1 Chronicles 4:11 - Meaning and Application

In these verses we can notice several things.

First, there was a whole family of craftsmen, skilled workers who made different kinds of goods and were more capable and hardworking than the people around them (1 Chronicles 4:14). They lived in a valley that came to be called the valley of craftsmen because of them. People who work with their hands are not therefore to be thought of as low or unimportant. These craftsmen, though people in the same trade often disagree, chose to live together. They did this so they could improve their skills by learning from one another and also support one another’s good name.

Second, one of them married the daughter of Pharaoh (1 Chronicles 4:18), a title used for the kings of Egypt. If an Israelite living in Egypt before the bondage began, while Joseph’s great service was still remembered, was accepted as the king’s son-in-law, that is not surprising. Few Israelites would have had the strength of mind, like Moses, to refuse such a connection with the royal court.

Third, another man is called the father of the house of those who made fine linen (1 Chronicles 4:21). This is mentioned in their family line as a mark of honor, because they were the best weavers in the kingdom. They also trained their children, generation after generation, to keep doing the same work, instead of trying to raise them above honest labor. Laadah is called the father of those who made fine linen, just as, before the flood, Jubal is called the father of musicians and Jabal the father of shepherds. His descendants lived in the city of Mareshah, where linen cloth was likely the main product, and even the kings and priests wore it.

Fourth, another family had once ruled in Moab, but later they were reduced to working as potters and gardeners in Babylon (1 Chronicles 4:22, 1 Chronicles 4:23). It is said that among the old records it was found that they had held power in Moab. Most likely, in David’s time, when that country was conquered, they moved there and were given positions of authority, which they kept for many generations. But that was long ago, so long that it was almost beyond memory. Their descendants were now potters and gardeners, as is thought, in Babylon, where they lived in service to the king and made a good living by their work.

This shows how quickly worldly rank can change. Those who now hold power do not know what their descendants may be brought down to, or what humble work they may be glad to accept. But those were not worthy of the name of Israelites who preferred to stay among plants and hedges rather than take the trouble to return to Canaan.