1 Chronicles 4:32
And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan--five towns--
And their villages were Etam
Etam is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament, including as a place fortified by Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 11:6. It is often associated with the region of Judah. The name Etam means "lair of wild beasts," which may indicate its rugged terrain. This location is significant as it reflects the expansion and settlement patterns of the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah.

Ain
Ain, meaning "spring" or "fountain," suggests a location with a water source, which would have been crucial for sustaining life in ancient times. This village is also listed among the cities of the tribe of Simeon in Joshua 19:7. The presence of a spring would have made Ain a valuable settlement for agriculture and livestock.

Rimmon
Rimmon, meaning "pomegranate," is another village associated with the tribe of Simeon. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility and abundance in the Bible, often used in the decoration of the temple (1 Kings 7:18). This village's name may reflect the agricultural richness of the area or the presence of pomegranate trees.

Tochen
Tochen is a lesser-known village, with limited references in the Bible. Its inclusion in this list highlights the comprehensive nature of the genealogical records in Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of each settlement in the tribal inheritance. The name Tochen may mean "measured" or "balanced," possibly indicating a well-planned or strategically located village.

and Ashan
Ashan, meaning "smoke" or "cloud," is another village of the Simeonites. It is mentioned in Joshua 15:42 and 19:7, indicating its role in the tribal allotments. The name could suggest a location known for its high elevation or a place where sacrifices were made, producing smoke.

five towns—
The mention of five towns underscores the completeness and sufficiency of the Simeonite settlements within Judah's territory. The number five can symbolize grace or God's provision in biblical numerology. This enumeration reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to provide land for His people, as seen in the broader narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Etam
A village mentioned in the territory of the tribe of Simeon. It is also referenced in other parts of the Bible, indicating its historical significance.

2. Ain
Another village within the Simeonite territory. Its name means "spring" or "fountain," suggesting a place of water and life.

3. Rimmon
A town that is also mentioned in the context of the tribe of Simeon. The name means "pomegranate," a symbol of abundance and blessing.

4. Tochen
A lesser-known village, with limited biblical references, but part of the Simeonite inheritance.

5. Ashan
A town that was part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon, also mentioned in the context of the Levitical cities.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Inheritance
Just as the tribe of Simeon received specific towns as their inheritance, believers today have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to live in the fullness of that inheritance.

Significance of Place
The mention of specific towns reminds us that God values places and communities. Consider how God has placed you in your current community for a purpose.

Historical Continuity
The towns listed have historical significance, showing the continuity of God's plan through generations. Reflect on how your life is part of a larger account that God is weaving.

Symbolism of Names
The meanings of the town names (e.g., Ain as "spring") can inspire us to seek spiritual refreshment and abundance in our walk with God.

Community and Belonging
The listing of these towns within the Simeonite territory emphasizes the importance of community and belonging. Reflect on how you contribute to and benefit from your spiritual community.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inheritance of specific towns to the tribe of Simeon teach us about God's provision and promises?

2. How can the historical significance of these towns inspire us to see the importance of our own communities today?

3. In what ways can the symbolism of the town names (e.g., Ain as "spring") encourage us in our spiritual journey?

4. How does understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ impact the way we live our daily lives?

5. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our sense of community and belonging within our church or spiritual group?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 19:1-9
This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon, including the towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:32. It provides context for the Simeonite inheritance within the larger account of the division of the Promised Land.

1 Samuel 30:26-31
This passage lists towns to which David sent spoils after defeating the Amalekites, including some of the towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:32, highlighting their continued significance in Israel's history.
Survey of the GenealogyJames Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 4:1-43
General Truths from Genealogical TablesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 4:11-43
The SimeonitesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 4:31-43
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
Ain, A'in, Ashan, Cities, Etam, Rimmon, Tochen, Token, Towns, Villages
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:32

     5601   village

1 Chronicles 4:24-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

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

Links
1 Chronicles 4:32 NIV
1 Chronicles 4:32 NLT
1 Chronicles 4:32 ESV
1 Chronicles 4:32 NASB
1 Chronicles 4:32 KJV

1 Chronicles 4:32 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 4:31
Top of Page
Top of Page