1 Chronicles 2:16

Whose sisters [were] Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

Whose sisters {H269} were Zeruiah {H6870}, and Abigail {H26}. And the sons {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870}; Abishai {H52}, and Joab {H3097}, and Asahel {H6214}, three {H7969}.

and their sisters Tz'ruyah and Avigayil. The sons of Tz'ruyah: Avshai, Yo'av and 'Asah'el, three of them.

Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.

and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 2:16

This verse is part of the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, which serve to establish the historical continuity of Israel, particularly focusing on the lineage that leads to King David. Chapter 2 specifically details the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the family of Jesse, David's father. Verse 16 immediately follows the listing of Jesse's seven sons (1 Chronicles 2:13-15), identifying Zeruiah and Abigail as David's sisters, thus placing them within the immediate royal family. The mention of Zeruiah's sons then introduces key figures who played pivotal roles in David's life and reign.

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Zeruiah and Abigail: These are presented as the sisters of David. While Abigail is mentioned, it is Zeruiah whose sons become prominent. This inclusion highlights the importance of David's extended family, not just his direct descendants, in the structure of his kingdom.
  • Abishai: One of Zeruiah's three sons, a nephew of David. Abishai was a courageous warrior and a loyal commander in David's army, often noted for his bravery and fierce loyalty.
  • Joab: Also a son of Zeruiah and David's nephew, Joab rose to become King David's chief commander. He was a highly skilled and formidable military leader, though sometimes ruthless and independent in his actions. His influence was immense throughout David's reign.
  • Asahel: The third son of Zeruiah. Asahel was known for his exceptional speed, a quality that led to his untimely death early in David's rise to power when he pursued Abner relentlessly.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Continuity: The verse reinforces the meticulous record-keeping of Israel's lineage, underscoring the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society and the divine plan for David's line.
  • The House of David: By identifying David's sisters and their influential sons, the passage paints a broader picture of the "house of David," emphasizing not only his direct descendants but also the crucial roles played by his immediate relatives in establishing and maintaining his kingdom.
  • Military Strength: The prominence of Zeruiah's sons as mighty warriors highlights the martial prowess inherent within David's extended family, which was vital for the security and expansion of the nascent monarchy.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves carry meaning in Hebrew, though the verse primarily serves a genealogical purpose. "Zeruiah" (ืฆึฐืจื•ึผื™ึธื”, Tseruyah) might mean "balsam" or "wounded." The names of her sons, Abishai (ืึฒื‘ึดื™ืฉึทืื™, 'Avishay, "my father is Jesse/gift"), Joab (ื™ื•ึนืึธื‘, Yo'av, "Yahweh is father"), and Asahel (ืขึฒืฉึธื‚ื”ืึตืœ, 'Asahel, "God has made"), reflect common Hebrew naming conventions, often incorporating divine elements or familial connections.

Practical Application

Though a genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 2:16 reminds us that God often uses not just central figures, but also their extended family and associates, to accomplish His purposes. It underscores the importance of every individual within a community or family, as their contributions, whether in leadership or support, can be vital. It encourages us to recognize the strengths and gifts within our own relational networks and how they might contribute to a larger, divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:6

    ยถ Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

  • 2 Samuel 3:39

    And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

  • 2 Samuel 16:9

    Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

  • 2 Samuel 16:11

    And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

  • 2 Samuel 2:18

    ยถ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.

  • 2 Samuel 2:23

    Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

  • 2 Samuel 19:22

    And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I [am] this day king over Israel?
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