1 Chronicles 4:29
New International Version
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

New Living Translation
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

English Standard Version
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Berean Standard Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

King James Bible
And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

New King James Version
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

New American Standard Bible
in Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

NASB 1995
at Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

NASB 1977
at Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Legacy Standard Bible
at Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Amplified Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Christian Standard Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

American Standard Version
and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

English Revised Version
and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

Good News Translation
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

International Standard Version
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

NET Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

New Heart English Bible
and at Balah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

Webster's Bible Translation
And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

World English Bible
at Bilhah, at Ezem, at Tolad,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and in Bilhah, and in Ezem, and in Tolad,

Young's Literal Translation
and in Bilhah, and in Ezem, and in Tolad,

Smith's Literal Translation
And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And in Bala, and in Asom, and in Tholad,

Catholic Public Domain Version
and in Bilhah, and in Ezem, and in Tolad,

New American Bible
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,

New Revised Standard Version
Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And in Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and in Balaa, and in Aesem, and in Tholad,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
More Descendants of Judah
28They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag,…

Cross References
Joshua 19:1-9
The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon: Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah / and included Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, / Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, ...

1 Samuel 30:26-31
When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.” / He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, and Jattir; / to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa; ...

2 Samuel 2:1-4
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. ...

1 Kings 19:3
And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

2 Chronicles 11:10
Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin.

Genesis 46:12
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

Numbers 26:20-21
These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. / And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul.

Joshua 15:21-32
These were the southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the border of Edom: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, / Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, / Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, ...

Judges 1:16-17
Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people. / Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah.

1 Samuel 27:5-6
Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me be assigned a place in one of the outlying towns, so I can live there. For why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” / That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah.

1 Samuel 30:1
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down.

2 Samuel 24:7
They went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba.

Nehemiah 11:25-30
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; / in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; / in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; ...

Matthew 2:1-6
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ...

Luke 2:4
So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.


Treasury of Scripture

And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

Bilhah.

Joshua 19:3
And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

Balah-Azem.

Joshua 19:4
And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

Eltolad.

Jump to Previous
Bilhah Ezem
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Bilhah Ezem
1 Chronicles 4
1. The posterity of Judah by Caleb, the son of Hur.
5. Of Ashur, the posthumous son Hezron.
9. Of Jabez, and his prayer.
11. The other families of the same stock.
21. The sons of Shelah.
24. The posterity and cities of Simeon.
39. Their conquest of Gedor, and of the Amalekites in mount Seir.














Bilhah
Bilhah is mentioned here as a location, but it is also the name of a maidservant of Rachel, Jacob's wife, in Genesis. The name may indicate a connection to the tribe of Simeon, as the Simeonites are listed in this genealogical record. The use of personal names for places was common in ancient times, often indicating the founder or a significant event associated with the location. This reflects the tribal and familial nature of Israelite society, where lineage and heritage were crucial.

Ezem
Ezem is a town in the Negev region of Judah, allocated to the tribe of Simeon. The Negev was a semi-arid region, and towns like Ezem were vital for the survival of the tribes due to their strategic locations and resources. The mention of Ezem highlights the territorial inheritance of the Simeonites, which was within the larger allotment of Judah. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding the land, as seen in the book of Joshua.

Tolad
Tolad is another town associated with the tribe of Simeon. Its mention alongside Ezem and Bilhah suggests a cluster of settlements that were part of Simeon's inheritance. The listing of these towns underscores the importance of land distribution among the tribes, a key aspect of Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. The allocation of land was not only a practical matter but also a spiritual one, as it represented God's provision and faithfulness to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bilhah
A town mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah.

2. Ezem
Another town listed in the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon. Like Bilhah, its precise location is uncertain today, but it was part of the land allotted to Simeon.

3. Tolad
A town included in the list of settlements belonging to the tribe of Simeon. The name Tolad is mentioned in the context of the genealogical records, emphasizing the historical and territorial claims of the tribe.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Heritage
Just as the towns of Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad were part of the Simeonites' heritage, Christians are encouraged to understand and appreciate their spiritual heritage in Christ. This includes recognizing the importance of our spiritual lineage and the promises of God.

The Importance of Place
The mention of specific towns highlights the significance of place in God's plan. Believers are reminded that where God places us is part of His divine purpose, and we are called to serve Him faithfully in our current context.

Faithfulness in the Small Things
The seemingly obscure towns in the genealogical records remind us that every detail matters to God. We are encouraged to be faithful in the small and seemingly insignificant aspects of our lives, trusting that God sees and values our efforts.

God's Sovereignty in History
The allocation of land and the settlement of tribes reflect God's sovereign hand in history. Believers can trust that God is in control of the details of their lives, orchestrating events according to His perfect will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 4:29?

2. What significance do the listed towns hold in 1 Chronicles 4:29's context?

3. How does 1 Chronicles 4:29 reflect God's faithfulness to Israel's inheritance?

4. Connect 1 Chronicles 4:29 to God's promises in Genesis regarding land inheritance.

5. How can we apply the concept of inheritance in 1 Chronicles 4:29 today?

6. What lessons about God's provision can we learn from 1 Chronicles 4:29?

7. What is the historical significance of 1 Chronicles 4:29 in the context of Israel's tribal territories?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 4:29 contribute to understanding the genealogies in the Bible?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the locations mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:29?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 4?

11. Is there any external verification for the groups listed in 1 Chronicles 4--especially those not mentioned elsewhere--suggesting they might be legendary or symbolic?

12. How can 1 Chronicles 29:4's account of David's vast gold and silver donations be reconciled with the limited archaeological evidence of Israel's wealth in that era?

13. How do we verify the legitimacy of David's authorship of prayers like the one in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 when external corroboration is lacking?

14. Are the lifespans and generational spans implied in 1 Chronicles 4 scientifically plausible, or do they represent mythical or symbolic timelines?
What Does 1 Chronicles 4:29 Mean
Bilhah

“Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,” (1 Chronicles 4:29)

• Bilhah is listed among the settlements of the tribe of Simeon, whose inheritance lay within Judah’s larger territory (Joshua 19:1–9).

• God promised that every tribe would receive its portion of land (Numbers 34:13 – 15), and this tiny notice shows that promise being kept in exact detail.

• Although Bilhah is not widely mentioned elsewhere, its inclusion underlines how fully God knows each location and family (Psalm 139:1–3).

• The town’s name echoes another Bilhah in Genesis 30, reminding us how Israel’s family stories reached into their geography.

• By recording Bilhah, Scripture affirms that no place or person in God’s plan is overlooked (Matthew 10:29–31).


Ezem

• Ezem also appears in Joshua 15:29 and 19:3 as a border town between Judah and Simeon, showing how the two tribes shared the Negev region.

• Living at the edge of the wilderness drew Simeon to depend on God’s daily provision, much like Israel in the exodus (Deuteronomy 8:15–16).

• The Lord “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26), and Ezem’s placement illustrates that sovereign care.

• Generations later, David still found Simeon in these towns (1 Chronicles 4:31), proving the continuity of God’s covenant faithfulness.


Tolad

• Tolad is likely the same town called Eltolad in Joshua 15:30 and 19:4, its shorter form here showing the everyday speech of later generations.

• Though small and otherwise unnoted, Tolad’s presence in the record declares that God honors even unnoticed places (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).

• The verse sits in a list that bridges the wilderness wanderings to the united kingdom, highlighting how God weaves small details into His grand narrative (Ruth 2:3; 2 Samuel 7:8–11).

• Tolad, like Bilhah and Ezem, remained under Simeon “until the reign of David” (1 Chronicles 4:31), stressing historical reliability and continuity.


summary

1 Chronicles 4:29 is more than a bare list of three towns; it is a testimony that God keeps precise track of His people, their boundaries, and their homes. Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad stand as monuments to the faithfulness that placed Simeon where He intended, sustained them through generations, and recorded their story for our encouragement today.

(29) Many of the places assigned to Simeon in this list are reckoned among the towns of the extreme south of Judah in Joshua 15:26, et seq. Bilhah, or Balah, is, perhaps, Baalah (Joshua 15:29); Ezem (Authorised Version, Azem) and Eltolad are also mentioned there. Their sites are unknown.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Bilhah,
וּבְבִלְהָ֥ה (ū·ḇə·ḇil·hāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1090: Bilhah -- a concubine of Jacob

Ezem,
וּבְעֶ֖צֶם (ū·ḇə·‘e·ṣem)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6107: Ezem -- 'bone', a place in the Negev of Judah

Tolad,
וּבְתוֹלָֽד׃ (ū·ḇə·ṯō·w·lāḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8434: Tolad -- a city in Simeon


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 4:29 And at Bilhah and at Ezem (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 4:28
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