This is a continuation of the genealogies from chapters one, two, and three (read these short accounts to gain a perspective on these lists). This list contains the descendants of Judah (1-23) and the descendants of Simeon (24-43).
This list contains one name with narrative, Jabez (whose name means Sorrow). Bruce Wilkinson wrote a short treatise on prayer from these verses (9-10). Dr. William E. Arp wrote “The Prayer of Jabez: The Bible and the Book” as an analysis of the book.
The list also contains a reference to the mixing of blood between Egyptians and Israelites (17). Genesis reminds us that this was sin (Genesis 35.22 and 49.3-4).
The tribe of Simeon was so small that it was enveloped by Judah’s territory.
This needs more research and it will be done at a later time. Need to place a map of the twelve tribes.