Read 1 Chronicles 4:24–43
Questions from the Scripture text: Whose genealogy do 1 Chronicles 4:24-27 trace? What do 1 Chronicles 4:28-33 record about them? What types of people (1 Chronicles 4:38) do 1 Chronicles 4:34-37 list? What have they enjoyed (1 Chronicles 4:39-40)? How did they come into possession of it (1 Chronicles 4:41-43)? What does the end of 1 Chronicles 4:43 note about this?
What might be happening, when it looks like all is lost for the church? 1 Chronicles 4:24–43 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, even when we see nothing promising in the church, the Lord may yet be doing much gracious work.
It didn’t take long for Simeon to dissolve into the tribe of Judah (not even mentioned in Deuteronomy 33). They had become an example of what might happen with unfaithful branches of the visible church (cf. Genesis 49:5–7). But now, all of Judah and Israel had been unfaithful, and they are returning from exile in great weakness. What hope is there for God’s people when the church has so declined? By recounting God’s mercy to Simeon, this passage encourages the church in all ages.
Genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:24-27. The inclusion of Ishmaelites Mibsam and Mishma (1 Chronicles 4:25, vs. Numbers 26:12–14) is significant. Not only does Simeon still exist, but the Lord has used them to bring people from the nations into the people of God.
Geography in 1 Chronicles 4:28-33. These cities, from Joshua 15:26–32, had been lost to Judah. But their inclusion here means that the Lord may be restoring to Simeon their inheritance. He frequently reveals Himself as the God Who restores the years that the locus has eaten (cf. Joel 2:25). Who knows what the Lord might yet do in the reformation, revival, and restoration of parts of His church?
Leaders in 1 Chronicles 4:34-38. Even the forgotten tribe had leaders. This may be a significant encouragement for men in troubled times for the church. What the Lord might do for her in the future may bring future significance to what, otherwise, would seem like wasted generations of leadership. Making a lasting difference, ourselves, is an illusion. But, good leadership in the service of God, is never wasted in the economy of what He Himself is doing (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:1–6).
Triumphs in 1 Chronicles 4:39-43 Although Simeon’s allotted cities had been absorbed into Judah, they had gone on to defeat some Amalekites (1 Chronicles 4:43) and Edomites (1 Chronicles 4:42) as late as the reign of Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:41). These lands had previously been cultivated by Hamites (1 Chronicles 4:40), making them ideal for their flocks (1 Chronicles 4:39-40). In God’s amazing mercy to Simeon, these particular families had not been subject to the exile. The conclusion to the section hints at this hidden blessing: “they have dwelt there to this day” (1 Chronicles 4:43). Do not underestimate the small triumphs that the Lord might give the “invisible” among His people. Small triumphs may come as a providence of great grace!
When things have gone ill with the visible church, we ought rightly to be grieved. Even the Lord Jesus was (cf. )! But, let us not be discouraged. Though parts of the church may be at a low ebb for generations, God’s gracious work is never interrupted.
How and why might you be tempted to be discouraged about what is happening in the church? What might the Lord yet do? How are you praying for this? How are you laboring unto this? How are you pursuing your calling, especially if it includes leadership, in a way that you hope God will employ in His great work in history? What seemingly small triumphs has His grace given you to enjoy?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how we have allowed grief over the church’s weakness or waywardness to turn to discouragement. We see how much you were still doing in Simeon, even when they seemed to have disappeared from the map of the visible church. Grant that we might joyfully fill the roles that you have given us in our homes and Christ’s church. And be pleased to use us in Your great work in the world, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”
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