1 Chronicles 1:25

KJV

Eber, Peleg, Reu,

KJV (with Strong's)

Eber {H5677}, Peleg {H6389}, Reu {H7466},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ever, Peleg, Re'u,

Berean Standard Bible

Eber, Peleg, Reu,

American Standard Version

Eber, Peleg, Reu,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:25, a concise entry in the extensive genealogies that open the book, meticulously lists Eber, Peleg, and Reu. These three figures represent crucial links in the divinely preserved lineage stretching from Noah's son Shem to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. Far from being a mere dry list of names, this verse underscores the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan, assuring the post-exilic community of their legitimate heritage and God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining the covenant line that would ultimately culminate in the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with an expansive and meticulously detailed set of genealogies, spanning the first nine chapters. This opening serves as a foundational historical and theological preamble for the rest of the book, which recounts the history of Israel from Saul's reign, focusing heavily on David and the Davidic dynasty. In this broader context, 1 Chronicles 1:25 is situated within the post-flood lineage tracing from Noah, through Shem, and specifically highlights three generations immediately preceding the line that leads to Abraham. These lists are not exhaustive but are selective, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant line and establishing the historical legitimacy of the Israelite people and their claim to the land and the promises of God. The inclusion of these names here reinforces the Chronicler's intent to connect the post-exilic community directly to their ancient, divinely ordained roots, providing a firm historical anchor for their identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled during the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For a community returning from Babylonian exile, facing questions of identity, land claims, and religious purity, these genealogies served a vital purpose. They provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their status as the chosen people of God despite the disruption of exile. Culturally, genealogies were paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies for establishing identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and priestly legitimacy. The precise recording of names like Eber, Peleg, and Reu in 1 Chronicles 1:25, therefore, wasn't just historical record-keeping; it was a theological declaration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This historical grounding provided hope and stability to a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the surrounding genealogical chapters, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces **Historical Continuity**, demonstrating God's consistent work through successive generations from creation onward, assuring the returning exiles of their legitimate heritage and place in God's ongoing plan. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, as the meticulous preservation of these family records testifies to God's unwavering commitment to maintaining a chosen line through which His promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the Messiah. The very existence of this record, despite centuries of human failure and exile, speaks volumes about God's steadfastness. Finally, the verse underscores the **Foundational Lineage** of Israel, as Eber, Peleg, and Reu are integral links in the chain that leads directly to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham"), the covenant father of the Israelite nation. Their inclusion validates the historical basis of the nation's existence and its unique relationship with God, as seen in passages like [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - Shem's Descendants to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eber (עֵבֶר, _ʿĒber_):** This name is profoundly significant as it is the etymological root from which the term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, _ʿIvrī_) is derived. Thus, Eber is often considered the ancestral father of the Hebrew people, providing a direct and foundational link to the identity of God's chosen nation. His inclusion here emphasizes the deep historical roots of the Israelites and their unique standing among the nations.
* **Peleg (פֶּלֶג, _Peleg_):** The name Peleg means "division" or "split." [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "Genesis 10:25 - Peleg and the Division of the Earth") explicitly states that "in his days the earth was divided." While the precise nature of this "division" is debated among scholars (whether it refers to a geographical separation of continents, a linguistic scattering at Babel, or a political/tribal dispersion), its mention highlights a pivotal moment in early human history, marking a significant transition in the global population and the subsequent formation of distinct peoples.
* **Reu (רְעוּ, _Rəʿû_):** Reu is another crucial link in the direct patriarchal line, serving as a connector between Peleg and Serug, and thus further down to Abraham. While its meaning ("friend" or "shepherd") is less thematically emphasized than Eber or Peleg, its primary significance in this context is its indispensable role in maintaining the unbroken, divinely preserved lineage that would lead to the patriarchs of Israel. His presence ensures the continuity of the sacred line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eber,"**: The first name listed, Eber, holds immense significance as the progenitor of the Hebrew people. His inclusion here immediately establishes the deep historical and ethnic roots of the Israelite nation, connecting them to a specific, divinely chosen lineage from the earliest post-flood generations. This name serves as a foundational marker of identity for God's covenant people.
* **"Peleg,"**: Following Eber, Peleg is listed, whose name means "division." This name points to a significant event in early human history, likely related to the scattering of peoples and the confusion of languages at Babel, as described in Genesis. His presence in the lineage reminds the reader of God's sovereign hand in shaping human history and preparing the way for the chosen line to be set apart.
* **"Reu,"**: The final name in this verse, Reu, serves as a vital connecting link in the genealogical chain. While less prominent in its etymological significance than Eber or Peleg, Reu's inclusion is essential for maintaining the unbroken succession of generations leading directly to Abraham. His presence underscores the meticulous attention to detail in preserving the divine lineage, ensuring the historical accuracy and legitimacy of the covenant family.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:25, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is the **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a dry list but a highly structured and purposeful literary form. Its function here is multifaceted: to establish **Historical Legitimacy** for the post-exilic community by tracing their lineage back to Adam, Noah, and particularly the line of Shem; to demonstrate **Continuity** of God's covenant promises through an unbroken chain of generations; and to provide **Theological Grounding** for the subsequent narrative of Israel's history. The Chronicler's selective inclusion of names, focusing on the Davidic line and the priestly lines, also demonstrates a form of **Emphasis** or **Highlighting**, drawing the reader's attention to the specific individuals crucial to God's redemptive plan. The very act of listing names in a sequential, repetitive manner also creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Order**, reinforcing the idea of divine providence guiding history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:25, though a simple listing of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Each name represents a link in a divinely orchestrated chain, demonstrating that God works through specific individuals and generations to achieve His purposes. For the post-exilic community, this verse, like the surrounding genealogies, offered assurance of their identity and heritage, reminding them that they were part of a continuous narrative of God's interaction with humanity, a narrative that began long before their exile and would continue beyond it. It underscores the historical reality and divine intentionality behind the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants, ultimately pointing to the coming Messiah.

* [Genesis 10:21-32](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") - Provides the broader context of the Table of Nations, including the descendants of Shem, from which this lineage is drawn.
* [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - From Shem to Abram") - Details the specific lineage from Shem to Abram, including Eber, Peleg, and Reu, providing the direct source for this verse in Chronicles.
* [Luke 3:35-36](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35-36 - Genealogy of Jesus through Peleg, Reu, and Eber") - Demonstrates the New Testament's recognition and continuation of this very lineage, affirming its historical and theological importance in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple listing of names, 1 Chronicles 1:25 offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of history, working through specific people and generations to accomplish His grand design. Our faith is not built on abstract ideas but on concrete historical events and individuals, meticulously preserved in Scripture. This verse encourages us to recognize that our own lives, too, are part of a larger, unfolding divine narrative. Just as God faithfully preserved the lineage leading to Christ, He faithfully works in our lives and through our generations, weaving our stories into His eternal purposes. It fosters a deep appreciation for the continuity of God's faithfulness across millennia, inspiring trust and hope that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion. We are connected to a vast spiritual heritage, called to play our part in the ongoing story of redemption, knowing that our lives contribute to God's sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies like 1 Chronicles 1:25 deepen your appreciation for the historical grounding of your faith?**
* **In what ways does God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage over centuries speak to His character and His commitment to His promises in your own life?**
* **How might understanding your place within God's ongoing historical narrative influence your perspective on your daily life and future?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in 1 Chronicles, are far more than mere lists of names; they serve crucial theological, historical, and social functions. For the post-exilic community to whom 1 Chronicles was addressed, these lists established their legitimate identity as the people of God, confirming their lineage, tribal affiliations, and rights to the land and the temple service. They provided a tangible link to their past, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite exile and dispersion. The genealogies also serve to establish the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan, meticulously tracing the line from Adam to the patriarchs, kings (especially David), and ultimately foreshadowing the coming Messiah. They underscore that God's promises are rooted in real history and real people, providing a foundational backbone for the entire biblical narrative, as seen in the detailed accounts in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") and [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - From Shem to Abram").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though 1 Chronicles 1:25 lists names from the Old Testament patriarchal line, its ultimate significance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. These names—Eber, Peleg, and Reu—are not just historical figures; they are crucial links in the divinely preserved lineage that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of this ancestry, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus"), validates Jesus's claim as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham. The very existence of this unbroken line, maintained through countless generations and historical upheavals, testifies to God's sovereign faithfulness in orchestrating history for the arrival of His Son. Jesus is the ultimate "Seed" promised to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), the one in whom all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 1:25, a seemingly minor entry, becomes a vital thread in the grand tapestry of redemption, pointing to the historical reality and divine intentionality behind the incarnation of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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

Luke 3:35

Which was [the son] of Saruch, which was [the son] of Ragau, which was [the son] of Phalec, which was [the son] of Heber, which was [the son] of Sala,