1 Chronicles 1:28

KJV

¶ The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Abraham {H85}; Isaac {H3327}, and Ishmael {H3458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Avraham: Yitz'chak and Yishma'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.

American Standard Version

The sons of Abraham: Isaac, and Ishmael.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:28 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles. It precisely identifies Isaac and Ishmael as the two primary sons of Abraham, marking a pivotal point in the tracing of humanity's lineage and establishing the immediate branches of Abraham's family. This brief statement sets the stage for the subsequent detailed account of the covenant line through Isaac, which is central to the historical and theological development of Israel and God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the monumental opening section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which consists of a comprehensive genealogical record stretching from Adam to the post-exilic community. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:28 immediately follows the genealogy of Abraham himself (1 Chronicles 1:27), serving as a crucial transition point. It introduces the two main branches of Abraham's direct descendants, with the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 1:29-31) detailing Ishmael's lineage, followed by the extensive tracing of Isaac's line through Jacob (Israel) and his twelve sons, ultimately leading to the kings of Judah. This precise placement highlights Abraham's foundational role and the critical bifurcation of his progeny, emphasizing the specific line through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE) for the Jewish community returning to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. For this community, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities; they were vital for re-establishing identity, tribal affiliations, land rights, priestly claims, and legitimate royal succession. In a society where lineage determined social status, inheritance, and religious roles, a meticulous record of ancestry affirmed their connection to God's covenant people and their historical claim to the land and its institutions. Abraham, as the patriarch of the covenant, was central to this identity, and tracing descent from him provided a foundational link to God's promises, particularly those found in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - God's Call to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse within the broader genealogical framework underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's faithfulness** to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Descendants to Abraham")). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **covenant lineage and divine election**, clearly distinguishing between Isaac, through whom God's specific covenant promises would primarily flow, and Ishmael, who would also be blessed with numerous offspring but not be the heir of the covenant. Thirdly, it reinforces the **foundational heritage of Israel**, rooting their identity firmly in Abraham, the recipient of God's foundational blessings and promises. This meticulous record served to remind the returning exiles of their unique spiritual and historical identity, encouraging them to rebuild their nation based on God's enduring covenant with their ancestors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Isaac (Hebrew, _yiṣ·ḥāq_):** Meaning "he laughs" or "laughter," this name encapsulates the miraculous and unexpected circumstances of his birth to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Both Abraham and Sarah initially reacted with laughter and disbelief at the divine promise of a son ([Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Genesis 17:17 - Abraham's Laughter") and [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Genesis 18:12 - Sarah's Laughter")). Isaac's name thus serves as a perpetual reminder of God's power to bring forth life from barrenness and to fulfill His promises against all human odds. He is the son of promise, through whom the covenant line would continue.
* **Ishmael (Hebrew, _yiš·mā·‘êl_):** Meaning "God hears" or "God has heard," this name was given by the angel of the Lord to Hagar, Abraham's concubine, in recognition of God's attentiveness to her distress and affliction in the wilderness ([Genesis 16:11](/genesis/16-11 "Genesis 16:11 - The Birth of Ishmael Foretold")). While not the son of the covenant promise, Ishmael was nevertheless acknowledged by God, blessed to become the father of twelve princes, and progenitor of a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "Genesis 17:20 - God's Blessing on Ishmael")). His inclusion here, alongside Isaac, acknowledges his place in Abraham's immediate family, even as the narrative of Chronicles primarily follows Isaac's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The sons of Abraham;":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the focus on Abraham's direct progeny, signaling a transition from the broader patriarchal lines to the specific descendants of the covenant patriarch. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often indicates a new section or thought, emphasizing the importance of this specific entry in the genealogical flow.
* **"Isaac, and Ishmael.":** This concise enumeration explicitly names the two pivotal sons, highlighting their shared paternity from Abraham. The order, Isaac first, subtly emphasizes his primary role as the covenant heir, even as Ishmael's existence and lineage are fully acknowledged. This direct statement serves as a foundational declaration for the subsequent detailed tracing of their respective descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:28, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **List**. This device is not merely a dry enumeration but serves crucial theological and historical purposes. It establishes lineage, validates claims, and demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan through specific individuals and families. The **Conciseness** of this particular verse, "The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael," is notable. Despite the immense theological and historical significance of these two figures, the Chronicler presents their relationship to Abraham with stark brevity, emphasizing the factual, undisputed nature of their paternity. This brevity also allows the genealogies to flow rapidly, moving quickly to the more detailed accounts of the covenant line. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing Isaac and Ishmael side-by-side. While the subsequent narrative clearly distinguishes their roles in God's covenant plan, their simultaneous mention here acknowledges both as legitimate sons of Abraham, setting the stage for the distinct paths their descendants would take.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:28, though brief, is a theological cornerstone, underscoring God's meticulous and faithful execution of His promises across generations. It highlights the divine prerogative in election, as God chose Isaac, the son of promise, through whom the covenant lineage would continue, even while acknowledging Ishmael, who was also blessed by God. This distinction sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Israel's unique relationship with God, rooted in the Abrahamic covenant. The verse reminds us that God's plan is not random but carefully orchestrated through specific individuals and families, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His word. It is a testament to the fact that God's redemptive purposes are historically grounded and meticulously preserved through human lineage.

* [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant Established Through Isaac")
* [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's Command Regarding Isaac's Seed")
* [Romans 9:7-8](/romans/9-7 "Paul on the True Seed of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple genealogical entry invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's meticulous plan and unwavering faithfulness across generations. For the post-exilic community, these lists were not abstract; they were their very identity, linking them directly to Abraham, the covenant, and God's promises. In a similar vein, this verse reminds us that our spiritual identity, as believers, is deeply rooted in God's historical work and His enduring promises. Just as the returning exiles found hope and purpose in their lineage, so too do believers today find their spiritual heritage in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of Abraham's seed. The inclusion of both Isaac and Ishmael, though distinct in their covenant roles, speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign hand over all humanity, even as He works through a chosen line for His redemptive purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His plans, though sometimes unfolding over centuries, are always precise and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical lineage of faith, as presented in genealogies, strengthen your own sense of spiritual identity and connection to God's overarching plan?**
* **In what ways does God's faithfulness to Abraham's descendants, as evidenced by the careful preservation of this lineage, encourage you about His faithfulness in your own life and circumstances?**
* **Considering the distinction between Isaac and Ishmael, how does this verse prompt you to reflect on God's sovereign election and the particularity of His redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles begin with such long genealogies?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic Jewish community. After the Babylonian exile, these records helped to re-establish their identity, tribal affiliations, and connection to God's covenant promises. They validated claims to land, priestly roles, and royal lineage, reminding the people of their heritage and God's faithfulness to His historical covenants. They also demonstrate the continuity of God's plan from creation to the establishment of Israel, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah. These lists were not merely historical records but theological statements, affirming God's ongoing work through His chosen people.

**What is the significance of listing both Isaac and Ishmael?**

Answer: While the primary focus of the biblical narrative and the Chronicler's purpose is to trace the covenant line through [Isaac](/genesis/21-12 "Genesis 21:12 - God's Promise Regarding Isaac"), the inclusion of [Ishmael](/genesis/16-11 "Genesis 16:11 - The Birth of Ishmael") acknowledges that he was also a son of Abraham and the progenitor of a great nation, as God had promised [Hagar](/genesis/16-10 "Genesis 16:10 - God's Promise to Hagar"). This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the biblical record and God's awareness of all Abraham's descendants, even as His redemptive plan is channeled through a specific lineage. It highlights the theme of divine election, where God sovereignly chooses one line for His covenant purposes while still extending blessing to others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple listing of "Isaac, and Ishmael" in [1 Chronicles 1:28](/1_chronicles/1-28 "1 Chronicles 1:28 - The Sons of Abraham") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the genealogies of Chronicles meticulously trace the lineage through Isaac, leading to David and the kings of Judah, their ultimate purpose is to establish the historical continuity through which the Messiah would come. Jesus, as the true [Son of Abraham](/matthew/1:1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and the [Son of David](/matthew/1:1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), inherits and fulfills all the promises made to Abraham—not just for a physical nation, but for a spiritual multitude from every tribe and tongue ([Galatians 3:7-9](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7-9 - Heirs of Abraham through Faith")). Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus becomes the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering salvation to all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12-13 - Salvation for All")). Thus, the distinction between Isaac and Ishmael, representing lines of promise and blessing, ultimately converges in Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham, bringing blessing to all nations as promised in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham"). He is the culmination of all genealogies, the one through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity is perfectly accomplished.

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.