1 Chronicles 4:26

And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son.

1 Chronicles 4:26 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears in a long list of names in 1 Chronicles, a book that records the family histories of God’s people. The list here belongs to the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Simeon was a son of Jacob, and his descendants received land within the territory of Judah. The writer of Chronicles cared about these records because they showed how each family connected to the nation and to God’s promises.

Meaning

The verse names Mishma and then three generations after him: Hamuel, Zacchur, and Shimei. These are real people, though we know little else about them. Their names were preserved for a purpose. In ancient Israel, genealogies protected inheritance rights and confirmed tribal identity. Being listed meant that a person belonged to God’s covenant people. The next verse adds that Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers had fewer children, so their clan did not grow as large as Judah’s. This detail reminds us that God noticed even families that remained small.

Biblical connections

The surrounding verses place Mishma in the line of Simeon, and the chapter later turns to the tribe of Judah, from which King David came. The writer highlights Judah’s growth, yet he still took time to record Simeon’s families. This shows that God values every tribe and every person, not only the famous ones. The genealogies also point forward to the birth of Jesus Christ, who came through Judah’s line. Every name in these lists is a thread in the larger story of redemption.

Application

Most people live ordinary lives that others may never record. Yet God knows each person by name and sees every generation. This verse encourages us to honour our own family heritage and to recognise that our lives are part of a bigger story. We may not be famous, but we still matter to God. He has placed us in a family and a community for a purpose. We can also pass on faith to the next generation, just as these fathers passed on their names and their place among God’s people.

Reflection

God’s faithfulness reaches from one generation to another. He kept His promises to Simeon’s descendants, and He keeps His promises to us. When we read lists of names, we can remember that God never forgets His children. Our names are written in His book, and our lives contribute to His ongoing work. Take time to thank God for the people who came before you and for the ways He has been faithful to your family. Trust that He sees you and values your place in His plan.