1 Chronicles 4:39
and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks.
and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor,

The Simeonite clans had multiplied within their allotted territory and sought additional land for their households and herds. Their movement took place during the reign of Hezekiah, when these families acted decisively to secure room beyond the confines of their earlier settlement. Simeon’s inheritance lay within Judah’s territory, and this expansion continued Israel’s occupation of the land God had assigned to the tribes.

Jos 15:58 Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor,
1Ch 12:7 and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.

to the east side of the valley,

The location identified a region suitable for settlement and grazing. The valley provided access to water, cultivable ground, and open land for livestock. The Simeonites did not wander aimlessly; they surveyed a specific area where their families could live in security and prosperity.

Gen 13:10-12 And Lot looked out and saw the whole plain…
Deu 3:12-20 So at that time we took possession of this land…
Num 32:1-5 Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds…

in search of pasture for their flocks.

Livestock sustained the Simeonite economy, supplying food, wool, trade goods, and wealth. Their search for pasture reflected both practical need and dependence upon God’s provision. The Lord who gave Israel the land also supplied the means by which His people could flourish in it, as a shepherd provides for the flock entrusted to his care.

Gen 47:3-4 “What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked…
Ezk 34:14-15 I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains…
Psa 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Simeonites
This verse refers to the descendants of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were seeking new territory for their flocks.

2. Gedor
A location mentioned in the context of the Simeonites' search for pasture. It is believed to be a place in the southern part of Judah, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. The Valley
The specific valley is not named, but it is described as being on the east side, indicating a geographical direction in their search for resources.
Teaching Points
God's Provision
The search for pasture by the Simeonites reminds us of God's provision for His people. Just as they sought resources for their flocks, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision for our needs.

Seeking New Opportunities
The journey to Gedor illustrates the importance of seeking new opportunities and being willing to move when necessary. In our lives, we should be open to God's leading into new ventures or areas of service.

Community and Cooperation
The Simeonites' collective effort to find pasture highlights the value of community and working together. In our faith communities, cooperation and unity are essential for growth and success.

Faith in Action
The act of seeking pasture demonstrates faith in action. It is not enough to trust God passively; we must also take steps in faith to pursue what He has promised.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the search for pasture by the Simeonites teach us about trusting in God's provision in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking new opportunities, as demonstrated by the Simeonites, in our personal or professional lives?

3. In what ways can we foster a sense of community and cooperation within our church or faith group, similar to the Simeonites' collective effort?

4. How does the concept of "faith in action" challenge us to actively pursue God's promises in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith to seek something new. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's guidance and provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:7
This verse provides background on the tribe of Simeon, highlighting Jacob's prophecy about their dispersion, which connects to their search for new land in 1 Chronicles 4:39.

Joshua 19:1-9
These verses describe the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon, which was within the territory of Judah, providing context for their need to seek additional pasture.

Psalm 23:1-2
This passage speaks of God as a shepherd who provides for His flock, paralleling the Simeonites' search for pasture with God's provision.
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
Might and RightR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 4:39-41
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
East, Entrance, Flock, Flocks, Gedor, Grass-land, Journeyed, Opening, Pasture, Search, Seek, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 4:24-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 4:39-40

     4290   valleys

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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