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1 Chronicles 4:34 meaning

God’s unbroken remembrance of His people is seen in every single name recorded in Scripture.

“Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah the son of Amaziah” (v.34) is part of a larger genealogical listing of the families of Simeon in 1 Chronicles 4, signifying God’s intimate knowledge of His people. The Chronicler, most likely compiling this record during the post-exilic period (around the 5th or 4th century BC), meticulously preserves these names to show both continuity and legacy within Israel. By highlighting names such as Meshobab and Jamlech (v.34), the narrative reminds readers that every individual has a place in God’s overarching plan, even if they appear only briefly in the biblical record. This idea is echoed later in the New Testament when other genealogies (Matthew 1:2-16) reveal the lineage leading to Jesus, demonstrating that no part of God’s story is insignificant.

When the text identifies Joshah the son of Amaziah (v.34), it shows that the Chronicler intends to connect these individuals with potential leadership or a notable ancestry. The name “Amaziah” could refer to a man sharing the name of the king of Judah who reigned approximately 796 to 767 BC, though we cannot be certain this is the same individual here. Nonetheless, the mention of Amaziah’s name reflects the Chronicler’s purpose of keeping Israel’s tribal history intact. The families of Simeon primarily lived in the southern region of ancient Israel, near locations such as Beer-sheba, which lies around 48 miles south of Jerusalem. Beer-sheba was a border city marking the southern extremity of the Promised Land in many Old Testament texts.

These genealogies demonstrate how God values family heritage and continuity. Each tribe and family unit remained an integral part of Israel’s identity, which in turn foreshadowed the unity of believers under Christ (Galatians 3:28). Although the names may seem obscure, they collectively display a tapestry of lives woven throughout biblical history, reflecting God’s faithfulness and sovereignty over generations.

1 Chronicles 4:34