1 Chronicles 1:24

KJV

Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Shem {H8035}, Arphaxad {H775}, Shelah {H7974},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shem, Arpakhshad, Shelach,

Berean Standard Bible

So from Shem came Arphaxad, Shelah,

American Standard Version

Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:24 presents three pivotal names—Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah—within the extensive genealogies that commence the book, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam to the post-Flood patriarchs. This verse, though brief, serves as a crucial link in the unbroken chain of human history and divine promise, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the covenant with Abraham and the coming of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, a unique and foundational section of the book. The Chronicler begins not with a narrative, but with a comprehensive list of names, starting from Adam and meticulously tracing the lines through Noah, Shem, Abraham, and eventually to the tribes of Israel, the kings of Judah, and the post-exilic community. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:24 falls within the post-Flood lineage of Shem, Noah's son, who is identified as the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. This detailed tracing of ancestry from the very beginning of humanity underscores the Chronicler's intent to establish a continuous, divinely ordained history for Israel, emphasizing their identity and heritage rooted in God's ancient purposes. The immediate parallels for these names are found in [Genesis 10:22-24](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22-24 - Descendants of Shem") and [Genesis 11:10-15](/genesis/11-10 "Genesis 11:10-15 - Lineage from Shem to Abram"), where the same sequence of patriarchs is presented, forming a foundational link to the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, particularly the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was primarily addressed, genealogies were far more than mere historical records; they were vital documents of identity, legitimacy, and continuity. These lists affirmed tribal land rights, validated priestly lineages for temple service, and established royal succession, ensuring that the covenant promises could be properly inherited and fulfilled. In a period of national rebuilding and spiritual reorientation after the Babylonian exile, the Chronicler's emphasis on an unbroken lineage from Adam through the patriarchs to David served to remind the people of their enduring covenant relationship with God, their unique place in His redemptive plan, and the historical reality of their faith. The meticulous detail provided a sense of stability and hope, connecting their present reality to a glorious past and a promised future.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 1:24 within these extensive genealogies contributes significantly to several overarching themes of the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His plan of redemption by meticulously preserving a chosen line through generations, even amidst catastrophic events like the Flood. The very existence of these names, hundreds of years apart, testifies to God's active involvement in human history. Secondly, it underscores **Historical Continuity**, bridging the vast expanse of time from the earliest human history to the later kingdom period of Israel. These genealogies affirm the historical reality of biblical events and figures, demonstrating a continuous flow of God's interaction with humanity and the unfolding of His purposes. Finally, this verse, as part of Shem's lineage, points to the **Preparation for Covenant**. The careful tracing of Shem's descendants, including Arphaxad and Shelah, highlights the specific ancestral path through which God would establish His covenant with [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abram"), leading to the formation of the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the advent of the Messiah. This meticulous record ensures the legitimacy of the promised "seed" (cf. [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shem (Hebrew, _Shem'_):** Meaning "name," "renown," or "fame." As one of Noah's three sons, Shem is presented as the progenitor of the Semitic peoples, from whom Abraham and the nation of Israel would descend. His name, therefore, carries significant theological weight, indicating the lineage through which God's name and renown would be made known to the world, culminating in the "name above all names" (cf. [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Exaltation of Christ")).
* **Arphaxad (Hebrew, _ʾArpakhshad'_):** The meaning is debated but possibly relates to "I shall heal" or "healer of the boundary." Arphaxad is specifically noted in Genesis as being born two years after the Flood, a crucial detail that anchors the post-diluvian timeline. His inclusion here emphasizes the immediate continuation of the lineage after the global catastrophe, demonstrating God's immediate re-establishment of His redemptive plan through humanity.
* **Shelah (Hebrew, _Shelakh'_):** Meaning "a dart," "sprout," or "sending forth." Shelah is the son of Arphaxad and another direct link in the pre-Abrahamic line. The imagery of a "sprout" or "sending forth" subtly reinforces the idea of new life and continuation, a vital theme in a genealogical record designed to show the unbroken flow of God's purposes through generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shem":** This name initiates the post-Flood segment of the genealogy, immediately establishing the connection to Noah's righteous son through whom the chosen line would continue. Shem represents the divine selection and preservation of a particular branch of humanity after the global judgment of the Flood, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's covenant plan.
* **"Arphaxad":** As the son of Shem, Arphaxad serves as the next direct link in the patriarchal succession. His birth, specifically dated two years after the Flood in Genesis, highlights the rapid re-establishment of human life and the immediate continuation of the divinely ordained lineage, ensuring the unbroken chain of descent towards the promised seed.
* **"Shelah":** The inclusion of Shelah, the son of Arphaxad, further extends the precise and deliberate tracing of the lineage. Each name, though seemingly just a list, represents a generation through whom God's faithfulness was manifested, meticulously preserving the ancestral path that would eventually lead to Abraham, David, and ultimately, the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:24, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a historical record but a theological statement. The meticulous listing of names functions to establish **Legitimacy** and **Continuity**, providing an unbroken link from Adam to the contemporary audience of the Chronicler. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage, demonstrating His sovereign control over history. The **Repetition** of these names from Genesis highlights the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of earlier biblical traditions, reinforcing the unity and consistency of God's redemptive narrative. Furthermore, the very act of listing names can be seen as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the individuals who served as crucial links in the divine plan, even if their individual stories are not recounted here.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:24, though a simple list of names, profoundly contributes to the biblical metanarrative by underscoring God's meticulous and unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. It illustrates the theme of divine faithfulness, showing how God sovereignly preserves a chosen lineage through the vast expanse of history, from the dawn of humanity through the Flood and beyond. This genealogical precision emphasizes the historical reality of God's interaction with humanity and the deliberate unfolding of His promises. Each name represents a link in the chain leading to the establishment of Israel and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant purposes, demonstrating that God works through specific individuals and generations to bring about His global design.

* [Genesis 10:22-24](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22-24 - Shem's Descendants")
* [Genesis 11:10-15](/genesis/11-10 "Genesis 11:10-15 - Lineage from Shem to Abram")
* [Luke 3:35-36](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35-36 - Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 1:24 offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of history, meticulously orchestrating events and preserving individuals across millennia to fulfill His long-term purposes. Every person, no matter how briefly mentioned in Scripture, plays a part in His grand narrative, demonstrating His meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His promises. This verse encourages us to appreciate the "long view" of God's work, understanding that our present circumstances are part of a much larger, divinely guided story. It also highlights the importance of our spiritual heritage, connecting us to the vast tapestry of God's redemptive work that spans generations. Just as Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah were vital links in a historical chain, we too are called to be faithful links in the ongoing story of God's kingdom, passing on the truth of His Word and the legacy of His grace to those who come after us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 1:24, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness throughout history?**
* **In what ways does recognizing your own place within God's ongoing redemptive story, as part of a spiritual lineage, impact your sense of purpose and identity?**
* **What lessons can we draw from God's preservation of a specific line through challenging times (like the Flood) that apply to our own perseverance in faith today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. Firstly, they establish **historical continuity and legitimacy**, demonstrating an unbroken line of descent from significant figures like Adam and Noah, which was vital for ancient societies to confirm tribal identity, land rights, and roles (e.g., priestly or royal succession). For the post-exilic community addressed by the Chronicler, these lists re-established their connection to their heritage and God's covenant. Secondly, they serve a profound **theological purpose**, meticulously tracing the lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled, most notably the promise of a "seed" (cf. [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")) who would bring salvation. They are not merely dry lists but a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the messianic line, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ (cf. [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). They underscore that God works through specific individuals and generations to bring about His grand redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 1:24, though seemingly a simple list of names, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment as an indispensable link in the genealogical chain leading directly to Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The meticulous preservation of the lineage through Shem, Arphaxad, and Shelah demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring the historical continuity necessary for the "seed of the woman" to arrive. These names represent the ancient foundations upon which the promise of salvation was built, serving as a testament to God's long-suffering patience and sovereign control over human history. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus, found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus"), explicitly include these very individuals (Luke 3:35-36 directly lists Shelah and Arphaxad, tracing back to Shem), affirming Jesus' rightful claim as the descendant of Abraham and David, and indeed, of all humanity through Adam. Thus, 1 Chronicles 1:24 is not just a historical record, but a prophetic pointer, silently declaring God's faithful work across millennia to bring forth the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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

Genesis 11:10

¶ These [are] the generations of Shem: Shem [was] an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

Genesis 11:26

And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Luke 3:34

Which was [the son] of Jacob, which was [the son] of Isaac, which was [the son] of Abraham, which was [the son] of Thara, which was [the son] of Nachor,

Luke 3:36

Which was [the son] of Cainan, which was [the son] of Arphaxad, which was [the son] of Sem, which was [the son] of Noe, which was [the son] of Lamech,