESTS (1Ch. 4:24-43).
(24) The sons of Simeon.The Pentateuch contains three lists of sons of Simeon, viz., Gen. 46:10, Exo. 6:15, and Num. 26:12. Genesis and Exodus name six sons; Numbers agrees with the Chronicles in naming five, the Ohad of Genesis and Exodus being omitted. In place of our Jarib Numbers has Jachin; the other names are the same. Genesis and Exodus read Jemuel and Zohar for Nemuel and Zerah. Exo. 6:15 calls Shaul son of a Canaanitess. The mixed race of Shaul was the only Simeonite clan that became populous (1Ch. 4:25-27). The other clans are not further noticed by this genealogy.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
The Family of Simeon
v. 24. The sons of Simeon, v. 25. Shallum, his son; Mibsam, his son; Mishma, his son.
v. 26. And the sons of Mishma: Hamuel, his son; Zacchur, his son; Shimei, his son.
v. 27. And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, v. 28. And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual,
v. 29. and at Bilhah v. 30. and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,
v. 31. and at Beth-maraboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Beth-birei, and at Shaaraim, v. 32. And their villages were Etam v. 33. and all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations and their genealogy; v. 34. And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah, the son of Amaziah,
v. 35. and Joel, and Jehu, the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
v. 36. and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
v. 37. and Ziza, the son of Shiphi, of the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah.
v. 38. These mentioned by their names, v. 39. And they, v. 40. And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide and quiet and peaceable; for they of Ham, v. 41. And these written by name, v. 42. And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, v. 43. And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
The descendants of Simeon occupy the history of these verses with an account of the places of their settlement. The genealogy of this tribe was considered of sufficient importance in the register of families, to be faithfully preserved. For though our Lord did not spring from Simeon; yet perhaps to avoid contention in this tribe, it was highly proper to settle it in this manner.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ch 4:24 The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:
Ver. 24. And the sons of Simeon. ] His genealogy is set down next to that of Judah, because his lot fell out to be in the tribe of Judah, for most part, Jos 19:1 though his posterity took part with the other nine tribes in the revolt from Judah and Benjamin, who clave still to the house of David. Of this tribe was that shameless fornicator, Zimri, Num 25:14 as also Judas Iscariot, as Jerome affirmeth.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ch 4:24-43
1Ch 4:24-43
“The sons of Simeon: Nimuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; Shallum his son. Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. And the sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply like to the children of Judah. And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag. and at Beth-marcaboth, and at Hazarsusim, and at Beth-bari, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. And their villages were Etham, and Ain, and Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities. And all their villages which were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and they have their genealogy. And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, and Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesemiel, and Benaiah, and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah – these mentioned by name were princes in their families: and their fathers’ houses increased greatly. And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they that dwelt there aforetime were of Ham. And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the Meunim that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their stead; because there was pasture there for their flocks. And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. And they smote the remnant of the Amalekites that escaped, and have dwelt there unto this day.”
“The sons of Simeon” (1Ch 4:24). “This list differs from that in Gen 46:10 and in Num 26:12; and this may have been occasioned by the same person having different names, one list giving one name, and another list giving the other. The matter is really of no importance.”
“In these chapters there is a sense of the grand sweep of human history and of the purpose of God which runs through it. None of us are mere creatures of today; we are the product of generations and generations of mankind; and in our lives there are tides of influence that began to move in the remotest antiquity. Our lives gain enormously in depth and meaning when we see our small existence as part of the whole adventure of man upon the earth.”
The first paragraph here (1Ch 4:1-23) gives further genealogies connected with the tribe of Judah. It is by no means clear why these particular genealogies were kept or considered important enough to be included here.
“Caleb the son of Jephunneh” (1Ch 4:15). This man, along with Joshua, was one of the faithful spies sent out by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan.
“Jabez … named in sorrow” (1Ch 4:9). The mother’s statement that she bore him in sorrow is “probably a reference to unusual suffering in childbirth.”[3] Jabez’s prayer is one of the noblest found in the O.T., and has often been used as a sermon text. Basing his criticism on an alleged meaning of the word `evil,’ Elmslie called this prayer un-Christian. “His prayer was crude and selfish. His conscience was not troubled by the thought that others would suffer if he gained his wishes.” We do not agree with such opinions, because God’s answering Jabez’s prayer indicates the purity of the petitioner’s motives.
“The sons of Simeon” (1Ch 4:24). “The genealogy of Simeon is fragmentary, reflecting the fact this tribe lost its identity quite early and was absorbed into the tribe of Judah.”
E.M. Zerr:
1Ch 4:24-31. Simeon was the 2nd son of Jacob. He was put out of the direct blood line on account of murder (Gen 49:5-7), so that his posterity was not recorded for the purpose of showing his right to that position. It was still important in connection with the settling of inheritances. They retained their hold on the cities named until the time of David. We are not told why it was changed then.
1Ch 4:32-38. After giving this group of names, the last verse states the occasion for their being recorded. Mentioned is from BOW and Strong defines it, “to go or come.” Names is from SHEM and we have the definition, “an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication, honor, authority, character.”–Strong. Princes is from NASI, which Strong defines, “properly an exalted one, i. e.. a king or sheik.” With this critical information as a basis, the conclusion is that the persons presented were entitled to special notice due to their important character or personality; that as a result of their influence, they added to the prestige of the house of their fathers.
1Ch 4:39. According to Young, Gedor was a place in the extreme south of Judah. It was not far from the vicinity of the Edomites. These people were industrious and willing to bestir themselves to make their condition better. They dealt in cattle and went in search of pasture for their flocks.
1Ch 4:40. Their activities were rewarded, and they found fat or rich pasture with plenty of room. Some of the descendants of Ham had occupied the territory several years before, and had left the country quiet.
1Ch 4:41. This verse is a detail of the preceding one, and states the time when their activities for territory took place. These written means the ones named in 1Ch 4:34-38. Tents . . . habitations. The first word means the same as the word denotes today; the next means the places of residence in general. The idea of conquest by might seems to be outstanding in the account, and we might be inclined to shrink from their conduct. However, we should remember that these people were of the seed of Abraham and had been promised this land, even though they had to fight to obtain it.
1Ch 4:42. This is another specification of the activities referred to in 1Ch 4:39. Mount Seir was the territory in general, of which the mount of that name was a part. This was a rather wide stretch of country, and sometimes was occupied by the various portions of Esau’s seed.
1Ch 4:43. In 1 Samuel 15 is the account of Saul’s attack on the Amalekites. He was told to smite all of them, and the record says he did so, except the king. But that was to be understood as applying to the ones engaged in combat. I mean, the claim that Saul had killed all but the king was his own declaration. He had actually been commanded to destroy all the people, including the women and children. We know, however, that he restricted his movements to the combatants, letting others escape. Those whom he allowed to escape are the ones meant in our present verse, where it says Amalekites that were escaped.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
3. Simeon, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
CHAPTERS 4:24-5:26
1. The sons of Simeon (1Ch 4:24-43)
2. The sons of Reuben (1Ch 5:1-10)
3. The children of Gad and half Manasseh (1Ch 5:11-26)
The account of the Simeonites is interesting. Some of their families had increased so much that they had no pasture for their flocks. Some went then to Gedor and found fat pasture and quietness. Others went to Mount Seir, and five hundred of them smote the Amalekites.
Reuben was the firstborn, and the Chronicles state briefly why Reuben was not mentioned first in these genealogies. His birthright was given to the sons of Joseph. Judah, however, had the preeminence, of him came the prince. This refers to David and to Him who came from him after the flesh, Messiah the Prince. The Syriac version makes this paraphrase, of Judah is the King, the Messiah. In verse 6 Tiglath-pileser is mentioned. (Not Tiglath-pilneser; it is an erroneous spelling.) He carried away Beerah, the Prince of the Reubenites.
The Hagarites, mentioned in verse 10, were no doubt the descendants of Hagar through Ishmael. They were nomads, who wandered over the desert lands of the trans-Jordan territory. The tribe of Gad occupied the lands north of Reuben and eastward from the Jordan to the desert. The genealogies of the chiefs mentioned here were compiled during the reign of Jotham of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel (verse 17). Another war with the Hagarites is recorded in verses 18-22. (Some take that this is the same war mentioned in verse 10.) Here prayer is mentioned again. They cried to God in the battle, and He was entreated of them; because they put their trust in Him. The Lord delights to record those who trust in Him.
Fuente: Gaebelein’s Annotated Bible (Commentary)
The sons of Simeon: This genealogy differs in many particulars from those in the parallel places; probably being occasioned by the same person’s having several names.
Nemuel: Gen 46:10, Exo 6:15, Jemuel
Jarib: Num 26:12-14, Jachin
Zerah: Gen 46:10, Zohar
Reciprocal: Gen 49:7 – I will divide
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 4:24. The sons of Simeon were Nemuel, &c. These are here joined with Judah, because their possession was taken out of Judahs portion, Jos 19:1. This account seems to differ from that in Gen 46:10, both in the number and names of the persons; which is not strange, considering how customary it was among the Hebrews for one person to have two or three names given to him upon different occasions. And for Ohad, he may be omitted here, because he left no posterity after him as the rest did.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
4:24 The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] {h} Shaul:
(h) His son Obed is omitted here.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
2. The family of Simeon 4:24-43
The writer may have listed Simeon’s descendants next because the Simeonites shared the tribal territory God gave to Judah. The Judahites absorbed many of them through intermarriage shortly after settlement in the land.