v1-23: The family of Judah.

The family includes men of different skills; craftsmen (v14), linen workers (v21), and potters who worked for the king (v23).

There is also the shining example of Jabez (v9-10), who stood out from his brothers. He was a man who prayed. He asked God to enlarge his territory, to keep him from harm, and to keep him from pain.

7.23 mentions tragedy in the life of Beriah. As with Jabez; the Bible is honest with pain and trial. This is real life.

v24-43: The family of Simeon.

v27: Simeon was small, decreasing from 59,300 in Num 2.13 to 22,000 in Num 26.14. They are referred to in Gen 49.5-7, but not in Deut 33. In Josh 19.9 they took their inheritance within Judah, as in v28-33.

v31: Until the reign of David; up to that time they remained largely in the towns allotted to them. In 2 Sam 20.1-2, Israel departed from David, and Simeon, who had dwelt in Judah, perhaps moved north with the other tribes. In 2 Chr15.9, Simeon is listed with Ephraim and Manasseh (2 Chr 34.6 also); Simeon had therefore become allied with the northern tribes, rather than remaining in Judah.

v33: They faithfully maintained their genealogy, proving their right to future inheritance. Using N.T. language, they made their calling and election sure.

v38-41: They grew prosperous, seeking extra land for their flocks. They defeated the Meunites and the Amalekites, to take more land. Like Reuben (5.10) and the 2&fac12; tribes (5.18-22), they were victorious in battle.