What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 2:55? The clans of the scribes who lived at Jabez “and the clans of the scribes who lived at Jabez—” (1 Chronicles 2:55a) • 1 Chronicles pauses its genealogy to recognize a unique occupation: scribes. In Old Testament Israel, scribes copied, preserved, and taught God’s law (cf. 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 24:6; Ezra 7:6). • Their residence, Jabez, likely took its name from the prayerful man of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, hinting that a community devoted to the Word grew where prayer and honor toward God once flourished. • By noting their town and craft, the text highlights God’s care in planting Scripture-keepers throughout Judah, ensuring every generation could access His commands (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The Tirathites “—the Tirathites,” (1 Chronicles 2:55b) • The Tirathites form one of three subdivisions of these scribal clans. • While Scripture offers no extra detail on them, their listing underscores that God records even seemingly obscure servants (cf. Malachi 3:16; Hebrews 6:10). • Their name’s inclusion beside “scribes” reminds today’s believers that faithful, often-hidden service—copying a scroll, teaching a child—matters eternally (Colossians 3:23-24). The Shimeathites “Shimeathites,” (1 Chronicles 2:55c) • Possibly linked to “Shimeath,” an ancestor otherwise unknown, this clan also served as scribes. • Their mention parallels 2 Chronicles 26:11, where another king maintained “recorders,” showing Judah’s leaders relied on dedicated families to steward written truth. • God equips various households with specific callings, weaving them into His redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 12:18). The Sucathites “and Sucathites.” (1 Chronicles 2:55d) • Completing the triad, the Sucathites illustrate that multiple lines shared the same godly vocation. • Such diversity within unity anticipates the church’s many members, one body (Romans 12:4-5). • By clustering them together, the Chronicler reinforces that corporate commitment to Scripture brings strength (Nehemiah 8:1-8). These are the Kenites who came from Hammath “These are the Kenites who came from Hammath,” (1 Chronicles 2:55e) • The Kenites trace back to Moses’ Midianite in-laws (Judges 1:16; 4:11). Though non-Israelite by blood, they aligned with the covenant people. • Their migration “from Hammath” (a location now lost to us) demonstrates willingness to leave homeland for closer fellowship with God’s chosen (Ruth 1:16-17). • God honors outsiders who attach themselves to His word and His people (Isaiah 56:6-7). The father of the house of Rechab “the father of the house of Rechab.” (1 Chronicles 2:55f) • Rechab’s descendants, the Rechabites, famously obeyed an ancestral vow to avoid wine and settled life (Jeremiah 35:6-10). • Their fidelity earned divine commendation: “Because you have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab… you will never fail to have a man to stand before Me” (Jeremiah 35:18-19). • Linking the Rechabites to these scribes suggests a legacy of disciplined obedience—first in lifestyle, then in guarding Scripture—showing how wholehearted devotion can evolve into broader ministry (Psalm 119:9-11). summary 1 Chronicles 2:55 spotlights three scribal clans—Tirathites, Shimeathites, Sucathites—who lived at Jabez. Though Kenite by origin and descendants of Rechab, they embedded themselves in Judah, faithfully copying and teaching God’s word. The verse underscores God’s meticulous record-keeping, His welcome to outsiders who embrace His covenant, and the lasting impact of families devoted to Scripture. |
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