1 Chronicles 2:52

KJV

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, [and] half of the Manahethites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shobal {H7732} the father {H1} of Kirjathjearim {H7157} had sons {H1121}; Haroeh {H7204}, and half {H2677} of the Manahethites {H2679}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shoval the father of Kiryat-Ye'arim had sons: HaRo'eh and half of the [inhabitants of] M'nuchot.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim:

American Standard Version

And Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:52 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of Judah, specifically detailing the descendants of Shobal, a figure linked to the prominent city of Kirjathjearim. This verse, like others in the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, serves to meticulously trace the lineage of the post-exilic community, affirming their heritage, tribal identity, and connection to God's enduring covenant promises, all while subtly pointing towards the eventual emergence of the Davidic line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the lengthy genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which primarily focus on the tribe of Judah (chapters 2-4) due to its significance as the royal tribe from which David and the Messiah would descend. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2:52 falls within the detailed account of Caleb, son of Hezron, a prominent figure in Judah's lineage. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 2:50-51) introduce Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, and his son Shobal, establishing the immediate familial link. The subsequent verses continue to list other families and clans associated with Judah, demonstrating the chronicler's meticulous effort to reconstruct and affirm the tribal structure and land allocations for the returned exiles. This careful enumeration underscores the continuity of God's people despite the disruption of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish the identity and legitimacy of the Jewish community returning to Judah. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital legal and social documents that authenticated claims to land, tribal membership, priestly duties, and royal succession. The mention of Kirjathjearim is culturally significant as it was a well-known city in Judah, famous for housing the Ark of the Covenant for many years before David brought it to Jerusalem (as seen in [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim")). Identifying Shobal as "the father of Kirjathjearim" suggests a prominent role for his descendants in the city's founding or development, reflecting the Israelite practice of naming individuals after their associated places or vice versa, indicating a deep connection to the land and its heritage.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogies, including 1 Chronicles 2:52, serve several key thematic purposes. Firstly, they emphasize the **continuity of God's covenant people**, demonstrating that despite exile and displacement, the lineage of Israel, particularly Judah, remained intact, assuring the post-exilic community of their divine heritage. Secondly, these lists highlight **God's faithfulness to His promises**, particularly the covenant with Abraham regarding a numerous offspring and the promise of a perpetual dynasty through David. The detailed record-keeping underscores divine precision in preserving the line leading to the Messiah, as foreshadowed in passages like [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah"). Thirdly, the genealogies establish **community identity and belonging**, providing a framework for the returned exiles to understand their place within the re-established nation, their land rights, and their roles within the tribal and religious structures, as seen in the broader organizational efforts described in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of the Returned Exiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shobal (Hebrew, _Shoval_):** A personal name, identified here as a son of Hur and a descendant of Judah. In this context, Shobal is presented as a foundational figure, specifically linked to the establishment or leadership of Kirjathjearim through the title "father of Kirjathjearim." This designation signifies not merely biological paternity but a significant role in the city's development, perhaps as a founder, a prominent leader, or the progenitor of its leading families.
* **Kirjathjearim (Hebrew, קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, _Qiryat Ye'arim_):** Meaning "city of forests" or "city of woods," this was a significant Gibeonite city located on the border between Judah and Benjamin. Its mention here grounds the genealogy in a specific, recognizable geographical and historical context. The city held importance not only for its strategic location but also for its historical role as a temporary resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its established presence and relevance within Israelite history long before the Chronicler's time.
* **Manahethites (Hebrew, הַמְּנֻחוֹת, _ha-Menuchot_):** This term refers to a specific clan or sub-group. The root _nuach_ (נוּחַ) often relates to "rest" or "settling," possibly indicating a settled or established group. The phrase "half of the Manahethites" (חֲצִי הַמְּנֻחוֹת) suggests a division within this clan, implying a detailed knowledge of internal tribal organization and distribution of families. This level of detail was crucial for the Chronicler's audience, who needed to understand their precise lineage and associated land claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons;":** This clause introduces Shobal, a descendant of Judah, and immediately connects him to the city of Kirjathjearim. The phrase "father of Kirjathjearim" is a titular designation, signifying that Shobal, or his lineage, played a foundational or leading role in the settlement, development, or governance of the city. It establishes his prominence and the geographical sphere of influence for his descendants, emphasizing the deep connection between family lines and specific territories in ancient Israel.
* **"Haroeh, [and] half of the Manahethites.":** This part lists Shobal's descendants. "Haroeh" is a specific individual, whose name means "the seer" or "the beholder," possibly indicating a prophetic or insightful role, or simply a descriptive personal name. The inclusion of "half of the Manahethites" indicates a division within a larger clan known as the Manahethites. This precision highlights the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, reflecting the importance of identifying distinct family units and their respective portions or responsibilities within the larger tribal structure, which was crucial for land allocation and social organization in post-exilic Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:52, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of family lines serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people and the preservation of the lineage leading to the Messiah. The phrase "father of Kirjathjearim" employs a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "father" represents not just biological paternity but a foundational or leading role in the city's establishment or population. This device efficiently conveys significant historical and social information within a concise genealogical format. Furthermore, the mention of "half of the Manahethites" implies a **Merism** or a partial representation, suggesting a larger whole that is known and understood by the original audience, reinforcing the detailed and comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's historical and social record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:52, though seemingly a dry list of names, contributes significantly to the overarching theological narrative of the Chronicler. It underscores God's meticulous and sovereign oversight of history, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His chosen people, even through periods of exile and disruption. The precise detailing of families and their connections to specific places like Kirjathjearim reinforces the concept of a divinely ordained heritage and the continuity of God's covenant promises to Israel. This attention to detail assures the post-exilic community of their legitimate place within the covenant and their connection to the rich history of God's redemptive work, all leading to the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Importance of Genealogies for Returnees")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of 1 Chronicles 2:52 offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the minute details of history and individual lives, meticulously working out His grand redemptive plan through generations. Just as the genealogies provided a sense of identity and belonging for the post-exilic community, affirming their place in God's story, so too do we find our identity and purpose within the larger narrative of God's kingdom. We are not isolated individuals but part of a continuous spiritual heritage, connected to a vast "cloud of witnesses" (as mentioned in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Cloud of Witnesses")). This encourages us to value our spiritual lineage, appreciate the faithfulness of those who came before us, and recognize that our lives, however seemingly small, contribute to God's unfolding purposes. It calls us to live with intentionality, understanding that our actions today have implications for future generations, and to trust in God's sovereign hand over all of history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to genealogical details in Scripture speak to His care for individual lives and His overarching plan?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual heritage (the faith passed down through generations) impact your identity and sense of belonging in God's family?**
* **How can we, like the Chronicler's audience, find assurance and purpose in God's faithfulness, even amidst life's disruptions and uncertainties?**

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

Answer: The detailed and often repetitive genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 2:52, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they were vital for **re-establishing identity and legitimacy** after the Babylonian exile. They confirmed tribal affiliations, land rights, and the right to serve in priestly or royal capacities. Secondly, they demonstrated **God's faithfulness** in preserving His covenant people and the promised lineage, particularly the Davidic line, despite the national catastrophe of exile. Thirdly, they provided a **sense of continuity and belonging**, connecting the returned exiles to their rich historical and spiritual heritage, reminding them that they were part of God's ongoing redemptive plan. This meticulous record-keeping underscored the divine precision in fulfilling promises, ultimately pointing to the coming Messiah, whose lineage would be meticulously traced (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 2:52 appears as a simple genealogical entry, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. The Chronicler's emphasis on Judah's genealogy, particularly through Caleb and his descendants like Shobal, underscores God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history to bring about His redemptive plan. Every name listed, every family connected to a specific place, served as a divine thread in the tapestry leading to Jesus. The very existence of such precise records in the Old Testament provides irrefutable evidence for the New Testament's claim that Jesus is indeed the promised Son of David, the heir to the throne of Israel, and the fulfillment of all God's covenants. His genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus") directly connect Him to these ancient lines, validating His identity as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the ultimate King of kings, establishing a new covenant through His blood (as seen in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Thus, even a seemingly obscure verse like 1 Chronicles 2:52 quietly testifies to the divine precision and faithfulness that culminated in the incarnation of 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 4:2

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These [are] the families of the Zorathites.