1 Chronicles 2:35

KJV

And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sheshan {H8348} gave {H5414} his daughter {H1323} to Jarha {H3398} his servant {H5650} to wife {H802}; and she bare {H3205} him Attai {H6262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to Yarcha his servant, and she bore him 'Atai.

Berean Standard Bible

Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore to him Attai.

American Standard Version

And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:35 meticulously records a pivotal moment in the lineage of Sheshan, a descendant of Judah through Hezron. Faced with the absence of male heirs, Sheshan strategically arranged for his daughter to marry his trusted servant, Jarha, thereby ensuring the continuation of his family line. This seemingly minor genealogical detail profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence in preserving the tribal identity and the broader messianic lineage, demonstrating His sovereign ability to work through unconventional means and unexpected individuals to fulfill His overarching redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive and foundational genealogies that open the book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies from Adam to Israel"). The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, meticulously traces the lineage from Adam, through the patriarchs, and then focuses intensely on the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah and the Davidic line. Chapters 2-4 are dedicated to the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the paramount importance of this tribe as the royal line from which the Messiah would ultimately emerge. Within this detailed section, [1 Chronicles 2:18-55](/1_chronicles/2-18-55 "1 Chronicles 2:18-55 - Descendants of Hezron") specifically details the descendants of Hezron, one of Judah's sons. Crucially, [1 Chronicles 2:34](/1_chronicles/2-34 "1 Chronicles 2:34 - Sheshan's Lack of Sons") explicitly states that Sheshan had no sons, creating the narrative tension that is resolved in verse 35 by the unconventional marriage. This arrangement ensures the continuation of his branch of the family tree, with the subsequent verses tracing the lineage through Attai, the son born of this union.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the post-exilic community, genealogies were not mere historical records but vital documents. They served critical functions: establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance, confirming priestly legitimacy, and reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises. In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, the continuation of a family line, especially through male heirs, was of paramount importance for social, economic, and religious reasons, as it ensured the preservation of the family name, property, and legacy. When a man had no sons, various provisions existed to prevent his name from dying out. Giving a daughter to a trusted servant, who would then raise offspring in the master's name, was one such culturally accepted and pragmatic method of preserving the household's legacy and inheritance. This arrangement underscores the high value placed on family continuity and highlights the flexibility within social structures to ensure its perpetuation.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by [1 Chronicles 2:35](/1_chronicles/2-35 "1 Chronicles 2:35 - Sheshan's Daughter and Jarha") is the **Preservation of Lineage**. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining the tribal identities, particularly that of Judah, from which the Messiah would ultimately descend, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah"). This verse also subtly highlights **God's Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how divine purposes can be fulfilled through human actions that might appear unconventional or unexpected. The integration of Jarha, potentially an outsider, into the family structure illustrates God's capacity to work through diverse individuals and situations, transcending conventional social boundaries. Furthermore, the theme of **Inclusion and Integration** is powerfully evident, as a trusted servant is brought into the very fabric of the family, ensuring its survival and contributing to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for all peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheshan (Hebrew, _Shēshān'_):** This individual is a specific descendant of Jerahmeel, son of Hezron, within the tribe of Judah (H8348). His significance in this verse is entirely predicated on his lack of male heirs, a critical detail established in the preceding verse. This personal circumstance necessitates the unconventional solution recorded here, which is vital for the continuation of his specific family branch and, by extension, the broader Judahite lineage.
* **Jarha (Hebrew, _Yarchâʻ'_):** Identified as Sheshan's servant (H3398), to whom Sheshan gives his daughter in marriage. The Strong's data indicates that the name "Jarha" is "probably of Egyptian origin." This detail is significant, as it suggests Jarha may have been a foreigner, further emphasizing the unconventional nature of this union and highlighting God's capacity to integrate those from outside the traditional Israelite lineage into His providential plan. His role is crucial, as he becomes the instrumental figure in continuing Sheshan's line.
* **servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** This Hebrew term (H5650) is broad, encompassing meanings from a slave or bondman to a trusted attendant or official. In this specific context, given the extraordinary honor bestowed upon Jarha by marrying the master's daughter and being entrusted with the continuation of the family line, _'eved_ strongly implies a position of deep trust, loyalty, and significant responsibility, far exceeding that of a common laborer. This arrangement reflects a recognized custom in the ancient Near East for preserving a family line when there were no male heirs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife;":** This clause describes Sheshan's deliberate and decisive action (H5414, "gave"). Facing the potential extinction of his family line due to a lack of sons, he chooses an unconventional but culturally recognized method of preservation. The act of "giving" his daughter (H1323, "daughter"; H802, "wife") signifies a formal and binding arrangement, elevating Jarha's status and integrating him into the family, not merely as a son-in-law, but as the one explicitly responsible for continuing the lineage. This highlights the profound importance of genealogical continuity in ancient Israel.
* **"and she bare him Attai."**: This concluding phrase confirms the successful outcome of Sheshan's decision. The verb "bare" (H3205, _yâlad'_) signifies the act of giving birth, and the subsequent mention of "Attai" (H6262) ensures the continuation of Sheshan's branch of the Judahite lineage. This seemingly simple statement carries immense theological weight, as it signifies God's providential oversight in preserving the specific family lines that would eventually lead to the Messiah. The focus is on the fruitfulness of the union and the successful perpetuation of the family name, fulfilling the purpose of the preceding arrangement.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 2:35](/1_chronicles/2-35 "1 Chronicles 2:35 - Sheshan's Daughter and Jarha") and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy**. Far from being a mere list of names, biblical genealogies are profound theological statements, serving to establish identity, inheritance, and the continuity of God's covenant promises. The Chronicler meticulously employs this device to underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the chosen line, particularly the Davidic lineage, which culminates in the Messiah. Within this extensive genealogical framework, there is a notable element of **Narrative Compression**, where a significant life event—a strategic marriage and the birth of a child that secures a family's future—is distilled into a single, concise verse. This brevity paradoxically highlights the event's critical importance within the larger sweep of redemptive history. Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of Jarha, an individual identified as a "servant" and possibly of foreign origin, introduces a subtle but powerful element of **Emphasis by Inclusion**. His integration into the Judahite line through marriage underscores God's sovereign ability to work through unexpected individuals and circumstances, subtly foreshadowing the broader inclusion of outsiders into God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane detail of 1 Chronicles 2:35 offers profound theological insights into God's meticulous providence and unwavering faithfulness. It powerfully illustrates that God's grand redemptive plan is not contingent upon human perfection, conventional social norms, or predictable circumstances, but rather unfolds precisely through His sovereign hand. He often utilizes unexpected individuals and unconventional means to achieve His purposes. The preservation of Sheshan's lineage through Jarha, a trusted servant who may have been an outsider, underscores the divine commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tribal lines, especially that of Judah, from which the promised Messiah would come. This verse serves as a microcosm of God's overarching care for His covenant people, demonstrating His active and intricate involvement in the minute details of history to bring about His ultimate, glorious purposes.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")
* [Ruth 4:13-22](/ruth/4-13-22 "Boaz, Ruth, and the Line of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account in 1 Chronicles 2:35, though nestled in a long genealogy, offers timeless and profound encouragement for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God's plans are often carried out through unexpected people and circumstances, challenging our human tendencies to define or limit how God should work. Just as Sheshan found an unconventional yet divinely sanctioned way to preserve his lineage, so God continues to use diverse individuals and situations—including those we might consider "outsiders," those with humble beginnings, or those operating outside traditional norms—to fulfill His purposes in the world and in our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of deep trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing His meticulous care and active involvement even in the seemingly mundane details of history or our own personal journeys. It underscores the profound truth that every individual, regardless of their background, perceived status, or conventional expectations, can play a vital and indispensable role in God's grand narrative, contributing to a tapestry far greater and more glorious than they can possibly imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our conventional notions of lineage, status, or the "proper" ways for God's plans to unfold in our lives or in the church?**
* **In what unexpected ways might God be working in your own life or community to fulfill His purposes, perhaps through individuals or circumstances you wouldn't typically consider?**
* **How can we cultivate a more inclusive mindset and actively embrace and value those who might seem "outside" our immediate circles, recognizing God's inclusive nature and His capacity to use anyone for His glory?**

### FAQ

**Was Jarha an Israelite, or was he a foreigner?**

Answer: The text of [1 Chronicles 2:35](/1_chronicles/2-35 "1 Chronicles 2:35 - Sheshan's Daughter and Jarha") does not explicitly state Jarha's ethnicity. However, the Strong's data for his name (H3398, _Yarchâʻ_) indicates it is "probably of Egyptian origin," strongly suggesting he was a foreigner, likely a trusted servant or steward within Sheshan's household. The Hebrew word for "servant," _'eved_ (H5650), can refer to a slave, a bondman, or a trusted attendant. While it's possible Jarha was an Israelite who had entered into a bond-service arrangement due to debt or other circumstances, his potentially foreign origin adds another layer to the unconventional nature of this marriage. The significance lies not in his precise ethnicity, but in his status as a "servant" and the extraordinary nature of the marriage, which ensured the continuation of Sheshan's lineage through an unexpected channel, highlighting God's sovereign ability to work through diverse individuals to fulfill His purposes.

**Why is this seemingly minor detail included in the Bible's genealogies?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere lists of names; they are profound theological statements that underscore God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His meticulous preservation of the lineage leading to the Messiah. The inclusion of details like [1 Chronicles 2:35](/1_chronicles/2-35 "1 Chronicles 2:35 - Sheshan's Daughter and Jarha") highlights God's active and providential involvement in the minute details of human history. It demonstrates His providential care in ensuring the continuity of the tribe of Judah, from which the Davidic kings and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. This verse serves as a testament to God's commitment to His plan, even when it requires unconventional means or the integration of unexpected individuals into the sacred lineage. It teaches us that God works through all circumstances to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes.

**What was the cultural significance of a master giving his daughter to a servant in ancient times?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, the continuation of a family's name, legacy, and inheritance was paramount. If a man had no sons, various legal and social provisions existed to prevent his family line from dying out. One such practice, as seen in this verse, was for a father to give his daughter to a trusted servant, often a steward or administrator who had proven loyal and capable. The children born of this union would then be legally considered the offspring of the master, thereby ensuring the continuity of the household's name, property, and legacy. This arrangement was a pragmatic, culturally accepted solution to a pressing social and familial need, demonstrating the high value placed on maintaining the integrity and perpetuation of family lines. It elevated the status of the servant and integrated him fully into the family structure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly small and unusual detail in [1 Chronicles 2:35](/1_chronicles/2-35 "1 Chronicles 2:35 - Sheshan's Daughter and Jarha") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the meticulous and sovereign preservation of the lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's primary purpose in detailing these genealogies was not merely historical record-keeping, but to affirm God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a king from the tribe of Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")) and a lasting dynasty from David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The inclusion of Jarha, a servant and possibly an outsider of Egyptian origin, into the direct lineage of Judah, powerfully foreshadows the radical inclusivity of God's redemptive plan in Christ. Just as Jarha was brought into the family to ensure its continuity, so too are Gentiles—those who were once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Aliens from the Covenants"))—grafted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - Grafted Branches")). The genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") notably include unconventional figures and women (like Rahab, Ruth, Tamar, and Bathsheba), further illustrating that God's sovereign plan of salvation transcends human expectations and embraces all who come to Him by grace through faith, ultimately fulfilling the promise of a "seed" who would bless all nations ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ")).

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.