1 Chronicles 2:3

KJV

The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: [which] three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063}; Er {H6147}, and Onan {H209}, and Shelah {H7956}: which three {H7969} were born {H3205} unto him of the daughter {H1323} of Shua {H7774}{H1340} the Canaanitess {H3669}. And Er {H6147}, the firstborn {H1060} of Judah {H3063}, was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}; and he slew {H4191} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Y'hudah: 'Er, Onan and Shelah; the mother of these three was Bat-Shua the Kena'anit. 'Er, Y'hudah's firstborn, was wicked from ADONAI's perspective, so he killed him.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by Bath-shua the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, who put him to death.

American Standard Version

The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three were born unto him of Shua’s daughter the Canaanitess. And Er, Judah’s first-born, was wicked in the sight of Jehovah; and he slew him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:3 introduces the first three sons of Judah—Er, Onan, and Shelah—born to him through a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua. The verse immediately highlights Er, Judah's firstborn, stating that he was "evil in the sight of the LORD," resulting in God directly taking his life. This concise genealogical entry, while brief, serves to establish the lineage of Judah, emphasize divine justice, and underscore the severe consequences of sin, even within the foundational families of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed lineage of the tribe of Judah, which begins in [1 Chronicles 2:1](/1_chronicles/2-1 "1 Chronicles 2:1 - Sons of Israel"). The Chronicler's primary purpose in these opening chapters ([1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies")) is to establish the identity and legitimacy of the post-exilic community, connecting them to their covenantal heritage from Adam through Abraham, Israel, and the twelve tribes. The inclusion of Er's fate, though terse, assumes the reader's prior knowledge of the more elaborate narrative found in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"), where the full account of Er's wickedness and Onan's subsequent actions is detailed. This brevity is characteristic of genealogical lists, which often prioritize lineage while occasionally inserting crucial, yet condensed, historical notes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were vital legal and theological documents. They established tribal identity, inheritance rights, priestly qualifications, and the legitimacy of kingship. The mention of Judah's marriage to "the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess" is significant, as it highlights early instances of intermarriage with non-Israelites, a practice that would later be strictly forbidden, yet was part of the complex historical reality of the patriarchal period. The Canaanites were the indigenous inhabitants of the land God promised to Abraham, and their presence and influence were pervasive. The swift divine judgment against Er underscores the belief in a God who actively intervened in human affairs, observing and judging moral conduct, even within the most prominent families of the nascent nation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in human affairs and holds individuals accountable for their moral conduct, regardless of their lineage or status. Er's death at the hand of the Lord serves as a stark reminder of the serious [consequences of sin](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Secondly, it highlights the **Continuity of God's Plan** despite human failure and divine judgment. Even with the disruption of Er's death and Onan's subsequent judgment (as detailed in [Genesis 38:8-10](/genesis/38-8 "Genesis 38:8-10 - Onan's Sin and Death")), the lineage of Judah, from whom the Davidic kings and ultimately the Messiah would come, continues through Shelah, ensuring the fulfillment of the promises made to Judah in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"). Lastly, the focus on Judah's lineage underscores the **Importance of the Davidic Line**, as the Chronicler's primary aim is to trace the royal line leading to David and beyond, providing hope for a restored monarchy in the post-exilic era.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _ra'_)**: This common Hebrew term signifies not merely a negative quality but something morally corrupt, wicked, or displeasing in the sight of God. In this context, Er's "evil" was not a passive state but an active, offensive behavior that warranted divine intervention. While the specific nature of his wickedness is not detailed in 1 Chronicles, the parallel account in [Genesis 38:7](/genesis/38-7 "Genesis 38:7 - Er's Wickedness") states, "Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death." This implies a profound moral failing, a deliberate act or pattern of behavior that violated God's standards.
* **in the sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _b'eyney Yahweh_)**: This phrase is a recurring theological motif throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's omniscient observation and moral judgment. It signifies that God is not a distant, passive deity but one who actively perceives human actions and intentions. When something is "evil in the sight of the LORD," it means it directly offends His holy character and righteous standards, provoking His just response. It highlights God's personal involvement and His role as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.
* **slew (Hebrew, _wayyamitehu_)**: This verb, derived from the root _mût_ (to die), is in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action: "he caused him to die" or "he put him to death." The directness of "he slew him" leaves no ambiguity; Er's death was not accidental or natural but a direct, deliberate act of divine judgment. This underscores God's absolute power and His willingness to execute justice against profound wickedness, even within the chosen lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah:"**: This clause immediately identifies the first three male offspring of Judah, establishing the primary subjects of this genealogical segment. The listing of names is fundamental to the Chronicler's purpose of tracing the lineage.
* **"[which] three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess."**: This parenthetical detail provides crucial information about the mother of these three sons, identifying her as a Canaanite woman. This detail is significant as it highlights the early intermingling of Israelite patriarchs with the indigenous populations of Canaan, a practice that would later become a source of religious and cultural tension.
* **"And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD;"**: This is the pivotal statement concerning Er. It identifies him as Judah's firstborn, a position of significant privilege and responsibility, and immediately pronounces a damning judgment on his character: he was "evil in the sight of the LORD." This moral condemnation sets the stage for the consequence that follows.
* **"and he slew him."**: This concise, stark declaration reveals the immediate and ultimate consequence of Er's wickedness. The "he" refers directly to the LORD, indicating a divine act of judgment. This statement serves as a powerful theological lesson, demonstrating God's direct intervention and unyielding justice against sin.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this brief verse. The primary device is **Conciseness**, where a complex narrative (fully detailed in Genesis 38) is condensed into a single, impactful sentence. This brevity serves to underscore the main point: Er's wickedness and God's immediate judgment, without getting bogged down in the specifics of his sin. This also highlights the **Genealogical Imperative** of 1 Chronicles, where the flow of lineage is paramount, and historical notes are inserted only when they are crucial for understanding the continuation of the line or a significant theological point. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" is a **Formulaic Expression**, a recurring motif in biblical literature that signifies divine disapproval and often precedes judgment, creating a sense of inevitability. Finally, the direct statement "and he slew him" is an example of **Divine Intervention**, portraying God as an active, sovereign agent in human history, directly executing justice. This serves as a **Didactic Element**, teaching the reader about God's character and the consequences of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Er's death, though brief in 1 Chronicles, carries profound theological weight, reiterating God's unwavering holiness and justice. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not merely an observer but an active judge of human conduct, and that sin, particularly that which is "evil in the sight of the LORD," incurs severe consequences. This divine judgment, even within the chosen lineage, underscores the principle that no one is exempt from God's righteous standards. Despite this severe act, the narrative immediately shifts to the continuation of the lineage through Shelah, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to work through human failure and even judgment to accomplish His overarching redemptive plan, ensuring the preservation of the line through which His promises would be fulfilled.

* [Genesis 38:7](/genesis/38-7 "Genesis 38:7 - Er's Wickedness and Death")
* [Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Doing What is Right in the Sight of the LORD")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concise account of Er in 1 Chronicles 2:3, though seemingly a mere genealogical detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character: He is holy, righteous, and actively engaged in the moral affairs of humanity. Er's swift judgment underscores that God sees and responds to wickedness, and that sin has real, often severe, consequences. This should prompt us to examine our own lives, asking whether our actions, thoughts, and intentions are truly "pleasing in the sight of the LORD." It challenges us to live with integrity and reverence, knowing that our lives are lived before an omniscient and just God. Furthermore, the continuation of Judah's lineage despite this tragedy reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His overarching purposes, even when individuals fail. Our failures do not derail God's plan, though they may bring personal consequences. We are called to live in a way that honors God, trusting in His justice and His sovereign ability to bring about His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift divine judgment against Er challenge my understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting "evil in the sight of the LORD," and what steps can I take to align my conduct with His standards?**
* **How does the continuation of Judah's lineage, despite Er's death, encourage me about God's faithfulness to His larger redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a negative detail included in a genealogy, especially for a key tribe like Judah?**

Answer: The inclusion of Er's fate, despite its brevity, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy, even when the details are unflattering. Biblical genealogies are not merely lists of names but often contain significant historical and theological markers. Secondly, it highlights a profound theological truth: God's justice is impartial. Even the firstborn of Judah, a pivotal figure in Israel's lineage, was not exempt from divine judgment for his wickedness. This reinforces the sanctity of God's moral law and the severe [consequences of sin](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Thirdly, by referencing an event detailed more fully in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"), the Chronicler assumes the reader's familiarity with the broader biblical narrative, subtly reminding them of the foundational stories of their heritage and the consistent character of God revealed throughout. It also sets the stage for the continuation of the lineage through Shelah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in preserving the line that would lead to the Davidic monarchy and ultimately, the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brief, stark account of Er's death in 1 Chronicles 2:3, while rooted in ancient Israelite history and law, finds its ultimate theological fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Er's death at the hand of the LORD for being "evil in the sight of the LORD" powerfully illustrates God's unyielding justice and His absolute intolerance for sin. This divine judgment, a direct consequence of human wickedness, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that all humanity deserves for their own sin, as declared in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). However, the gospel reveals that God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a substitute to bear this judgment. Jesus Christ, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), though Himself without sin, "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross, experiencing the ultimate divine slaying so that those who believe in Him might be spared. Furthermore, the continuation of Judah's lineage through Shelah, despite Er's judgment, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preserving the messianic line. It is through this very tribe of Judah that Jesus, the Lion of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), was born, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and bringing about salvation for all who are "evil in the sight of the LORD" but are now made righteous through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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 38:2

And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name [was] Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.

Genesis 38:10

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

Numbers 26:19

The sons of Judah [were] Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 46:12

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

1 Chronicles 9:5

And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons.