1 Chronicles 4:43

and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.

Study Bible

and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped.
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe and longstanding enemies of Israel, first mentioned in Genesis 14:7. They were descendants of Esau, as noted in Genesis 36:12. The Israelites' conflict with the Amalekites began during the Exodus when the Amalekites attacked them at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded the Israelites to blot out the memory of Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), and King Saul was later instructed to destroy them completely (1 Samuel 15:2-3). However, Saul's failure to fully obey led to ongoing conflicts. The "remnant" here refers to those who survived previous battles, indicating that the Israelites were fulfilling God's command to eradicate this persistent threat. This act can be seen as a continuation of divine justice against a people who opposed God's purposes.

And they have lived there to this day.
This phrase suggests a lasting settlement by the Israelites in the territory previously occupied by the Amalekites. The phrase "to this day" is a common biblical expression indicating the time of the text's writing. It implies stability and continuity for the tribe of Simeon, who are the implied subjects of this passage. This settlement reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land. It also highlights the theme of divine providence, as God provides for His people by granting them victory and a place to dwell. The historical context suggests that this settlement contributed to the tribal identity and territorial claims of the Simeonites within the larger narrative of Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Simeonites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Simeon, who were involved in the conquest of the Amalekites as described in this passage.

2. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel, representing persistent opposition to God's people.

3. Mount Seir
The region where the remnant of the Amalekites was struck down by the Simeonites.

4. The Remnant
The remaining Amalekites who had escaped previous conflicts and were living in Mount Seir.

5. The Settlement
The Simeonites settled in the region after defeating the Amalekites, indicating a change in territorial control.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Judgment
God's promise to judge the Amalekites is fulfilled, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's incomplete obedience in 1 Samuel 15 led to continued conflict with the Amalekites, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to God.

Spiritual Warfare
The Amalekites symbolize spiritual opposition. Believers are called to be vigilant and persistent in spiritual battles, relying on God's strength.

Inheritance and Rest
The Simeonites' settlement in the land signifies the rest and inheritance that comes after obedience and victory in God's battles.

God's Sovereignty Over History
The account shows God's control over historical events, using them to fulfill His purposes and promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to judge the Amalekites in 1 Chronicles 4:43 encourage you in trusting God's promises today?

2. In what ways can the account of the Amalekites and the Simeonites inform our understanding of spiritual warfare in the New Testament context?

3. Reflect on a time when incomplete obedience led to further challenges in your life. How can you apply the lesson of complete obedience from this passage?

4. How does the concept of inheritance and rest after victory in this passage relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament?

5. Considering God's sovereignty over history, how can you find peace and assurance in His control over current world events and personal circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, which Saul fails to fully execute.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
A reminder to Israel to remember what Amalek did and the command to blot out their memory.

Esther 3
Haman, an Agagite, is a descendant of the Amalekites, showing the continued threat they posed to Israel.