1 Chronicles 2:45

KJV

And the son of Shammai [was] Maon: and Maon [was] the father of Bethzur.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the son {H1121} of Shammai {H8060} was Maon {H4584}: and Maon {H4584} was the father {H1} of Bethzur {H1049}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Shamai was Ma'on, and Ma'on was the father of Beit-Tzur.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.

American Standard Version

And the son of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:45 is a concise yet significant genealogical entry within the extensive records of the tribe of Judah, meticulously preserved in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles. It precisely traces a specific lineage, identifying Maon as the son of Shammai and the progenitor of Bethzur, thereby linking a particular family line directly to a historically and strategically important geographical location within the inheritance of Judah. This verse, though brief, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of God's covenant people and the tangible reality of their heritage within the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the lengthy and detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah, which commence in [1 Chronicles 2:3](/1_chronicles/2-3 "1 Chronicles 2:3 - Descendants of Judah"). Specifically, it falls within the lineage of Caleb, son of Hezron (1 Chronicles 2:18-55). The Chronicler meticulously lists the descendants of Hezron, one of Judah's sons, often including the towns or regions associated with these families. This particular entry follows the mention of Shammai's brother, Rekem, and his descendants, highlighting the Chronicler's comprehensive approach to detailing the various branches of Judah's family tree. These lists serve not merely as historical records but as foundational documents establishing tribal identity, land ownership, and the legitimacy of various claims, particularly those related to the Davidic monarchy and the priesthood, which are central to the Chronicler's post-exilic agenda.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), a time when the returned exiles were seeking to re-establish their identity, reconstruct their society, and reaffirm their connection to their ancestral land and covenant heritage. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society for maintaining tribal distinctions, verifying land claims, and ensuring proper lineage for priestly service and royal succession. Bethzur, mentioned in this verse, was a strategically vital fortified city located in the Judean hills, approximately 4 miles north of Hebron. Its name, meaning "house of rock," aptly describes its natural defensive position. It is mentioned in [Joshua 15:58](/joshua/15-58 "Joshua 15:58 - Cities of Judah") as one of the cities allotted to Judah and was later fortified by King Rehoboam (cf. [2 Chronicles 11:7](/2_chronicles/11-7 "2 Chronicles 11:7 - Rehoboam Fortifies Bethzur")), underscoring its enduring military and administrative significance throughout Israelite history.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 2:45, like other genealogical entries, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, **Genealogical Continuity** is paramount, illustrating the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite society and demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving an unbroken chain of generations, particularly leading to the Davidic line. Secondly, the **Connection to Land and Heritage** is emphasized by the mention of "Bethzur," directly linking the lineage to a specific, tangible geographical location within Judah's inheritance. This reinforces the fulfillment of God's promises concerning the land of Israel and the establishment of its communities. Thirdly, the **Divine Purpose in Detail** is evident; even seemingly minor entries in these extensive genealogies reveal God's sovereign oversight and His intricate plan unfolding through the lives of individuals and families. This attention to detail reflects God's covenant faithfulness, ensuring the preservation of His people and the eventual arrival of the promised Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shammai (Hebrew, _Shammai_):** This name, likely meaning "my name is there" or "renowned," appears several times in the Old Testament. In this context, Shammai is a descendant of Caleb, son of Hezron, through his wife Ephrathah (1 Chronicles 2:19, 44). His inclusion here anchors Maon within a specific and prominent branch of the Judahite lineage, highlighting the interconnectedness of these family lines.
* **Maon (Hebrew, _Ma'on_):** The name Maon means "dwelling" or "habitation." While the text identifies Maon as the son of Shammai, the phrase "Maon [was] the father of Bethzur" suggests that Maon was either the founder of the settlement of Bethzur or the progenitor of the clan that settled there and became associated with the place. This indicates a direct, personal link between the individual and the community or place, a common feature in ancient genealogies.
* **Bethzur (Hebrew, בֵּית צוּר, _Beit Tsur_):** Literally translating to "house of rock" or "house of a strong place," this name is highly descriptive of the city's geographical and strategic nature. As a fortified city in the Judean hills, its name reflects its enduring significance as a stronghold. The mention of Bethzur here transforms a simple genealogical entry into one with geographical and historical grounding, connecting the lineage to a tangible and important part of Judah's inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the son of Shammai [was] Maon:"** This clause establishes the immediate paternal lineage, identifying Maon as the direct descendant of Shammai. In the context of the Calebite genealogies, this places Maon within a significant and well-documented branch of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the continuity and specific tracing of family lines. The "[was]" is supplied in the KJV for clarity and is implied in the Hebrew construct.
* **"and Maon [was] the father of Bethzur."** This second clause expands the significance of Maon beyond his immediate parentage. The phrase "father of Bethzur" is a common biblical idiom indicating not necessarily the biological father of a person named Bethzur, but rather the founder, progenitor, or leading figure of the community or inhabitants of the city of Bethzur. This connection highlights the intertwining of personal lineage with geographical settlement and tribal identity, demonstrating how individuals were often identified with the places they established or dominated.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:45, and indeed throughout the early chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. Genealogies serve multiple functions: they establish lineage, confirm tribal identity, validate claims to land and inheritance, and provide a framework for historical continuity. In this specific verse, the genealogy acts as a concise historical record, linking an individual (Maon) to a significant geographical location (Bethzur) through the concept of **Eponymous Ancestry** or **Founding Figure**. Maon is presented as the "father of Bethzur," implying he was either the literal founder of the settlement or the ancestral head of the clan associated with it. This device efficiently conveys both personal lineage and the establishment of a community within the tribal territory. The **Conciseness** of the entry, typical of genealogical lists, belies its profound implications for understanding the social, historical, and theological fabric of ancient Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 2:45, like all biblical genealogies, serves a profound theological purpose beyond mere historical record-keeping. It speaks to God's sovereign and faithful oversight of human history, even in what might seem like the most mundane of details. Each name, each connection, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David. These lineages demonstrate how God works through specific individuals and families across generations to bring about His redemptive plan. The preservation of these records was vital for the post-exilic community to understand their identity as God's chosen people, to re-establish their claims to the land, and to anticipate the coming of the Messiah from the tribe of Judah. The seemingly dry list of names becomes a vibrant testimony to God's faithfulness, showing that He remembers His people and their heritage, ensuring the continuity necessary for the unfolding of His ultimate salvation history.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1-32 - Adam's Lineage")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Nehemiah 7:61-64](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61-64 - Genealogical Records for Priestly Claims")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 2:45 might initially appear as a mere historical footnote, it offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. Firstly, it reminds us of God's incredible attention to detail. If God meticulously records the lineage of individuals and their connection to specific places, it underscores that no aspect of our lives, no detail of our history, is insignificant to Him. He knows our "roots" and our "place" within His grand narrative. This should encourage us to trust in His sovereign plan, even when our own lives seem ordinary or our contributions small. Secondly, the emphasis on heritage and connection to place encourages us to consider our own spiritual and familial roots. Understanding where we come from, both physically and spiritually, can provide a deeper sense of identity and purpose, anchoring us in the legacy of faith passed down through generations. Finally, the mention of Bethzur, a "house of rock," highlights the importance of community and the physical spaces where God's people live out their faith. We are called to be part of communities that are strong, resilient, and grounded in God's truth, much like Bethzur was a strategic stronghold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:45, speak to God's attention to detail in our own lives and His overarching plan for humanity?**
* **In what ways does understanding our personal or spiritual heritage contribute to our identity and sense of purpose today?**
* **How can we cultivate a sense of "belonging" and contribute to the spiritual strength and stability of our local communities, much like Bethzur was a place of strength and foundation?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive in the Bible?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one found in 1 Chronicles 2:45, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond simply listing names. For the ancient Israelites, especially in the post-exilic period when Chronicles was written, these records were vital for re-establishing tribal identity and ensuring the purity of lineage. They were essential for verifying claims to land inheritance (as seen in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")), determining eligibility for priestly service (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priestly Lineage Disputes")), and confirming royal succession, particularly for the Davidic line. Theologically, these detailed lists demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how He preserves His people and meticulously works through generations to bring about His redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). They underscore that every individual and every family plays a part in God's unfolding story.

**What is the significance of "Bethzur" being mentioned here, rather than just a name?**

Answer: The mention of "Bethzur" in 1 Chronicles 2:45 is highly significant because it grounds the genealogical lineage in a specific, tangible, and historically important geographical location within the promised land. "Bethzur" means "house of rock" or "house of a strong place," aptly describing its nature as a fortified city. It was strategically located in the Judean hills, controlling major routes, and is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament as a key city of Judah (e.g., [Joshua 15:58](/joshua/15-58 "Joshua 15:58 - Bethzur in Judah's Inheritance")). King Rehoboam fortified it (cf. [2 Chronicles 11:7](/2_chronicles/11-7 "2 Chronicles 11:7 - Rehoboam Fortifies Bethzur")), highlighting its enduring military importance. By stating that Maon was the "father of Bethzur," the text establishes a direct, ancestral link between a specific family line and a vital part of Judah's inheritance. This reinforces the reality of God's promise of land to His people and emphasizes how families and communities were intrinsically tied to their designated territories, contributing to the stability and identity of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:45 appears to be a simple genealogical record, its inclusion within the extensive Judahite genealogies points powerfully to Christ. The Chronicler's meticulous tracing of these lines, particularly within Judah, underscores the divine preservation of the lineage from which the Messiah would come. Every name, including Maon and his connection to Bethzur, serves as a foundational stone in the unfolding story that leads to Jesus. Christ is the ultimate "son" and "father" in a spiritual sense, establishing a new, unshakable "house" or "dwelling place" for God's people, far more secure than any earthly "house of rock" like Bethzur. He is the true "Rock" upon whom the church is built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock, and the Church")). Furthermore, the emphasis on land and heritage in these genealogies finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who provides a spiritual inheritance and a true "dwelling place" for all who believe, transcending physical boundaries ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Through faith in Him, believers become part of God's eternal family, the new Israel, heirs according to the promise, regardless of their earthly lineage ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse is a testament to God's meticulous plan, faithfully executed through history, to bring forth the Savior of the world.

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.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:58

Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,