1 Chronicles 14:4

KJV

Now these [are] the names of [his] children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the names {H8034} of his children {H3205} which he had in Jerusalem {H3389}; Shammua {H8051}, and Shobab {H7727}, Nathan {H5416}, and Solomon {H8010},

Complete Jewish Bible

Here are the names of the children born to him in Yerushalayim: Shamua, Shovav, Natan, Shlomo,

Berean Standard Bible

These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

American Standard Version

And these are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 14:4 meticulously records four of King David’s sons born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. This verse is an integral part of a broader narrative detailing David's consolidation of power, the expansion of his household, and the divine blessing upon his reign, particularly highlighting the establishment of his royal lineage through the pivotal figure of Solomon, who would build the Temple and continue the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [1 Chronicles 14:3](/1_chronicles/14-3 "1 Chronicles 14:3 - David Takes More Wives"), which states that David took more wives and concubines in Jerusalem, resulting in the birth of additional sons and daughters. The listing of these children, therefore, directly elaborates on the expansion of David's royal household in his newly established capital. The Chronicler's account here serves to reinforce the legitimacy and divine favor upon David's reign, aligning closely with the parallel narrative found in [2 Samuel 5:14-16](/2_samuel/5-14-16 "2 Samuel 5:14-16 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem"). The meticulous emphasis on David's family and the succession plan underscores the theological importance of the Davidic dynasty as the chosen line through which God's promises would be fulfilled, culminating in the Messiah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a large family, especially one with many sons, was considered a profound sign of divine blessing, prosperity, and a secure legacy. For a king like David, the proliferation of his offspring in Jerusalem, his newly conquered and established capital, symbolized the strength and stability of his kingdom. Polygamy, while not God’s original design, was a common practice for monarchs in the ancient world, often serving to cement political alliances and ensure a robust line of succession. The birth of these sons in Jerusalem specifically marked the city's growing importance not just as a political center but as the heart of David's divinely sanctioned kingdom, a place of future spiritual significance.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of David's sons in [1 Chronicles 14:4](/1_chronicles/14-4 "1 Chronicles 14:4 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness**, portraying David's expanding family as tangible evidence of God's favor and faithfulness to His chosen king. Secondly, it underscores the **Continuity of the Royal Line**, particularly through the inclusion of Solomon, who is explicitly named as David's successor and the builder of the Temple in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9-10 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - Solomon's Peaceful Reign and Temple Building"). This meticulous genealogy reinforces the theological significance of the Davidic covenant, promising an enduring dynasty as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). Lastly, the verse contributes to the Chronicler's broader emphasis on **Historical Record and Genealogy**, demonstrating God's consistent work through generations and connecting the post-exilic community to their rich heritage and the foundational figures of their faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **names (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, meaning "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character." The listing of "names" is not merely a record but signifies identity, reputation, and the establishment of a recognized lineage. For a king, these names represent the perpetuation of his authority and the legacy of his reign.
* **children (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." This term emphasizes the act of procreation and the establishment of a family line. In the context of David, it signifies the divine blessing of fruitfulness and the continuation of his royal house.
* **Solomon (Hebrew, _Shᵉlômôh'_):** From H8010, meaning "peaceful." This name is profoundly significant as it foreshadows the nature of his reign. Unlike David, a man of war, Solomon's time on the throne would be characterized by peace and prosperity, allowing him to build the Temple, as explicitly promised in [1 Chronicles 22:9](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - Solomon's Name and Reign of Peace"). His name itself is a prophetic indicator of God's design for his rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these [are] the names of [his] children":** This introductory phrase signals a formal enumeration, typical of biblical genealogies and lists. It underscores the importance of the individuals being named, particularly within the context of David's expanding royal family and the establishment of his dynasty. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping emphasizes the divine order and blessing upon David's household.
* **"which he had in Jerusalem":** This clause provides crucial geographical and historical specificity. The birth of these sons in Jerusalem signifies the city's new status as David's capital and the center of his kingdom. It underscores the consolidation of David's power and the divine blessing upon his reign in this pivotal location, which would become the spiritual and political heart of Israel. This detail roots the lineage firmly in the divinely chosen city.
* **"Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon":** This specific list names four of David's sons. While all are part of the royal lineage, the inclusion of "Solomon" is of paramount importance. His presence here foreshadows his future role as David's successor and the builder of the Temple, making this seemingly simple list a vital link in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan and the Davidic dynasty. Nathan is also significant as another son through whom a key lineage to the Messiah is traced (Luke's genealogy).

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 14:4](/1_chronicles/14-4 "1 Chronicles 14:4 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") is **Genealogy** or **List**. The Chronicler frequently employs such lists to establish historical continuity, demonstrate divine faithfulness through generations, and legitimize the Davidic dynasty. This specific list serves to confirm the growth and stability of David's kingdom by detailing his progeny. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Foreshadowing** with the explicit mention of Solomon. His name, meaning "peace," anticipates his future reign of prosperity and the construction of the Temple, a pivotal event in Israel's history. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** with the account in [2 Samuel 5:14-16](/2_samuel/5-14-16 "2 Samuel 5:14-16 - David's Sons in Samuel"), which reinforces the historical veracity and significance of David's family line, even with minor variations in naming conventions between the two accounts, serving to validate the Chronicler's narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of David's sons, particularly in [1 Chronicles 14:4](/1_chronicles/14-4 "1 Chronicles 14:4 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem"), serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His sovereign orchestration of history. Every name, every birth, is a thread in the tapestry of God's unfolding plan, demonstrating His commitment to the covenant He made with David. This verse highlights that even in seemingly mundane details like family records, God is actively working to establish a lineage through which His ultimate redemptive purposes will be realized. It underscores the divine blessing upon David's kingship and the foundational importance of his family in God's grand narrative for Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20-25 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Solomon's Prosperity and Peace")
* [Matthew 1:6](/matthew/1-6 "Matthew 1:6 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple list of names in [1 Chronicles 14:4](/1_chronicles/14-4 "1 Chronicles 14:4 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") offers profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, orchestrating events and relationships, even those that appear ordinary, to fulfill His larger purposes. Just as God meticulously recorded David's lineage to pave the way for the Messiah, He is at work in our own stories, weaving together our experiences, families, and circumstances for His glory. This verse encourages us to recognize God's faithfulness not only in grand, miraculous interventions but also in the steady, often quiet, continuity of life and the generations that follow. It invites us to trust in His long-term plan, knowing that His promises, though they may span centuries, will ultimately come to fruition, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in Scripture, such as this genealogy, encourage you about His attention to detail in your own life?**
* **What does the inclusion of Solomon's name in this list teach us about God's long-term plans and His faithfulness to His promises, even before their full manifestation?**
* **In what ways can we better recognize and appreciate God's blessing manifesting in the "ordinary" aspects of our lives, such as family, growth, and continuity?**

### FAQ
**Why does the list of David's sons in 1 Chronicles 14:4 differ slightly from the parallel account in 2 Samuel 5:14-16?**

Answer: While the core names of Shammua (or Shimea), Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon are consistent and central to both accounts, biblical genealogies and lists can sometimes exhibit minor variations. These differences are often due to several factors: the use of different names for the same person (e.g., Shammua/Shimea), selective listing based on the author's specific purpose, or minor textual transmission variations over time. The Chronicler's primary aim was to emphasize the legitimacy and divine blessing upon the Davidic line, particularly highlighting the succession through Solomon, and these minor differences do not undermine the historical accuracy or theological intent of the passage. Both accounts firmly establish the key figures in David's royal family born in Jerusalem.

**What is the significance of these sons being born "in Jerusalem"?**

Answer: The phrase "which he had in Jerusalem" is highly significant. David had recently captured Jerusalem and established it as his capital, a pivotal moment in Israelite history ([2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem")). The birth of his sons in this city symbolizes the consolidation of his kingdom and the divine blessing upon his reign in this new, central location. Jerusalem was not merely a political capital but was destined to become the spiritual heart of Israel, the place where the Temple would be built by Solomon. Thus, the births signify the establishment of David's dynasty in the very city that would become the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, solidifying its role in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly straightforward list of David's sons in [1 Chronicles 14:4](/1_chronicles/14-4 "1 Chronicles 14:4 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") holds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. This verse is a vital link in the unfolding genealogical narrative that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The inclusion of "Nathan" and especially "Solomon" is critical, as both lineages are traced in the New Testament to establish Jesus' Davidic descent. While Matthew's genealogy traces Jesus through [Solomon](/matthew/1-6 "Matthew 1:6 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Solomon"), Luke's genealogy traces Him through [Nathan](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Nathan"), demonstrating the comprehensive fulfillment of God's promise to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Jesus, as the Son of David, is the ultimate "man of peace" (foreshadowed by Solomon's name), who brings true and lasting *shalom* to humanity through His atoning work. He is the eternal King whose kingdom has no end, fulfilling all the hopes and promises embedded in David's royal line from its very beginnings in Jerusalem, establishing a spiritual reign that transcends earthly boundaries.

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

1 Chronicles 3:5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

1 Chronicles 3:9

[These were] all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

Matthew 1:6

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

2 Samuel 5:14

And these [be] the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 22:12

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

1 Kings 1:17

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, [saying], Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.