1 Chronicles 2:41

KJV

And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shallum {H7967} begat {H3205} Jekamiah {H3359}, and Jekamiah {H3359} begat {H3205} Elishama {H476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalum fathered Y'kamyah and Y'kamyah fathered Elishama.

Berean Standard Bible

Shallum was the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah was the father of Elishama.

American Standard Version

and Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:41, stating "And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama," serves as a concise yet profoundly significant link within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. This verse meticulously traces a specific segment of lineage within the tribe of Judah, underscoring divine faithfulness in preserving the covenant people and meticulously preparing the historical pathway for the promised Messiah. Far from a mere enumeration of names, it contributes to the foundational narrative of Israel's identity, land claims, and the legitimacy of its leadership, reflecting God's sovereign oversight and purposeful orchestration of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with a sweeping and detailed genealogical record, extending from Adam through various pivotal figures and tribes, with a pronounced emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, alongside the tribe of Levi due to their priestly role. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, meticulously tracing the family lines that would eventually lead to the royal house. Verses such as 1 Chronicles 2:41 are not isolated but function as integral components of this larger genealogical tapestry. They serve to establish continuity, validate tribal affiliations, and secure land inheritances, providing a crucial historical framework for the post-exilic community. This verse, therefore, operates as a precise link in a long, unbroken chain, connecting generations and reinforcing the narrative flow of Judah's descendants, particularly as it moves toward the Davidic monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled and meticulously preserved primarily for the post-exilic community returning to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. This period was characterized by a profound need for identity re-establishment, land re-allocation, and the re-validation of priestly and royal successions. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage was paramount, fundamentally determining social status, inheritance rights, and even eligibility for religious and civic roles. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but living, dynamic documents that affirmed tribal membership, justified claims to ancestral lands, and authenticated the legitimacy of leadership, particularly the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures like Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama, reflects the cultural imperative to maintain clear records of descent for the continuity, order, and proper functioning of the restored community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping of family lines, exemplified by this verse, highlights **Genealogical Precision**, which was absolutely essential for Israelite identity, land inheritance, and the establishment of legitimate leadership. This precision underscores the profound importance of heritage in biblical thought and divine economy, revealing God's orderly nature. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the theme of **Historical Continuity**, emphasizing the unbroken thread of God's people through many generations, illustrating a consistent divine plan unfolding over vast stretches of time, despite periods of national upheaval and exile. This continuity is a testament to God's enduring covenant. Finally, the very preservation of these detailed records, even through the cataclysmic events of the Babylonian exile, subtly but powerfully points to **Divine Faithfulness**. It highlights God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring that His covenant promises would be maintained and that the lineage through which the Messiah would come (as seen in [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) would be preserved. This enduring faithfulness is a cornerstone of biblical theology, reminding us that God's plans transcend human circumstances, as powerfully echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Compassions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From the primitive root H3205, this verb means "to bear young" or "to beget." In genealogical contexts, it specifically denotes patrilineal descent, indicating that Shallum was the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah was the father of Elishama. The consistent use of this term across countless verses in genealogical lists underscores the biological and legal continuity of family lines, serving as the linguistic bedrock upon which the entire genealogical framework of Israel is built for purposes of inheritance, tribal identity, and ultimately, the Messianic promise.
* **Jekamiah (Hebrew, _Yᵉqamyâh'_):** From H3359, this name means "Jah will rise" or "Yahweh establishes." As a name given to two Israelites, its inclusion here is not merely a label but carries inherent theological weight, subtly hinting at God's active involvement in raising up and establishing generations, even those seemingly minor in the grand narrative. This meaning resonates with the broader theme of God's faithfulness in preserving and advancing His chosen lineage.
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ'_):** From H476, this name means "God of hearing." As the name of seven Israelites, its presence in this lineage suggests a recognition of God's attentiveness and responsiveness. In the context of a genealogy, it might subtly allude to God's hearing of the prayers and needs of His people, or His attentive oversight of the unfolding of His redemptive plan through these specific family lines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shallum begat Jekamiah":** This clause establishes the first generational link, identifying Shallum as the father of Jekamiah. Shallum, whose name (H7967) means "recompense" or "retribution," is a figure whose primary significance is defined by his role in this specific lineage. His existence and fatherhood are meticulously recorded as part of the continuous chain of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the unbroken succession of generations within God's chosen people, ensuring the preservation of the covenant line.
* **"and Jekamiah begat Elishama":** This second clause continues the lineage, indicating that Jekamiah, whose name (H3359) means "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes," was the father of Elishama. Elishama, meaning "God has heard" (H476), represents the next link in this particular branch of Judah's descendants. The repetition of the "begat" construction highlights the direct, successive nature of these relationships, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping that characterizes the Chronicler's work and its profound importance for the historical, legal, and theological purposes of the book, particularly in demonstrating God's sovereign hand in history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:41, and indeed throughout the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves multiple, crucial purposes: it establishes historical continuity, validates claims to land and status for the returning exiles, and provides a foundational framework for understanding the unfolding of God's covenant promises. The repetitive structure, particularly the consistent use of "begat," functions as a form of **Repetition**, which powerfully reinforces the direct line of descent and the meticulous, unbroken nature of the record. While seemingly dry, this repetition creates a rhythmic cadence that emphasizes the enduring chain of generations. The very act of recording these names, even obscure ones, also subtly employs **Symbolism**, where each name represents a vital thread in the larger tapestry of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, ensuring the preservation of the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 Chronicles 2:41 appears to be a simple record of names, its theological significance is profound and far-reaching. It speaks powerfully to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over history, ensuring the preservation of specific family lines for His overarching redemptive purposes. The inclusion of such seemingly obscure individuals underscores that every person, even those briefly mentioned, has a place within God's grand narrative and contributes to His unfolding plan. This verse, like all biblical genealogies, serves as an undeniable testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David, by meticulously preserving the lineage through which His ultimate plan of salvation would unfold. It profoundly reminds us that God works through generations, patiently and purposefully bringing His divine purposes to fruition over vast spans of time.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Promise of Nationhood") - God's foundational promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, from whom all families of the earth would be blessed, is the bedrock upon which the importance of these meticulous genealogies rests.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and Enduring Dynasty") - The promise of an enduring dynasty to David highlights the absolute necessity of meticulously tracing his lineage, of which Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama are integral, albeit minor, components.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Traced to Adam") - This New Testament genealogy, tracing Jesus's lineage back to Adam, powerfully demonstrates the ultimate purpose and divine fulfillment of the Old Testament genealogical records.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world that often prioritizes immediate gratification, fleeting trends, and individualistic pursuits, 1 Chronicles 2:41 serves as a profound and counter-cultural reminder of the enduring nature of God's plans and His patient, purposeful work through successive generations. It powerfully encourages us to consider our own place within the larger, unfolding story of God's people, recognizing that our lives, though seemingly small or insignificant in isolation, contribute meaningfully to His grand, eternal design. This verse invites us to deeply appreciate the rich spiritual heritage passed down through the ages, acknowledging the faithfulness of those who have gone before us and the invaluable legacy they have left. It challenges us to live in a way that honors this heritage, contributing intentionally and faithfully to the spiritual well-being and flourishing of future generations, just as Shallum, Jekamiah, and Elishama played their part in the unfolding of God's historical and redemptive narrative. Ultimately, it fosters a deeper, more abiding trust in God's absolute sovereignty, knowing with certainty that He meticulously oversees even the most minute details of human history to accomplish His glorious redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:41, shape your understanding of God's character and His profound involvement in human history?**
* **In what specific ways can recognizing your own spiritual heritage (or perhaps the lack thereof) motivate you to live more faithfully and intentionally for the benefit of future generations?**
* **How might a seemingly "insignificant" detail or action in your own life contribute to a larger, divine purpose that you cannot yet fully perceive or comprehend?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:41, so prevalent and detailed in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These genealogies are far from mere historical curiosities; they served crucial theological, social, and legal purposes for the ancient Israelite community, particularly for those returning from the Babylonian exile. The detailed record-keeping in books like 1 Chronicles was essential for re-establishing tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral land inheritances, and confirming the legitimacy of priestly and royal successions. For the post-exilic community, knowing one's lineage was foundational to rebuilding society and ensuring adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding land distribution and leadership roles. Theologically, these genealogies underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the specific lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, thereby demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His unyielding commitment to His promises. The meticulous nature of these records also bolsters the historical reliability and divine inspiration of the biblical narrative, providing a verifiable framework for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, such as [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:41, with its simple record of "Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama," might seem distant from the New Testament narrative, it finds its ultimate significance and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire meticulous genealogical project of 1 Chronicles, particularly its pronounced focus on the tribe of Judah and the Davidic line, serves as a foundational testament to the historical and biological preparation for the Messiah's advent. These seemingly dry lists of names are the very threads in the intricate tapestry of human history that God sovereignly wove to ensure the precise arrival of His Son. Jesus's claims to Messiahship were deeply rooted in His verifiable lineage, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - The Blessing of Abraham")) and to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2-samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The genealogies presented in the Gospels, such as [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus from Abraham") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus from Adam"), directly and unequivocally connect Jesus to these Old Testament lineages, validating His identity as the promised Son of David and the eternal Son of God. Thus, every "begat" in 1 Chronicles, including this specific verse, points forward to the ultimate "begotten" Son, Jesus Christ, through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity is finally and perfectly realized, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.