1 Chronicles 2:37

KJV

And Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat Obed,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zabad {H2066} begat {H3205} Ephlal {H654}, and Ephlal {H654} begat {H3205} Obed {H5744},

Complete Jewish Bible

Zavad fathered Eflal, Eflal fathered 'Oved,

Berean Standard Bible

Zabad was the father of Ephlal, Ephlal was the father of Obed,

American Standard Version

and Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat Obed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:37 is a concise entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically tracing a segment of the lineage of Jerahmeel, a prominent clan descended from Hezron, who was a son of Perez and grandson of Judah. This verse, stating "And Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat Obed," meticulously records the continuation of a specific family line, underscoring the chronicler's commitment to preserving the tribal and familial identities of the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping genealogical survey from Adam to the return from exile, dedicating its first nine chapters almost entirely to these lists. Chapters 2-4 focus specifically on the tribe of Judah, highlighting its preeminence and the eventual Davidic line. Within this, 1 Chronicles 2:9-55 details the descendants of Hezron, a key figure in Judah's lineage. This particular verse falls within the sub-lineage of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:25-41), Hezron's firstborn son. While not directly on the Davidic line, this meticulous record demonstrates the chronicler's concern for the integrity of all tribal records, affirming the continuity and structure of the Israelite community. The repetition of "begat" throughout these chapters creates a rhythmic, authoritative declaration of generational succession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), when the returned exiles were re-establishing their identity, land claims, and temple worship in Judah. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital legal and social documents. They affirmed tribal affiliation, validated claims to ancestral land, confirmed eligibility for priestly service, and established the legitimacy of royal succession. For a community grappling with displacement and loss of identity, these detailed records provided a tangible link to their past, ensuring continuity with God's covenant people and their heritage. The inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Zabad, Ephlal, and Obed underscores the importance of every link in the chain for the collective identity of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **continuity of lineage**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people across generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. The unbroken chain of "begats" reinforces the idea that every individual, no matter how obscure, plays a part in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it highlights **God's faithfulness to His promises**. The very existence of these detailed records testifies to the meticulous way God works through human history to fulfill His covenants, such as the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant") to make Abraham a great nation and the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - The Davidic Covenant") promising an eternal dynasty. Finally, it subtly points to the **significance of the "ordinary."** While Zabad, Ephlal, and Obed are not heroes of faith or kings, their inclusion in the sacred text affirms that every life is valued by God and contributes to the unfolding of His divine purpose, even if their specific deeds are not recorded. This meticulous record-keeping is foundational for understanding the broader historical and theological framework of Israel, culminating in the [genealogy of Jesus](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_) is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, meaning "to bear," "to give birth," or "to beget." It signifies direct lineal descent, establishing a clear and unbroken chain of fatherhood and generational succession. In this context, its repeated use emphasizes the precise and meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring the integrity of the family lines. It is a simple yet powerful verb that underpins the entire genealogical framework, acting as the connective tissue between generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zabad begat Ephlal":** This clause establishes the initial link in the specific segment of the Jerahmeelite lineage recorded in this verse. Zabad is identified as the father of Ephlal, continuing the generational progression. The conjunctive "And" links this new generation to the preceding one, maintaining the flow of the genealogical list.
* **"and Ephlal begat Obed":** This second clause extends the lineage by one more generation, identifying Ephlal as the father of Obed. The repetition of "begat" reinforces the direct paternal relationship and the sequential nature of the family tree. Together, these two clauses provide a concise, factual record of three successive generations within a specific clan of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:37, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, is **Repetition**. The consistent use of the verb "begat" (or its equivalent) creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical cadence that underscores the unbroken continuity of the family lines. This repetition serves to emphasize the meticulousness of the record and the divine faithfulness in preserving the generations. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a **Genealogical Form**, which is a distinct literary genre in ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature. This form is not merely a list of names but a theological statement, conveying legitimacy, identity, and the fulfillment of divine promises through the orderly progression of human history. The concise, formulaic structure of "X begat Y" is a hallmark of this form, making the information clear, authoritative, and easily traceable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:37, despite its brevity, is a profound testament to God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores the theological truth that every individual, even those not highlighted by grand narratives, is part of God's overarching plan. The preservation of these names, however obscure, speaks to God's faithfulness in remembering His people and guiding their lineage toward His ultimate purposes. It reminds us that divine providence works through the seemingly ordinary, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line and the eventual fulfillment of all promises. This verse, therefore, is not just about human ancestry but about divine sovereignty orchestrating history.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") - An early example of a biblical genealogy, demonstrating God's preservation of humanity and the line of Seth.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The New Testament genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the importance of lineage for the Messiah.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") - Luke's genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Adam, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values only the famous, the powerful, or those with grand narratives, 1 Chronicles 2:37 offers a quiet but profound counter-cultural message: every life matters. Zabad, Ephlal, and Obed were not kings, prophets, or warriors, yet their existence was crucial for the continuation of their family line and, by extension, the broader tapestry of God's people. This reminds us that our significance is not solely determined by our accomplishments or public recognition, but by our place within God's vast and intricate design. We are all part of a larger story, a heritage of faith passed down through generations, and our lives, however seemingly ordinary, contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes. This should encourage us to live faithfully, knowing that our "small" acts of obedience and presence are cherished and remembered by God, who orchestrates history with meticulous care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:37, challenge our modern emphasis on individual achievement and fame?**
* **In what ways can recognizing our place within a larger spiritual heritage, rather than just our immediate family, deepen our sense of identity and purpose?**
* **What "ordinary" aspects of your life might God be using to contribute to His grand, long-term plan, even if you don't see the full picture yet?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:37, so important if they seem to just list names?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere lists; they are vital theological and historical documents. They serve several crucial purposes:
1. **Establishing Identity and Continuity:** For the post-exilic community, these lists re-established tribal affiliations, land claims, and family connections, affirming their identity as God's chosen people. They demonstrated an unbroken link to their ancestors and the covenants God made with them.
2. **Validating Claims:** Genealogies were essential for validating claims to land, priestly service, and royal succession. For example, the lineage of the priests had to be meticulously maintained to ensure their legitimacy in temple service.
3. **Demonstrating God's Faithfulness:** The very existence of these detailed records underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in preserving His people and guiding history toward His ultimate redemptive purposes. They show that God works through generations, fulfilling His promises over vast spans of time, such as the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Covenant with Abraham") and the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David").
4. **Pointing to the Messiah:** Ultimately, the most significant purpose of many biblical genealogies is to trace the lineage of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, demonstrating His rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Even seemingly obscure lines contribute to this grand narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:37 is part of a lineage not directly leading to David, it nonetheless contributes to the broader Christ-centered narrative by affirming the meticulous preservation of God's people, a necessary prerequisite for the Incarnation. The very existence of these detailed genealogies, even those for seemingly "ordinary" individuals like Zabad, Ephlal, and Obed, testifies to God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Every "begat" in the Old Testament is a step orchestrated by divine providence, leading to the fullness of time when God would send His Son. The careful record-keeping ensures that when the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") finally appeared, He would be unequivocally identified as the promised seed, born of a woman, born under the law, and descended from Abraham and David, as foretold in the Scriptures. Thus, even the most obscure genealogical entry in Chronicles points to the faithfulness of God in preserving the human lineage through which the Savior would ultimately enter the world, fulfilling the hope of [all nations](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Blessing to All Nations"). The detailed human history recorded here is the very canvas upon which God painted His masterpiece of redemption in Christ, ensuring that when [Jesus came](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son"), He was indeed the one for whom all previous generations had been preserved.

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.