1 Chronicles 2:50

KJV

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,

KJV (with Strong's)

These were the sons {H1121} of Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Hur {H2354}, the firstborn {H1060} of Ephratah {H672}; Shobal {H7732} the father {H1} of Kirjathjearim {H7157},

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the descendants of Kalev. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Efratah: Shoval the father of Kiryat-Ye'arim,

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah:

American Standard Version

These were the sons of Caleb, the son of Hur, the first-born of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,

Commentary

### 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 "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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which form the foundational historical and tribal background for the entire book. Following the universal genealogies from Adam to Abraham, the Chronicler narrows the focus to Israel, with a particular emphasis on the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2-4. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2 details the descendants of Judah through his son Hezron, and then through Hezron's son Caleb (distinct from Caleb son of Jephunneh). Verse 50 continues the lineage of Hur, one of Hezron's grandsons through Caleb, providing specific details about Hur's mother and one of his prominent descendants, Shobal. These lists are not mere dry records but serve as a theological statement about God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and the line through which His promises would be fulfilled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for a post-exilic Jewish community returning to Judah, facing challenges of identity, land claims, and the re-establishment of their national and religious life. In this context, detailed genealogies were paramount. They provided a verifiable link to their ancestral land, affirmed their tribal identity, and legitimized claims to positions within the priesthood and the Davidic monarchy. The mention of "Kirjathjearim" is particularly significant, as it was a well-known Israelite city with a notable history, having served as the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant for many years before King David brought it to Jerusalem, as recounted in [1 Samuel 7:1](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim") and [1 Chronicles 13:5-6](/1_chronicles/13-5 "1 Chronicles 13:5-6 - David Brings the Ark from Kirjathjearim"). This connection rooted the family line of Shobal deeply within Israel's sacred history and geography.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of generations in this verse and throughout the genealogies underscores **genealogical precision**, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the continuity of God's covenant promises through specific family lines. This precision directly contributes to the theme of **identity and belonging** for the returning exiles, reaffirming their connection to their ancestral land and the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Knowing one's lineage was crucial for understanding one's place within the community of Israel and their shared history. Furthermore, the verse highlights **historical connections** by linking a specific family line to a significant Israelite city, Kirjathjearim. This demonstrates the deep historical roots of these families within the broader narrative of Israel's past, particularly in relation to the Ark of the Covenant, which is a central theme of God's presence among His people, as seen in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - David and the Ark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Caleb (Hebrew, _Kālēḇ_):** In this context, "Caleb the son of Hur" is distinct from the more famous Caleb, son of Jephunneh, who was one of the twelve spies and a prominent figure in the conquest of Canaan ([Numbers 13:6](/numbers/13-6 "Numbers 13:6 - Caleb, Son of Jephunneh")). This Caleb is part of the lineage of Hezron, Judah's grandson, through his son Hur. The Chronicler's careful distinction highlights the complexity and precision of the tribal records, ensuring that the correct lineage is established for the post-exilic community.
* **Ephratah (Hebrew, אֶפְרָתָה, _'Ephrathah'_):** Here, "Ephratah" refers to the mother of Hur, making her Caleb's wife and Hur's mother. This is a crucial distinction from the more common geographical reference to Ephrathah as the ancient name for Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem Ephratah")) or the place where Rachel was buried ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Genesis 35:19 - Rachel's Burial near Ephrath")). In this genealogical context, it specifies the maternal line of Hur, further clarifying the intricate family tree of Judah and the specific branch from which Caleb's sons descended.
* **Kirjathjearim (Hebrew, קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, _Qiryaṯ Yəʿārîm_):** Meaning "city of forests," Kirjathjearim was a significant Gibeonite city that became part of Judah's territory. Its mention here as the place "fathered" by Shobal indicates that Shobal was either its founder, chief, or the head of the family line that settled and controlled it. The city gained prominence as the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant for many years after its return from the Philistines ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim")). This connection elevates the status of Shobal's lineage by linking it to a site of profound religious and historical importance in Israel's narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur,"**: This clause introduces the specific branch of Caleb's descendants that are about to be enumerated. It immediately clarifies which Caleb is being discussed, distinguishing him from other prominent figures with the same name, and situates him within the lineage of Hur, who himself is a significant figure in the earlier parts of this chapter ([1 Chronicles 2:19-20](/1_chronicles/2-19 "1 Chronicles 2:19-20 - Caleb and Ephrathah")).
* **"the firstborn of Ephratah;"**: This parenthetical phrase provides crucial information about Hur's maternal lineage. By identifying Hur as the "firstborn of Ephratah," the text specifies Caleb's wife and the mother of Hur, further solidifying the family tree and ensuring the precise tracing of this particular line of Judah. It highlights the importance of both paternal and maternal lines in establishing identity within the tribal structure.
* **"Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,"**: This final clause identifies one of Caleb's sons, Shobal, and associates him with the founding or leadership of the city of Kirjathjearim. The phrase "father of" in this context signifies not just biological fatherhood but also a role as a progenitor, founder, or principal leader of a settlement or clan. This connection links the family line directly to a specific geographical location that held historical and spiritual significance for Israel, demonstrating the family's deep roots and contribution to the national landscape.

#### 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 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 in the development of communities. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of names like Caleb and Hur within the broader genealogical lists, often with clarifying phrases, serves to distinguish individuals and ensure accuracy in the detailed family trees, reinforcing the Chronicler's commitment to precision for his audience.

### 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 faithfulness in preserving specific family lines through generations. 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 purposes. It reminds us that every individual and family, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a part in God's grand narrative of redemption, contributing to the tapestry of His faithfulness across time.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of Noah")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### 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. 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. Just as these genealogies provided a foundation for Israel's identity and future, our understanding of God's past faithfulness, 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 saints who have gone before us—and to recognize our 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 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ strengthen our identity and sense of belonging within the global church?**
* **In what ways can we honor the "roots" of our faith and contribute to the spiritual legacy for future generations?**
* **What does the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in genealogies teach us about God's care for individuals and families within His grand narrative?**

### 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](/numbers/13-6 "Numbers 13:6 - Caleb, Son of Jephunneh")) 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](/1_chronicles/2-50 "1 Chronicles 2:50 - Caleb Son of Hur") 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.

**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including [1 Chronicles 2:50](/1_chronicles/2-50 "1 Chronicles 2:50 - Caleb Son of Hur"), 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. Secondly, they were essential for validating **land claims** and ensuring proper inheritance within the tribal territories. 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. 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](/1_chronicles/2-50 "1 Chronicles 2:50 - Caleb Son of Hur") 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_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim"); [1 Chronicles 13:5-6](/1_chronicles/13-5 "1 Chronicles 13:5-6 - David Brings the Ark from Kirjathjearim")). 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.

### 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. 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 ([Ephesians 3:14-15](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14-15 - God's Family")). Just as Kirjathjearim housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, Christ himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the true Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). 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 ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse points forward to the one in 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 in Christ")).

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.