1 Chronicles 1:22

KJV

And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ebal {H5858}, and Abimael {H39}, and Sheba {H7614},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eival, Avima'el, Sh'va,

Berean Standard Bible

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

American Standard Version

and Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:22 is a concise yet significant verse, listing three names—Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba—as part of the extensive genealogical record that opens the book. These individuals are identified as descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber, from the lineage of Shem. This verse, embedded within the broader "Table of Nations," serves the Chronicler's overarching purpose of meticulously tracing humanity's origins and establishing the unbroken historical and covenantal continuity of God's people, providing a foundational identity for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 1:22 is situated within the expansive genealogical introduction to the book of 1 Chronicles, which spans chapters 1-9. Specifically, it falls within the section detailing the descendants of Noah's son Shem (1:17-27), focusing on the line of Eber, through whom the Hebrew people trace their ancestry. The verse itself is part of the enumeration of Joktan's thirteen sons (1:19-23), directly following the listing of Obal and preceding the list's conclusion with Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. This meticulous listing, echoing the [Table of Nations in Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to establishing a comprehensive and unbroken lineage from Adam to the Israelite nation, providing a deep historical anchor for the returning exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was composed in the post-exilic period, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, for the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian captivity. For this community, identity, land claims, and the legitimacy of the priesthood and kingship were paramount concerns. Genealogies in ancient Israel were not merely historical records; they served vital social, legal, and religious functions. They established tribal affiliations, justified claims to land inheritance, validated priestly service, and affirmed one's place within the covenant community. By tracing their lineage back through these global families to the very dawn of humanity, the Chronicler provided a powerful affirmation of their heritage and God's enduring faithfulness through generations, reinforcing their unique position within God's redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous and purposeful oversight of human history, where every individual, even those seemingly minor in a long list, plays a part in His grand design. Secondly, it highlights **Continuity and Heritage**, emphasizing the unbroken lineage from creation, through the patriarchs, to the Israelite nation. This continuity reinforces God's faithfulness across generations and the enduring nature of His promises, particularly the covenant made with Abraham. Finally, it speaks to **Identity and Belonging**, providing the post-exilic community with a tangible link to their past, re-establishing their place within God's chosen people and affirming their covenant relationship. The inclusion of these names from the broader human family, as seen in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), also subtly points to the universal scope of God's plan, even as it narrows its focus to Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ebal (Hebrew, _‘Ebal_):** The name Ebal likely means "stone" or "bare mountain." While the individual etymology of names in a genealogical list is often secondary to their collective function, its inclusion here is primarily to complete the enumeration of Joktan's sons. It serves as a precise identifier within the broader lineage.
* **Abimael (Hebrew, _‘Abima’el_):** This is a theophoric name, meaning "my father is God." Such names were common in the ancient Near East, reflecting a personal or familial acknowledgment of deity. In this context, it contributes to the overall sense of a divinely ordered human history, where even the names of distant ancestors can subtly point to God's presence.
* **Sheba (Hebrew, _Shəḇa’_):** The name Sheba can mean "seven" or "oath." Like the other names in this list, its primary significance here is its role in completing the specific branch of Joktan's descendants. The Chronicler's emphasis is on the meticulous record-keeping and the comprehensive nature of the lineage, rather than a deep etymological exploration of each individual name.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,":** This clause serves as a direct continuation of the list of Joktan's sons that began in [1 Chronicles 1:20](/1_chronicles/1-20 "1 Chronicles 1:20 - Joktan's Sons"). The repetitive use of the conjunction "And" (Hebrew: וְ, _waw_) creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the thoroughness of the enumeration. Each name represents a distinct individual within this branch of humanity, meticulously recorded by the Chronicler to establish the full scope of human lineage before narrowing the focus to the specific line leading to Israel. This precise listing underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and theological continuity, demonstrating that even seemingly minor figures are part of God's grand, unfolding narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:22, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy** or **List**. This is not merely a dry enumeration but a highly functional and theologically charged literary form. It serves to establish **Lineage** and **Legitimacy**, crucial for the post-exilic community to affirm their identity, land rights, and priestly claims. The Chronicler's use of this device also highlights **Historical Continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken chain from Adam to the present generation, reinforcing God's faithfulness through time. Furthermore, the meticulous nature of the list implies **Divine Order** and **Sovereignty**, suggesting that every individual, known or unknown, is part of God's intricate plan. The verse also exhibits **Conciseness**, conveying significant information about historical connection and identity in an extremely brief format, characteristic of genealogical records.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of names like Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithful preservation of a chosen lineage through the vast tapestry of human history. These ancient names, part of the broader human family, are meticulously cataloged not for their individual renown but for their collective contribution to the unbroken chain that ultimately leads to the nation of Israel and, eventually, to the Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on comprehensive genealogies serves as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises are not arbitrary but are rooted in a divinely ordered and historically verifiable plan. Even in the "silence" of these names, there is a profound affirmation of God's sovereign hand guiding all of history toward His redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 10:28-29](/genesis/10-28 "Genesis 10:28-29 - Joktan's Descendants")
* [Nehemiah 7:5-6](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5-6 - Genealogical Records for Returnees")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Nature of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 1:22 might appear as a mere historical footnote, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. This verse, nestled within a vast genealogical record, reminds us that God is a God of meticulous order and intentionality. Every individual, every detail, and every generation matters in His grand, unfolding narrative. Just as Ebal, Abimael, and Sheba played their part in the lineage that God was faithfully preserving, so too are our lives interwoven into His ongoing story of redemption. We are not random occurrences but part of a spiritual heritage that extends back through time, connected to a faithful God who has been working His purposes since creation. This understanding should inspire us to appreciate our place in God's story, to value the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of believers, and to trust that even the seemingly insignificant details of our lives are held within His sovereign and loving plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 1:22, shape your understanding of God's character and His attention to detail?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage (your place in God's story) impact your identity and purpose today?**
* **What "unseen" or seemingly insignificant details in your own life might God be meticulously weaving into His larger redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles, especially for the post-exilic community?**

Answer: For the post-exilic community, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles were absolutely crucial for re-establishing their identity and societal structure after the trauma of exile. They served several vital purposes:
1. **Identity and Belonging:** They provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their covenant relationship with God and their place as His chosen people. After losing their land and temple, these records reminded them who they were.
2. **Land Claims and Inheritance:** Genealogies were essential for proving tribal affiliation and legitimate claims to ancestral land, as seen in books like [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Returnees") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Returnees").
3. **Legitimacy of Priesthood and Kingship:** Only those with verifiable lineage could serve in the priesthood or claim royal descent. The genealogies ensured the proper functioning of their religious and political systems.
4. **Divine Faithfulness:** By meticulously tracing the line from Adam, the Chronicler demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a perpetual Davidic dynasty and a people for His name.

**Do the individual meanings of these names (Ebal, Abimael, Sheba) hold specific theological significance in this context?**

Answer: While many Hebrew names carry significant meanings (e.g., Abimael meaning "my father is God"), in a pure genealogical list like 1 Chronicles 1:22, the primary theological significance is not typically found in the individual etymology of each name. Instead, the importance lies in their inclusion as part of a complete and accurate lineage. The Chronicler's focus is on the *fact* of their existence and their place within the unbroken chain of humanity, rather than a deep etymological exposition for each specific name. The collective identity and the continuity of the human family, leading eventually to Israel, are paramount. The very act of listing them meticulously underscores God's sovereign oversight of all human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogies of 1 Chronicles, including the names in 1 Chronicles 1:22, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in demonstrating God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive plan, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. These comprehensive lists, tracing humanity's lineage from Adam, serve to underscore the historical reality and divine intentionality behind the "seed" promise first given in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"). God meticulously preserved a lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, ensuring that the promised deliverer would be genuinely human, born into the very fabric of human history. The detailed genealogies presented in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) directly connect Jesus to this ancient lineage, proving His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Son of Adam. Thus, 1 Chronicles 1:22, though distant in time, is a small but vital link in the grand chain of God's redemptive history, pointing to the coming of the one who would ultimately take away the sins of the world and reconcile humanity to God.

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

Genesis 10:28

And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,