1 Chronicles 2:44

KJV

And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shema {H8087} begat {H3205} Raham {H7357}, the father {H1} of Jorkoam {H3421}: and Rekem {H7552} begat {H3205} Shammai {H8060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shema fathered Racham the father of Yorke'am, and Rekem fathered Shamai.

Berean Standard Bible

Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.

American Standard Version

And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem begat Shammai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:44 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of Judah, specifically detailing the descendants of Caleb, son of Hezron. This verse meticulously names Shema as the father of Raham, who in turn fathered Jorkoam, and also records Rekem as the father of Shammai. Though seemingly a simple list of names, it serves as a critical thread in the meticulously preserved lineage of God's people, affirming the historical continuity and divine oversight of the covenant line that ultimately leads to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters dedicated almost exclusively to genealogies, a unique and foundational feature. These lists begin with Adam and systematically trace the lines through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes, and various prominent families. [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Genealogy of Judah") focuses intensely on the tribe of Judah, which is of paramount importance due to its connection to the Davidic monarchy and the Messianic promise. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah") is nestled within the lineage of Caleb, a prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, whose descendants are detailed from [1 Chronicles 2:18](/1_chronicles/2-18 "1 Chronicles 2:18 - Descendants of Caleb") through [1 Chronicles 2:55](/1_chronicles/2-55 "1 Chronicles 2:55 - Further Descendants of Caleb"). This particular verse contributes to the exhaustive record of Caleb's family, ensuring the precise documentation of ancestral lines within the larger framework of Israelite identity and inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of these genealogies in 1 Chronicles is typically dated to the post-exilic period, likely during or after the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. For the returning exiles, these records were not mere historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They served multiple critical functions: re-establishing tribal identities after the disruption of exile, validating claims to land inheritance, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and, most importantly, preserving the integrity of the Davidic line from which the promised Messiah was to come. In ancient Israelite society, lineage was foundational to one's identity, status, and rights, making these meticulous records indispensable for the re-establishment of the community. The cultural emphasis on family, heritage, and the continuity of generations is vividly reflected in the detail of these lists.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah"), along with the broader genealogies, powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Continuity and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a continuous line for His covenant people, particularly the lineage leading to the Davidic kingship and, ultimately, the Messianic line as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Secondly, these lists emphasize **Historical Accuracy and Reliability**, affirming the Bible's commitment to factual record-keeping and the tangible history of God's interaction with humanity. They ground the theological narrative in real people and real events. Thirdly, they speak to **Divine Purpose and Sovereignty**, revealing that even seemingly mundane or repetitive details serve a greater purpose in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the proper tracing of key family lines through which His promises would be fulfilled. Every name, no matter how obscure, is part of God's grand design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_), translated as "begat" or "fathered," is the foundational term in biblical genealogies. It signifies direct lineal descent, emphasizing the procreation and continuation of a family line. Its repetitive use throughout these chapters underscores the unbroken chain of generations and the meticulous nature of the record. In this context, _yalad_ is not merely a biological descriptor but a theological one, affirming the divine preservation of specific lineages crucial to God's covenant promises and redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam":** This clause establishes a direct paternal link from Shema to Raham, and then identifies Raham as the father of Jorkoam. These individuals are part of the larger family tree of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. The precise naming of these individuals, even if they are not otherwise known from biblical narratives, signifies their historical reality and their place within the divinely orchestrated lineage. It demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail in preserving the record of God's chosen people.
* **"and Rekem begat Shammai":** This second clause introduces another distinct paternal line within the broader genealogical framework, connecting Rekem to Shammai. The conjunction "and" links this separate line to the preceding one, indicating that both Shema and Rekem are part of the same extended family or tribal group being documented. The concise nature of these statements, devoid of narrative embellishment, highlights their primary function as factual records of descent, essential for establishing identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah") and throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles is **Genealogy** itself, serving as a structured literary form. This involves the systematic listing of ancestors and descendants, often marked by the repetitive use of the verb "begat." This **Repetition** ("begat") functions to emphasize the unbroken continuity of the family lines and the meticulous nature of the record. The style is characterized by extreme **Conciseness** and **Factual Reporting**, presenting information without narrative elaboration, focusing solely on the transmission of lineage. This stark, declarative style underscores the historical reliability and authoritative nature of the records, asserting the factual basis of Israel's identity and God's interaction with them. While not rich in metaphor or simile, the very form of the genealogy serves a profound theological purpose, acting as a historical backbone for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Though a simple genealogical entry, [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah") contributes to the profound theological truth of God's meticulous care and faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the promised lineage. It affirms that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's overarching plan. This verse underscores the historical reality of God's redemptive work, demonstrating that His promises are rooted in real people and real events, not myths. It speaks to the divine sovereignty that orchestrates even the seemingly mundane details of human history to achieve His ultimate purposes, ensuring the continuity of the line that would bring forth the Messiah.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Romans 9:4-5](/romans/9-4 "Israel's Privileges and Christ's Descent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values immediate impact and grand narratives, a verse like [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah") reminds us of the profound significance of the seemingly small, the hidden, and the foundational. It invites us to consider that God's work is often incremental, built generation upon generation, through individuals whose names may not resonate through history but whose existence was vital to His plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's meticulous oversight, even when we cannot discern the immediate purpose of our own lives or the lives of those around us. It fosters an appreciation for our spiritual heritage, acknowledging that our faith is not an isolated phenomenon but a continuation of a divine story passed down through countless individuals. Just as these names formed a link in a chain, so too are we called to be faithful links for future generations, contributing to the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, even seemingly obscure ones, deepen your trust in God's faithfulness and attention to detail?**
* **In what ways can you recognize and appreciate the "hidden" or "foundational" contributions of individuals in your own spiritual or family heritage?**
* **Considering your place in God's ongoing story, what legacy of faith are you intentionally building or passing on to the next generation?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so extensive and seemingly repetitive in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah"), served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Israel. They were not merely historical records but vital documents for re-establishing national and tribal identity after the Babylonian exile. They helped confirm land ownership rights, validate eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and, most importantly, preserve the integrity of the Davidic royal line. This meticulous record-keeping underscored God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises through generations, ensuring the continuity of the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, as seen in 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"). The repetition emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent and the divine oversight of this historical process.

**Do the names in 1 Chronicles 2:44 have any special theological significance?**

Answer: In the immediate context of [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah"), the primary significance of names like Shema, Raham, Jorkoam, Rekem, and Shammai lies not in their individual meanings but in their function as markers within a historical and genealogical progression. Their importance is in their place within the lineage, specifically as descendants of Caleb within the tribe of Judah. While many biblical names carry inherent meanings that can be theologically rich (e.g., "Jesus" meaning "Yahweh saves"), in these extensive lists, the cumulative effect of the names, and their contribution to the overall historical record, is more significant than the individual etymologies. They collectively affirm the historical reality and continuity of God's people and the careful preservation of the Messianic line, as prophesied in passages like [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Scepter from Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 2:44](/1_chronicles/2-44 "1 Chronicles 2:44 - Genealogy of Judah") may seem far removed from the New Testament, it represents an indispensable thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding its Christ-centered fulfillment. Every name in these meticulous genealogies, including Shema, Raham, Jorkoam, Rekem, and Shammai, serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The meticulous recording of the tribe of Judah's descendants, as detailed here, directly anticipates the promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh came ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is explicitly identified in the New Testament as a descendant of David, who was of the tribe of Judah, as affirmed in both [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke's genealogy](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse, along with the entire genealogical record, underscores the historical reality of Jesus's humanity and His rightful claim as the promised King, the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). It reminds us that God's long-term plan, meticulously unfolding through generations, culminated in the incarnation of His Son, who came "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")).

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.