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.

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.