TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Chronicles 2:18–55.
The persons mentioned in the former paragraph are most of them such as we read of, and most of them such as we read much of, in other scriptures; but very few of those to whom this paragraph relates are mentioned any where else. It should seem, the tribe of Judah were more full and exact in their genealogies than any other of the tribes, in which we must acknowledge a special providence, for the clearing of the genealogy of Christ. 1. Here we find Bezaleel, who was head-workman in building the tabernacle, Exo 31:2. 2. Hezron, who was the son of Pharez (Ch1 2:5), was the father of all this progeny, his sons, Caleb and Jerahmeel, being very fruitful, and he himself likewise, even in his old age, for he left his wife pregnant when he died, Ch1 2:24. This Hezron was one of the seventy that went down with Jacob into Egypt, Gen 46:12. There his family thus increased, as other oppressed families there did. We cannot but suppose that he died during the Israelites' bondage in Egypt; and yet it is here said he died in Caleb-Ephratah (that is, Bethlehem), in the land of Canaan, Ch1 2:24. Perhaps, though the body of the people continued in Egypt, yet some that were more active than the rest, at least before their bondage came to be extreme, visited Canaan sometimes and got footing there, though afterwards they lost it. The achievements of Jair, here mentioned (Ch1 2:22, Ch1 2:23), we had an account of in Num 32:41; and, it is supposed, they were long after the conquest of Canaan. The Jews say, Hezron married his third wife when he was sixty years old (Ch1 2:21), and another afterwards (Ch1 2:24), because he had a great desire of posterity in the family of Pharez, from whom the Messiah was to descend. 3. Here is mention of one that died without children (Ch1 2:30), and another (Ch1 2:32), and of one that had no sons, but daughters, Ch1 2:34. Let those that are in any of these ways afflicted not think their case new or singular. Providence orders these affairs of families by an incontestable sovereignty, as pleaseth him, giving children, or withholding them, or giving all of one sex. He is not bound to please us, but we are bound to acquiesce in his good pleasure. To those that love him he will himself be better than ten sons, and give them in his house a place and a name better than of sons and daughters. Let not those therefore that are written childless envy the families that are built up and replenished. Shall our eye be evil because God's is good? 4. Here is mention of one who had an only daughter, and married her to his servant an Egyptian, Ch1 2:34, Ch1 2:35. If it be mentioned to his praise, we must suppose that this Egyptian was proselyted to the Jewish religion and that he was very eminent for wisdom and virtue, otherwise it would not have become a true-born Israelite to match a daughter to him, especially an only daughter. If Egyptians become converts, and servants do worthily, neither their parentage nor their servitude should be a bar to their preferment. Such a one this Egyptian servant might be that she who married him might live as happily with him as if she had married one of the rulers of her tribe. 5. The pedigree of several of these terminates, not in a person, but in a place or country, as one is said to be the father of Kirjath-jearim (Ch1 2:50), another of Bethlehem (Ch1 2:51), which was afterwards David's city, because these places fell to their lot in the division of the land. 6. here are some that are said to be families of scribes (Ch1 2:55), such as kept up learning in their family, especially scripture-learning, and taught the people the good knowledge of God. Among all these great families we are glad to find some that were families of scribes. Would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets - all the families of Israel families of scribes, well instructed to the kingdom of heaven, and able to bring out of their treasury things new and old!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 2:38 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
1 Chronicles 2:38, stating "And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah," is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing a branch through Jerahmeel, the son of Hezron. Far from being a mere list of names, this verse, like others in the Chronicler's record, meticulously preserves the historical continuity and identity of the Israelite people, particularly for those returning from Babylonian exile. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people through successive generations, ensuring the preservation of lineage essential for tribal land inheritance, social order, and ultimately, the anticipation of the promised Davidic king.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the expansive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2, which initiates a detailed tracing of the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. The chapter meticulously delineates the various branches of Judah's family tree, with a particular emphasis on the lineage of Hezron, a prominent figure whose progeny are extensively listed. Within Hezron's line, the text diverges into the descendants of Jerahmeel, his firstborn, and then Ram, from whom the significant Davidic royal line would eventually emerge. 1 Chronicles 2:38 specifically falls within the Jerahmeelite branch, detailing a succession of individuals—Obed, Jehu, and Azariah—who, while not directly in the royal Davidic lineage, were nonetheless vital to the broader tribal identity and continuity of Judah. The meticulous nature of these lists throughout the book of Chronicles serves to establish legitimacy, heritage, and a sense of belonging for the post-exilic community.
Historical & Cultural Context
Genealogies held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as the foundational bedrock for tribal identity, land ownership, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of priestly service. For the community returning from the Babylonian exile, to whom the Chronicler primarily addressed his work, these records were not merely historical curiosities but indispensable documents that re-established their connection to the land and the covenant. They provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their place within God's chosen people and reinforcing their claim to ancestral territories. The careful distinction between different individuals bearing similar names, such as the Obed in this verse from the Jerahmeelite line, and Obed, the grandfather of King David, who descended from the Ramite line, highlights the precise and critical nature of these records. Such precision was crucial for maintaining accurate tribal distinctions and ensuring proper inheritance and social structure in a society deeply rooted in family and clan identity.
Key Themes
The meticulous recording in 1 Chronicles 2:38 and the surrounding genealogies contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the Preservation of Lineage, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in maintaining a chosen people through countless generations, even amidst the profound disruptions of exile and dispersion. This continuity was absolutely crucial for the eventual fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Second, it highlights God's Faithfulness Through Generations, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people and His unfolding plan, even when individual lives might seem insignificant within the grand tapestry. The very existence of these detailed records testifies to a divine purpose unfolding through human history. Finally, the inclusion of such granular detail underscores the Historical Accuracy and Reliability of the biblical record, affirming its commitment to presenting a factual account of God's dealings with humanity and the historical reality of the Israelite nation, a commitment seen from the earliest records in Genesis 5 through to the post-exilic period.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "serving," Obed signifies "serving" or "worshiper." While the name itself carries a theological implication of service, in this genealogical context, it primarily functions as a proper noun, identifying a specific individual within the Jerahmeelite line of Judah. The repetition of such names across different lineages (e.g., Obed, grandfather of David) underscores the commonality of names in ancient Israel and the Chronicler's precision in distinguishing distinct individuals through their specific lineage.
The Hebrew verb יָלַד (yalad) is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, consistently translated as "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to father." While seemingly simple, its repetitive use throughout these lists is profoundly significant. It emphasizes direct paternal descent, establishing an unbroken chain of generations. In the context of 1 Chronicles, yalad underscores the continuity of the covenant line, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The very act of "begetting" signifies life, continuity, and the perpetuation of identity, heritage, and promise across time.
Meaning "Jah has helped" or "Yahweh has helped," Azariah is a theophoric name, containing a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (Yah). Like Obed, it functions as a proper noun in this context, identifying the third individual in this particular sequence. The meaning of the name subtly reinforces a theme prevalent throughout Chronicles: God's active involvement and help in the lives and history of His people, even in the seemingly mundane act of generational succession.
Verse Breakdown
"And Obed begat Jehu"
This initial clause introduces Obed as the father in this specific link of the genealogical chain. Obed, in this instance, is a descendant of Jerahmeel, who was a son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah. The act of "begetting" (Hebrew: yalad) signifies the continuation of the family line, establishing a direct paternal link. In a culture where lineage determined identity, rights, and responsibilities, this statement is not merely a record but a precise affirmation of legitimate succession within a specific clan of Judah. It anchors Obed and his offspring within the larger tribal structure.
"and Jehu begat Azariah"
This second clause seamlessly continues the succession, identifying Jehu as Obed's son and Azariah's father. The repetition of the "begat" formula reinforces the unbroken nature of the lineage, emphasizing the direct, generational transfer of identity and heritage. Azariah, as the next in this particular sequence, represents the further extension of this family branch, contributing to the comprehensive and meticulous record of Judah's descendants. Each name, though perhaps obscure to the modern reader, was a real person whose life contributed to the collective history and identity of the tribe of Judah, and by extension, the nation of Israel, showcasing the divine preservation of the chosen people.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:38, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is Genealogy. This is not merely a list but a structured literary form designed to establish historical continuity, tribal identity, and covenantal legitimacy for the post-exilic community. The repetitive use of the phrase "begat" (Hebrew: yalad) functions as a form of Anaphora or Repetition, creating a rhythmic and authoritative tone that emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations. This repetition underscores the reliability and meticulousness of the record, assuring the reader of the precision of the historical account. Furthermore, the Conciseness of each entry, presenting only the direct paternal link, highlights the Chronicler's singular focus on lineage as the central element, stripping away extraneous narrative details to emphasize the core historical progression. The very act of recording these names also serves as a form of Historical Record, asserting the factual basis of Israel's past and God's interaction with specific individuals within that history, thereby grounding the theological claims in verifiable human experience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
While 1 Chronicles 2:38 might appear as a dry historical record, it profoundly illustrates God's sovereign involvement in the minute details of human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The meticulous preservation of these lineages, even for individuals not directly in the Davidic or priestly lines, testifies to God's comprehensive care for every part of His people and His overarching plan. It reminds us that every life, no matter how seemingly obscure or distant in time, plays a vital role in God's grand narrative. This verse, therefore, quietly affirms the principle that God works through generations, fulfilling His purposes incrementally through the lives of ordinary people, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual arrival of the Messiah. It underscores that God's faithfulness extends across vast stretches of time, weaving individual lives into a continuous tapestry of His redemptive work.
Reflection and Application
1 Chronicles 2:38, though a small piece of a vast genealogy, invites us to reflect deeply on our own place within God's larger story and the legacy we are actively building. Just as Obed, Jehu, and Azariah were integral links in a divinely preserved chain, each of us is part of a grand tapestry meticulously woven by God, contributing to His unfolding redemptive plan. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of history and the individual lives of people, even those who may seem minor or forgotten to us. His plans are precise, spanning generations, and demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness over vast stretches of time. It encourages us to appreciate our own heritage—whether biological, spiritual, or cultural—and to consciously consider the legacy of faith, character, and service we are cultivating for future generations. Much like the detailed records in 1 Chronicles provided a vital link to the past and a profound hope for the future for the returning exiles, our lives, too, are part of a continuous story of God's grace and purposeful design. We are called to live in a way that honors those who came before us and faithfully impacts those who will come after.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:38, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?
Biblical genealogies are far from mere lists; they serve crucial theological and historical purposes. Their detail and repetition underscore the meticulousness of God's historical record-keeping and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen people. For ancient Israel, these lists established tribal identity, validated land claims, confirmed inheritance rights, and ensured the legitimacy of priestly and royal lines. For the post-exilic community, as addressed by the Chronicler, they were vital for reconnecting the people to their heritage and God's covenant promises, thereby reinforcing their identity and hope for the future. Ultimately, these detailed records provided the indispensable historical framework for the coming of the Messiah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding history towards His ultimate redemptive plan, as seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Chronicles 2:38, a verse from a seemingly obscure genealogy, does not directly name Christ, it finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to preserve a lineage through whom His ultimate redemptive plan would unfold. These meticulous records, including the one mentioning Obed, Jehu, and Azariah, are not just historical documents but vital threads in the expansive tapestry leading directly to Jesus Christ. They powerfully testify to God's faithfulness in maintaining a people and a specific family line—eventually the Davidic line, though this particular verse is not directly in it—through whom the Messiah would come, as promised in the protoevangelium of Genesis 3:15 and further developed throughout the Old Testament. The "begat" formula, repeated countless times across the biblical record, culminates in the ultimate "begetting" of the Son of God, not through human procreation but through divine incarnation. The genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 explicitly trace Jesus' human lineage, demonstrating how God meticulously worked through generations, including seemingly minor figures like those in 1 Chronicles 2:38, to bring forth the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Thus, every link in these ancient chains ultimately points to Christ, the fulfillment of all God's promises and the heir to all the covenants, through whom all who believe become part of a new, eternal lineage, the spiritual family of God (Galatians 3:29).