1 Chronicles 9:38 – “Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.”
Extended Explanation
This verse gives a brief mention of Mikloth, one of the sons of Jeiel, and his own son, Shimeam. It also notes that this family lived near their relatives in Jerusalem. The genealogical records in this part of 1 Chronicles continue to trace the family lines of prominent figures, especially those from the tribe of Benjamin, who were connected to Israel’s early history. The reference to Mikloth and Shimeam living near their relatives in Jerusalem suggests a close-knit family and community structure, particularly within the capital city, which was the center of worship and national life for Israel.
This verse highlights the continuity of the family line and their connection to Jerusalem, indicating that this family had an ongoing presence in the city. It is a reminder that many of the individuals and families listed in these genealogies had real lives and roles within the community.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, genealogies were important for establishing heritage, land ownership, and tribal identity. Jerusalem, where Mikloth and his family lived, was the political and spiritual center of Israel. After King David established Jerusalem as the capital, it became not only the seat of government but also the religious heart of the nation, especially with the building of the temple by Solomon. The fact that Mikloth’s family lived near their relatives in Jerusalem indicates their inclusion in the important social and religious structures of the time.
Living near family was common and helped to strengthen tribal ties and community bonds. This was particularly important for the tribe of Benjamin, to which Jeiel’s family belonged. Benjamin was the tribe from which Israel’s first king, Saul, came, and it maintained a significant presence in Jerusalem during the time of the monarchy.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the importance of family and community within God’s plan. God often works through families to accomplish His purposes, and He places value on relationships and community ties. The fact that Mikloth and Shimeam lived near their relatives emphasizes the biblical principle of family heritage and continuity. Throughout Scripture, families are seen as key to the transmission of faith and values from one generation to the next.
This verse also highlights the significance of living in proximity to Jerusalem, the city that symbolized God’s presence among His people. By being connected to the capital city, this family had access to the center of Israel’s religious life, where worship and temple service took place. In a broader theological sense, living near Jerusalem symbolizes being close to God’s presence and being involved in the life of the covenant community.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a larger genealogical section in 1 Chronicles 9, which provides a detailed record of the families and descendants of Israel’s tribes, particularly focusing on those who returned from exile. The listing of names may seem repetitive, but it serves an important literary function by connecting the people of Israel to their past and emphasizing the continuity of God’s work through generations.
The phrase “they too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem” suggests the close proximity of families and highlights the communal aspect of life in ancient Israel. The chronicler’s careful recording of names and locations reinforces the idea that each family played a role in the nation’s spiritual and social fabric.
Biblical Cross-References
1 Chronicles 8:32 mentions Mikloth and his family, confirming their connection to the tribe of Benjamin and their residence in Jerusalem. Other genealogical records, such as those in Genesis 5 and Genesis 10, also emphasize the importance of tracing family lines and recording the presence of individuals within their communities.
Psalm 122:1-2 speaks of the joy of going to Jerusalem, the city where God’s temple was located. This psalm reflects the significance of living near or having access to the holy city, as it was the center of worship for God’s people. The verse also connects to broader themes in Scripture about the importance of family and community in God’s plan, such as in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which emphasizes teaching the next generation about God’s commands.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse highlights the value of family and community in living out faith. Just as Mikloth and Shimeam lived near their relatives in Jerusalem, Christians are called to maintain strong relationships with their families and fellow believers. Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation but in the context of a community where individuals support and encourage one another.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of being near God’s presence. In the Old Testament, living in or near Jerusalem meant being close to the temple, where God’s presence dwelt. For Christians, this means prioritizing being part of the church community, where we gather to worship God and grow in our relationship with Him and others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in how He places people within families and communities. God’s design for families and communities is part of His plan for nurturing faith, providing support, and fostering spiritual growth. The closeness of Mikloth’s family to their relatives shows the importance of being in relationships where faith can be strengthened and shared.
God’s love is also seen in the way He provided Jerusalem as a place where His presence was known. By living near Jerusalem, Mikloth and his family had the privilege of being close to the center of worship, which reflects God’s desire to draw His people near to Him. This closeness to Jerusalem symbolizes God’s love in desiring a relationship with His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In the Old Testament, proximity to Jerusalem was significant because it was where the temple—the place of God’s presence—was located. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the role of the temple, as He is now the way through which we access God’s presence. John 1:14 tells us that Jesus “dwelt” among us, which literally means He “tabernacled” or made His dwelling place with humanity. Just as Mikloth’s family lived near the presence of God in Jerusalem, Christians now live in the presence of God through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks of how, through Jesus, we can “draw near to God” with confidence. Jesus, through His sacrifice, has brought us into a close relationship with God, much closer than physical proximity to the temple in Jerusalem. In this way, the closeness of Mikloth’s family to Jerusalem points forward to the spiritual nearness we now experience through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage us to value family and community in our own lives?
- What steps can we take to nurture strong relationships with our family and church community, similar to the closeness seen in Mikloth’s family?
- How does the idea of living near Jerusalem, the center of worship, challenge us to prioritize being near to God in our daily lives?
- How does Jesus fulfill the role of the temple, and what does it mean for us to live in close relationship with God through Him?