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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 2 verses 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!
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.”
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:50 continues the meticulous genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing a branch of the family of Caleb, son of Hur. This verse identifies Caleb as having Hur as "the firstborn of Ephratah" and then introduces Shobal, who is described as "the father of Kirjathjearim," thereby linking this significant family line to an important geographical and historical location within Israel. The Chronicler's precision in these records serves to establish identity, land rights, and historical continuity for the post-exilic community, underscoring God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:50, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is Genealogy. This meticulous tracing of lineage serves not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological statement, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the specific lines through which His promises would be fulfilled, culminating in the Davidic monarchy. The phrase "Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim" employs Metonymy, where "father" stands for the founder, chief, or principal figure associated with the establishment or leadership of the city, rather than strictly biological fatherhood of the city itself. This common biblical idiom highlights the significant role of individuals and their descendants in the development and identity of communities. Furthermore, the Repetition of names like Caleb and Hur within the broader genealogical lists, often with clarifying phrases (e.g., "son of Hur"), serves to distinguish individuals and ensure accuracy in the detailed family trees, reinforcing the Chronicler's commitment to precision for his post-exilic audience seeking to re-establish their identity and claims.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:50, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness in preserving specific family lines through generations, even amidst exile and dispersion. For the post-exilic community, these records were a tangible link to their past, affirming their identity as the chosen people of God and their rightful inheritance of the land and covenant promises. The Chronicler's emphasis on lineage, even down to the maternal line of Ephratah and the association with a specific city like Kirjathjearim, reveals a profound belief in God's sovereign hand guiding history and preserving His people for His grand redemptive purposes. It reminds us that every individual and family, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a part in God's overarching narrative of redemption, contributing to the tapestry of His faithfulness across time and demonstrating His commitment to His promises.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern believers do not trace their physical lineage in the same way as ancient Israel, 1 Chronicles 2:50 offers profound spiritual lessons for us today. It reminds us of our spiritual heritage as part of God's family, a heritage built upon the unwavering faithfulness of God through countless generations of saints. Just as these genealogies provided a foundation for Israel's identity and future, our understanding of God's past faithfulness, meticulously documented in His Word, builds our trust for His future promises. We are called to appreciate the "roots" of our faith—the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and countless believers who have gone before us—and to recognize our unique place within this grand narrative of redemption. This verse encourages us to live in a way that honors this spiritual legacy, contributing to the spiritual heritage for those who will follow, by faithfully living out our calling and passing on the truth of the Gospel. Our ultimate identity is found not in earthly lineage but in our adoption as sons and daughters through Christ, making us fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, heirs to an eternal inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this Caleb the same as Caleb, son of Jephunneh, the famous spy?
Answer: No, this Caleb is distinct from Caleb, son of Jephunneh, who is well-known from the book of Numbers (Numbers 13:6) for being one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan and a faithful leader during the wilderness wanderings. The Caleb mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:50 is "Caleb the son of Hur," who is part of the lineage of Hezron, a grandson of Judah. The Chronicler is careful to distinguish between different individuals with the same name, providing specific lineage details to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy in the tribal records for his audience.
Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?
Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:50, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. Firstly, they provided a vital record for establishing identity and belonging for a people returning from exile, reconnecting them to their ancestral heritage and the covenant promises. Secondly, they were essential for validating land claims and ensuring proper inheritance within the tribal territories, as land was often distributed by family line. Thirdly, these lists were critical for legitimizing claims to positions within the priesthood and confirming the lineage of the Davidic monarchy, which was central to Israel's hope for restoration and the coming Messiah. Finally, from a theological perspective, the meticulousness underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the specific lines through which His promises, including the coming Messiah, would be fulfilled.
What is the significance of Kirjathjearim in this verse?
Answer: Kirjathjearim, meaning "city of forests," was a significant Israelite city located in the territory of Judah. Its mention in 1 Chronicles 2:50 as the place "fathered" by Shobal, a descendant of Caleb son of Hur, highlights the deep historical roots of this family line within Israel's geography and sacred history. Kirjathjearim is most notable as the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for many years after its return from the Philistines, before King David brought it to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:5-6). This connection elevates the status of Shobal's lineage by linking it to a site of profound religious and national importance, demonstrating the family's contribution to Israel's historical and spiritual landscape and its connection to God's presence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:50 details an ancient lineage, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate purpose of all biblical genealogies: to trace the line leading to the Messiah. The meticulous preservation of the tribe of Judah's lineage, specifically through the house of David, culminates in Jesus Christ, who is the promised King and Savior. The Chronicler's emphasis on identity, belonging, and the continuity of God's promises through specific family lines finds its ultimate meaning in Christ, who is the true "father" of a new spiritual family, the church, encompassing all who believe, regardless of their physical heritage (Ephesians 3:14-15). Just as Kirjathjearim housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, Christ himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the true Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Our identity is no longer primarily defined by physical lineage but by our adoption into God's family through faith in Jesus, making us co-heirs with Christ and spiritual descendants of Abraham, inheriting the promises through grace (Galatians 3:29). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse points forward to the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," sealing God's faithfulness to His covenant people through Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).