1 Chronicles 4:23
These were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the service of the king.
These were the potters
The term "potters" refers to artisans skilled in the craft of shaping clay into vessels and other items. In ancient Israel, pottery was a crucial industry, providing essential household items. The Hebrew word for potter, "יֹצְרִים" (yotzerim), implies a creator or shaper, reflecting God's creative work in forming humanity from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). This connection underscores the dignity of labor and the divine image in human creativity.

who lived at Netaim and Gederah
"Netaim" and "Gederah" were locations in the territory of Judah. The mention of these specific places highlights the historical and geographical context of the tribe of Judah. "Netaim" means "plantings," suggesting a fertile area conducive to agriculture and settlement. "Gederah" means "wall" or "enclosure," indicating a fortified or protected place. These names reflect the settled and secure life of the potters, emphasizing the stability and provision found in God's ordained order.

they lived there in the service of the king
The phrase "in the service of the king" indicates that these potters were not merely independent craftsmen but were employed in a royal capacity. This service to the king, likely King David or Solomon, suggests a high level of skill and trust. The Hebrew word "מְלֶאכֶת" (melechet) implies work or labor, often associated with sacred or significant tasks. Serving the king in this capacity elevates their work to a form of worship, reminding us that all labor, when done for God's glory, is sacred. This service also reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where each person uses their God-given talents for the benefit of the community and the glory of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Potters
Skilled artisans responsible for creating pottery, which was essential for daily life in ancient times. Their work was both practical and artistic, serving the needs of the community and the king.

2. Netaim
A location mentioned in this verse, possibly a village or settlement where these potters resided. The name means "plantings" or "shoots," suggesting a place of growth or productivity.

3. Gederah
Another location associated with the potters. The name means "wall" or "enclosure," indicating a fortified or protected area.

4. Service of the King
The potters were engaged in work that directly served the king, highlighting the importance of their craft and their contribution to the royal household.
Teaching Points
The Value of Skilled Work
The potters' role in serving the king underscores the value of skilled labor. Every task, no matter how humble, can be significant when done for a higher purpose.

Serving with Excellence
The potters lived in service to the king, reminding us to serve with excellence in whatever role we find ourselves, as if serving the Lord.

God's Sovereignty in Our Craft
Just as the potters shaped clay, God shapes our lives. We are called to trust His design and purpose for us, even when we don't understand the process.

Community and Contribution
The potters were part of a community, contributing their skills for the common good. We are encouraged to use our gifts to build up the body of Christ and serve others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the potters in 1 Chronicles 4:23 reflect the importance of skilled work in God's kingdom?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of serving with excellence in our daily lives, as the potters did in service to the king?

3. How does the imagery of the potter and clay in Jeremiah 18:1-6 help us understand God's sovereignty in our lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can contribute our skills and talents to our community and church, similar to the potters of Netaim and Gederah?

5. How can we find purpose and fulfillment in our work, knowing that it serves a greater purpose in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31:1-5
This passage describes Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God to craft artistic designs for the Tabernacle. Like the potters, Bezalel's work was both skilled and divinely appointed, serving a higher purpose.

Jeremiah 18:1-6
The imagery of the potter and the clay is used to illustrate God's sovereignty and creative power. This connection emphasizes the divine aspect of craftsmanship and service.

2 Timothy 2:20-21
Paul speaks of vessels of honor and dishonor, drawing a parallel to the potter's work. This connection highlights the idea of being useful for noble purposes in God's service.
Certain Members of the Royal HouseholdHenry W. F. Jones.1 Chronicles 4:23
With the King for His WorkSpurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Chronicles 4:23
Working for the KingThomas Champness.1 Chronicles 4:23
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
Craftsmen, Potters, EtcBishop Hall.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
Origin and Use of Arts and InventionsJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:14-23
The Dignity of All WorkR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 4:21-23
Weavers, Husbandmen, and PottersJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 4:21, 23
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Adiel, Aharhel, Ahumai, Ahuzam, Allon, Amalek, Amalekites, Amaziah, Amnon, Anub, Asaiah, Asareel, Ashur, Asiel, Ben, Benaiah, Benhanan, Benzoheth, Bethrapha, Bethuel, Bilhah, Bithiah, Caleb, Carmi, Chelub, Coz, David, Elah, Elioenai, Epher, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtemoa, Eshton, Ethnan, Ezer, Ezra, Garmite, Gedor, Haahashtari, Hakkoz, Ham, Hamites, Hamuel, Hanan, Harum, Hathath, Hazelelponi, Heber, Helah, Hepher, Hezekiah, Hezron, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hur, Idbash, Iru, Ishbah, Ishi, Ishma, Izhar, Jaakobah, Jabez, Jahath, Jalon, Jamin, Jamlech, Jarib, Jedaiah, Jehaleleel, Jehu, Jekuthiel, Jephunneh, Jered, Jeshohaiah, Jesimiel, Jether, Jezoar, Jezreel, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jokim, Joshah, Josibiah, Kenaz, Koz, Laadah, Lahad, Mehir, Meonothai, Mered, Meshobab, Meunim, Meunites, Mibsam, Miriam, Mishma, Naam, Naarah, Naham, Nahash, Neariah, Nemuel, Ophrah, Othniel, Paseah, Pelatiah, Penuel, Perez, Pharaoh, Pharez, Rapha, Reaiah, Rechah, Rephaiah, Rinnah, Saraph, Saul, Seir, Seraiah, Shallum, Shammai, Shaul, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimon, Shimri, Shiphi, Shobal, Shuah, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Tehinnah, Temeni, Tilon, Tiria, Uzziel, Zacchur, Zaccur, Zerah, Zereth, Ziphah, Ziza, Zobebah, Zohar, Zoheth, Zorathites, Zoreathites
Places
Ain, Ashan, Baal, Beersheba, Beth-biri, Beth-marcaboth, Bethuel, Bilhah, Cozeba, Etam, Ezem, Gederah, Gedor, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susim, Hormah, Jerusalem, Lehem, Moab, Moladah, Mount Seir, Netaim, Recah, Rimmon, Shaaraim, Tochen, Tolad, Ziklag
Topics
Abode, Dwelt, Enclosures, Fields, Gedera, Gederah, Gede'rah, Hedges, Inhabitants, King's, Netaim, Neta'im, Occupied, Plantations, Planted, Plants, Potters, Round, Stayed, Walls, Worked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:23

     5272   craftsmen
     5445   potters and pottery

1 Chronicles 4:21-23

     5212   arts and crafts

Library
The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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