Commentary for 1 Chronicles 2:36

1 Chronicles 2:36 is a part of the genealogical records found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Books of Chronicles. These books were likely written after the Babylonian Exile and compiled various historical records, laws, and genealogies to provide the Israelites with a sense of identity and history as they rebuilt their nation.

The verse itself is a brief segment of a larger genealogy that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah, which was the royal tribe from which King David and, eventually, Jesus Christ (according to the Christian tradition) would descend. The verse mentions three individuals: Attai, his son Nathan, and Nathan's son Zabad. These names are part of the ancestral line that connects the prominent figures of Israel's history to their earlier ancestors.

In the historical context, genealogies were crucial for establishing the legitimacy of familial ties, property rights, priestly roles, and royal succession. The mention of Nathan here is particularly noteworthy because there was a significant prophet by that name during the reign of King David (2 Samuel 7; 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 17), but it is not clear if this is the same Nathan due to the commonality of the name.

The themes of 1 Chronicles 2:36 include the importance of familial heritage, the continuity of lineage, and the historical record-keeping that was central to Israelite society. This verse, like many others in the genealogies, serves to connect the past with the present, reminding the readers of their ancestral roots and the covenantal promises made to their forebears by God. It also emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail that the chroniclers had in preserving the historical identity of the Israelite people.