1 Chronicles 1:14

KJV

The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,

KJV (with Strong's)

The Jebusite {H2983} also, and the Amorite {H567}, and the Girgashite {H1622},

Complete Jewish Bible

the Y'vusi, the Emori, the Girgashi,

Berean Standard Bible

the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites,

American Standard Version

and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:14 appears within the extensive genealogical records that open the book, specifically detailing the descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons, through his son Canaan. This verse meticulously lists three of the indigenous peoples—the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the Girgashite—who inhabited the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. Its inclusion underscores the historical and geographical reality of the Promised Land and sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's destiny within that specific territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the comprehensive genealogical survey of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which traces humanity's lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community of Israel. Chapters 1-2 focus on the primeval history and the patriarchs, culminating in the tribes of Israel and the Davidic line. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:14 is part of the list of Canaan's descendants (1 Chronicles 1:13-16), who are themselves sons of Ham (1 Chronicles 1:8). The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping serves to establish the historical continuity of God's people, their legitimate claim to the land, and their connection to God's covenant promises, particularly for a post-exilic audience seeking to reaffirm their identity and heritage. The inclusion of these non-Israelite nations highlights the broader scope of God's sovereignty over all peoples, even as the narrative narrows its focus to Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The names listed in 1 Chronicles 1:14 refer to specific tribal groups who were prominent inhabitants of the land of Canaan before the arrival and conquest by the Israelites, as recounted in books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Command to Joshua"). The Jebusites, for example, were known to inhabit Jerusalem (then called Jebus) and maintained control of it until David's conquest centuries later (see [2 Samuel 5:6-7](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-7 - David Conquers Jerusalem")). The Amorites were a widespread and powerful Semitic people, often used as a general term for the inhabitants of the highlands of Canaan. The Girgashites, while less prominent in the biblical narrative, are consistently listed among the nations to be dispossessed. For the Chronicler's audience, writing centuries after these events, the inclusion of these names served as a historical anchor, reminding them of the specific land God had promised and the historical process of its inheritance, reinforcing their identity and connection to their ancestral homeland. Genealogies in the ancient Near East were not merely lists; they were vital documents for establishing social status, land rights, and national identity.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of these specific Canaanite tribes contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over all of history and all nations. Even the inhabitants of the Promised Land, who would later be dispossessed by Israel, are meticulously recorded as part of God's overarching plan, demonstrating His control over the destinies of all peoples, not just His chosen nation. Secondly, it highlights the theme of the **Promised Land** and its specific inhabitants. By naming these groups, the text identifies the precise geographical and demographic context for the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, where his descendants would inherit a land already occupied (see [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham and the Land Promise")). Thirdly, it serves as a **Preparation for Conquest**, implicitly foreshadowing the divine command for Israel to dispossess these nations (as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Dispossess the Nations")) and the challenges they would face in establishing their inheritance. These names, therefore, are not mere historical footnotes but crucial elements in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jebusite (Hebrew, _Yəvusi'_):** This tribal designation refers to the inhabitants of Jebus, the ancient name for Jerusalem. Their mention here highlights their historical presence in a strategically vital city. The Jebusites famously held Jerusalem until David's conquest, demonstrating their resilience and the significance of their eventual defeat for the establishment of the Davidic kingdom.
* **Amorite (Hebrew, _’Emori'_):** A prominent and often powerful Semitic people group, the Amorites were widespread throughout Canaan and Mesopotamia. In biblical texts, "Amorite" can sometimes be used broadly to refer to the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land, particularly those in the highlands. Their inclusion signifies a major, formidable presence that Israel would encounter.
* **Girgashite (Hebrew, _Girgashi'_):** One of the seven nations consistently listed as inhabiting Canaan whom Israel was commanded to dispossess. While less detailed information is available about them compared to the Jebusites or Amorites, their consistent mention in such lists (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - The Seven Nations to Be Dispossessed")) underscores the comprehensive nature of the divine command and the thoroughness of the Chronicler's historical record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Jebusite also,"**: This phrase introduces one of the specific tribes descended from Canaan, emphasizing their distinct identity and presence within the land. The "also" connects them to the preceding list of Canaan's other sons, maintaining the flow of the genealogy.
* **"and the Amorite,"**: This continues the enumeration, identifying another significant and often dominant pre-Israelite group. Their inclusion highlights the diverse and numerous peoples who occupied the Promised Land before Israel's arrival.
* **"and the Girgashite,"**: The final tribe listed in this specific verse, completing the trio. Their mention, alongside the others, reinforces the meticulous detail of the Chronicler's record and the comprehensive nature of the nations designated for dispossession by divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:14, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The text presents a detailed list of names, meticulously tracing lineages and identifying various peoples. This serves to establish a comprehensive historical record, providing a foundation for the narrative that follows. Beyond simple listing, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** at play. By naming these specific Canaanite tribes, the Chronicler subtly points forward to the future conflicts and divine commands related to the Israelite conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The very presence of these names on the page implicitly sets the stage for the challenges and triumphs that define Israel's early history. Furthermore, the use of these tribal names can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (these specific tribes) represents the whole (all the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan), signifying the broader demographic and political landscape that Israel was destined to encounter and transform.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 1:14 is profoundly significant for understanding God's meticulous plan and faithfulness. It demonstrates that God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land given to Abraham's descendants, were not abstract but rooted in concrete historical and geographical realities. The Chronicler, writing for a community that had experienced exile and dispersion, uses these genealogies to re-establish their identity and legitimate claim to the land, reminding them that God's promises endure across generations and historical upheavals. The very existence of these tribes, meticulously recorded, underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His precise orchestration of events to bring about His redemptive purposes, even through the complex interactions of diverse peoples. This verse, therefore, is a testament to God's detailed oversight of human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Genesis 15:19-21](/genesis/15-19 "Genesis 15:19-21 - The Land Promise and the Ten Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God's Command to Dispossess Seven Nations")
* [Joshua 3:10](/joshua/3-10 "Joshua 3:10 - God Driving Out the Canaanites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 1:14, though a brief mention of ancient tribes, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, whose plans unfold with precision across centuries. Just as He carefully recorded the lineage and inhabitants of the Promised Land, He orchestrates the seemingly mundane details of our lives and the grand sweep of history to fulfill His purposes. This should inspire deep trust in His sovereignty, knowing that nothing is outside His purview, and His promises are always faithful. For us, the "promised land" might represent God's specific calling, spiritual inheritance, or the fulfillment of His kingdom in our lives and communities. The "Jebusites, Amorites, and Girgashites" can symbolize the obstacles, spiritual strongholds, or ingrained habits that challenge our walk of faith. This verse encourages us to recognize that God has already identified these challenges and has a plan for their ultimate removal, inviting us to cooperate with His divine strategy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in seemingly minor historical records (like genealogies) inform your understanding of His sovereignty over your own life?**
* **What "inhabitants" or obstacles might be occupying the "promised land" of God's calling in your life, and how does this passage encourage you to trust God for their eventual removal?**
* **In what ways do you see God's faithfulness to His ancient promises being fulfilled in your life or in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. They establish a legitimate lineage for the returned exiles, connecting them directly to the covenant people of God from Adam through Abraham, Israel, and the Davidic line. This provided a vital sense of identity, continuity, and historical roots after the trauma of exile. The genealogies also validated claims to land inheritance, priestly service, and royal succession, reinforcing the theological truth that God's promises, despite national setbacks, remained steadfast. They underscored God's faithfulness across generations and His meticulous oversight of His covenant people.

**What was the significance of these specific tribes being mentioned?**

Answer: The Jebusite, Amorite, and Girgashite were among the indigenous peoples who inhabited the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants (see [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham and the Land Promise")). Their mention highlights the concrete historical and geographical reality of the Promised Land. It sets the stage for the narrative of the Israelite conquest, emphasizing that the land was not empty but occupied by distinct nations. This also underscores the divine mandate for Israel to dispossess these nations, a command repeated throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - The Seven Nations to Be Dispossessed")), demonstrating God's sovereign plan for His people to inherit their promised inheritance.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of the Bible?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 1:14, by listing these Canaanite tribes, firmly grounds the biblical narrative in historical reality. It establishes the specific context for the unfolding story of God's covenant with Israel, the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of the kingdom. These tribes represent the "giants" and obstacles that God's people would face, and ultimately overcome by divine power, in order to inherit their promised land. This historical foundation is crucial for understanding the subsequent narratives of judges, kings, and prophets, all of which are built upon the premise of Israel's unique relationship with God and their place in the land. It also subtly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, who would conquer spiritual enemies far greater than any earthly tribe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:14 meticulously lists the historical inhabitants of the earthly Promised Land, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The genealogies themselves, which meticulously trace lineages, ultimately culminate in the historical lineage of Jesus, affirming His identity as the promised "seed" of Abraham (as highlighted in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")) and the Son of David, the rightful heir to God's eternal kingdom. The "Jebusites, Amorites, and Girgashites" represent the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—that occupied humanity's "promised land" of fellowship with God. Just as Israel was commanded to dispossess these earthly tribes to inherit their physical land, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, has "disarmed the powers and authorities" (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and conquered these spiritual foes. Through Him, believers are granted access to a spiritual inheritance, a "heavenly country" (as described in [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Heavenly Country")), and the true "rest" that Joshua could not fully provide (see [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse ultimately foreshadows Christ's sovereign victory, enabling His followers to inherit the boundless spiritual blessings and eternal life that are found in Him (as declared in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 3:10

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Genesis 15:21

And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

2 Kings 21:11

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

Judges 1:21

¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

2 Samuel 21:2

And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

Genesis 48:22

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Exodus 34:11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.