They came from diverse lineages but were woven into Judah’s family record, illustrating how God works through both well-known and lesser-known figures to accomplish His purposes in every generation.
In 1 Chronicles 4:19, we read: “The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite” (v.19). This verse appears within a long genealogical list focusing on the tribe of Judah. The individuals mentioned here, Hodiah and Naham, are otherwise unknown in Scripture, but their connection to Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite highlights the continuity of family lines within Israel. Although we know little about Hodiah herself, the reference to her sons’ lineage confines this verse among many others that testify to Judah’s rich tribal heritage, preserving details that might have signaled important alliances or inherited roles in service to the broader Israelite community.
The verse also names two locations: Keilah and Eshtemoa. Keilah was situated in the lowlands (Shephelah) of Judah, historically a fortified town (1 Samuel 23:1-5). Eshtemoa lay in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:50) and was given to the Levites at one point, signifying its religious function within Israel. Described here as “Garmite” and “Maacathite,” these names imply that the respective families or clans hailed from or had dealings with a people group or region called Garm and Maacah. Although identified only briefly, the genealogical record underscores the broader tapestry of interlinked communities making up Israel’s inheritance.
By noting Hodiah’s marital connection and naming the fathers of clans, this solitary verse reveals how even minor details fit into the larger biblical story, reminding readers that the continuity of faith and family blessings in Scripture included many tribes and smaller communities, each contributing to Israel’s identity in the land.
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1 Chronicles 4:19 meaning
In 1 Chronicles 4:19, we read: “The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite” (v.19). This verse appears within a long genealogical list focusing on the tribe of Judah. The individuals mentioned here, Hodiah and Naham, are otherwise unknown in Scripture, but their connection to Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite highlights the continuity of family lines within Israel. Although we know little about Hodiah herself, the reference to her sons’ lineage confines this verse among many others that testify to Judah’s rich tribal heritage, preserving details that might have signaled important alliances or inherited roles in service to the broader Israelite community.
The verse also names two locations: Keilah and Eshtemoa. Keilah was situated in the lowlands (Shephelah) of Judah, historically a fortified town (1 Samuel 23:1-5). Eshtemoa lay in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:50) and was given to the Levites at one point, signifying its religious function within Israel. Described here as “Garmite” and “Maacathite,” these names imply that the respective families or clans hailed from or had dealings with a people group or region called Garm and Maacah. Although identified only briefly, the genealogical record underscores the broader tapestry of interlinked communities making up Israel’s inheritance.
By noting Hodiah’s marital connection and naming the fathers of clans, this solitary verse reveals how even minor details fit into the larger biblical story, reminding readers that the continuity of faith and family blessings in Scripture included many tribes and smaller communities, each contributing to Israel’s identity in the land.