King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 4:31 Mean?
“And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. Hazarsusim: or, Hazarsusah”
Context
29
And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, Bilhah: or, Balah Tolad: or, Eltolad
30
And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,
31
And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. Hazarsusim: or, Hazarsusah
32
And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: Etam: or, Ether
33
And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy. Baal: or, Baalathbeer their genealogy: or, as they divided themselves by nations among them
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(31) **Beth-marcaboth** = “house of chariots.”
**Hazar - susim** = “village of horses;” for which Hazarsusah is an equivalent (*susah* being used as a collective word).
**Beth-birei.**—Probably a corrupt writing of Beth-lebaoth, “house of lionesses” (Joshua 19:6), for which Joshua 15:32 has the contraction Lebaoth. There were lions in the wilds of Judah (1Samuel 17:34). (Comp. Judges 14:5; 1Kings 13:24.)
**Shaaraim** (two gates) is Sharuhen (Joshua 19:6), and Shilhim (Joshua 15:32). Sharuhen is known from Egyptian inscriptions (*Sharuhuna*)*.*
**These were their cities unto the reign of David, and their villages.**—Joshua 19:6 shows that this is the right punctuation: “And Beth-lebaoth and Sharuhen: thirteen towns, and their villages.”
**Unto the reign of David.**—Does this mean that in the age of David the thirteen cities passed from the possession of the Simeonites? Ziklag, at all events, was at that time a Philistine borough (1Samuel 27:6).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 4:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 4:31
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge