1 Chronicles 4:4

And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sonnes of Hur, the first borne of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem. 1 Chronicles 4:4 (KJV)

The book of 1 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and functions as a historical record of the genealogies of Israel’s families and tribes. It traces the lineage of the Israelites from the earliest ancestors through to the time of King David, providing a framework for understanding the nation’s identity. Chapter 4 concentrates specifically on the descendants of Judah, listing names and relationships that were vital for tribal affiliation and inheritance.

Hur is identified in this passage as the firstborn of Ephratah, a locale associated with Bethlehem. Earlier in the chronicle (1 Chronicles 2:50‑51) the sons of Hur are named as Shobal, Salma, and Hareph. Shobal is noted as the father of Kirjath‑jearim, Salma as the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph as the father of Bethgader. These connections link individual families to particular towns and highlight the geographical spread of Hur’s lineage.

Verse 4:4 introduces Penuel, the father of Gedor, and Ezer, the father of Hushah, as additional sons of Hur. Little is recorded elsewhere about Penuel or Gedor, yet Gedor later appears as a city belonging to the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:18), suggesting that the descendants of Gedor settled in that region. Likewise, Ezer and his son Hushah are mentioned only here, implying they were notable within their own family or tribal group.

Genealogical records were highly valued in ancient Israel because they established legitimate lineage, determined inheritance rights, and confirmed tribal affiliation. By preserving these family lines, the chronicler connected the past with the present, reminding the people of their ancestral roots and reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen people.