1 Chronicles 2:38

KJV

And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Obed {H5744} begat {H3205} Jehu {H3058}, and Jehu {H3058} begat {H3205} Azariah {H5838},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Oved fathered Yehu, Yehu fathered 'Azaryah,

Berean Standard Bible

Obed was the father of Jehu, Jehu was the father of Azariah,

American Standard Version

and Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:38, "And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah," is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically tracing 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, serves to meticulously preserve the historical continuity and identity of the Israelite people, particularly for those returning from Babylonian exile. It underscores God's 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 situated within the expansive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2, which begins by tracing the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. The chapter meticulously details the various branches of Judah's family tree, emphasizing the lineage of Hezron, a prominent figure whose descendants are extensively listed. Within Hezron's line, the text branches into the descendants of Jerahmeel, his firstborn, and then Ram, from whom the Davidic line would eventually emerge. 1 Chronicles 2:38 specifically falls within the Jerahmeelite branch, detailing a succession of individuals (Obed, Jehu, Azariah) who, while not directly in the royal Davidic line, were vital to the broader tribal identity and continuity of Judah. The meticulous nature of these lists throughout [1 Chronicles](/1-chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel") serves to establish legitimacy and heritage for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as the bedrock for tribal identity, land ownership, inheritance rights, and priestly service. For the community returning from the Babylonian exile, as addressed by the Chronicler, these records were not merely historical curiosities but vital 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 "Obeds" (such as the Obed in this verse from the Jerahmeelite line, and [Obed, the grandfather of King David](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Obed, Grandfather of David"), from the Ramite line) highlights the precise nature of these records, crucial for maintaining accurate tribal distinctions and ensuring proper inheritance and social structure in a society deeply rooted in family and clan.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording in 1 Chronicles 2:38 and the surrounding genealogies contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the **Preservation of Lineage**, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in maintaining a chosen people through countless generations, even amidst exile and dispersion. This continuity was crucial for the eventual fulfillment of covenant promises. Second, it highlights **God's Faithfulness Through Generations**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people and His 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](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogies from Adam to Noah") through to the post-exilic period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Obed begat Jehu":** This clause introduces Obed as the father in this specific link of the genealogical chain. Obed, here, is a descendant of Jerahmeel, son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah. The act of "begetting" 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 an affirmation of the legitimate succession within a specific clan of Judah.
* **"and Jehu begat Azariah":** This second clause 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. Azariah, as the next in this particular sequence, represents the further extension of this family branch, contributing to the comprehensive 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.

#### 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. 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. Furthermore, the **Conciseness** of each entry, presenting only the direct paternal link, highlights the Chronicler's 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.

### 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 care for every part of His people and His plan. It reminds us that every life, no matter how seemingly obscure, plays a 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.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah") - Demonstrates the biblical precedent for detailed genealogies, establishing a historical and theological framework from the earliest times.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary") - Provides a New Testament example of a genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back to Adam, underscoring the importance of historical continuity for the Messiah.
* [Romans 11:1-2](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1-2 - God Has Not Rejected Israel") - Affirms God's faithfulness to His chosen people, Israel, a faithfulness demonstrated through the preservation of their lineage across generations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 2:38, though a small piece of a vast genealogy, invites us to reflect on our own place within God's larger story and the legacy we are building. Just as Obed, Jehu, and Azariah were integral links in a divinely preserved chain, each of us is part of a grand tapestry woven by God, contributing to His unfolding redemptive plan. This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of history and the lives of individuals, even those who may seem minor to us. His plans are precise and span generations, demonstrating His faithfulness over vast stretches of time. It encourages us to appreciate our own heritage—whether biological, spiritual, or cultural—and to 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 hope for the future for the returning exiles. Our lives, too, are part of a continuous story of God's grace and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's meticulous attention to ancient genealogies impact your understanding of His care for the details of your own life?**
* **What "legacy" are you consciously or unconsciously building for future generations, and how does it align with God's purposes?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage (your place in the family of God) provide you with a sense of identity and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:38, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: 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 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 reconnected the people to their heritage and God's covenant promises, reinforcing their identity and hope. Ultimately, these detailed records provided the historical framework for the coming of the Messiah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding history towards His ultimate redemptive plan.

### 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 tapestry leading to Jesus. They 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 [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and further developed throughout the Old Testament. The "begat" formula, repeated countless times, culminates in the ultimate "begetting" of the Son of God, not through human procreation but through divine incarnation. The genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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 family of God ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

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.