1 Chronicles 2:54

KJV

The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Salma {H8007}; Bethlehem {H1035}, and the Netophathites {H5200}, Ataroth {H5852}, the house of Joab {H5854}, and half {H2677} of the Manahethites {H2680}, the Zorites {H6882}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Salma: Beit-Lechem, the N'tofati, 'Atrot-Beit-Yo'av, half of the Manachati, the Tzor'i,

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Salma:

American Standard Version

The sons of Salma: Beth-lehem, and the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:54 continues the meticulous genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the descendants of Salma, a son of Caleb. Unlike earlier verses listing individuals, this verse enumerates various towns, clans, and communal entities—such as Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, half of the Manahethites, and the Zorites—as if they were Salma's "sons." This highlights the Chronicler's interest not just in individual lineage but in the establishment and identity of the communities and geographical regions that comprised the tribal inheritance of Judah, laying the groundwork for the Davidic monarchy and the future of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogies of Judah, which span from [1 Chronicles 2:3](/1_chronicles/2-3 "1 Chronicles 2:3 - Genealogy of Judah") through [1 Chronicles 4:23](/1_chronicles/4-23 "1 Chronicles 4:23 - Further Genealogies of Judah"). The Chronicler’s primary purpose in beginning the book with such detailed lists was to establish the identity, heritage, and legitimate claims of the post-exilic community returning to Judah. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 2:18](/1_chronicles/2-18 "1 Chronicles 2:18 - Caleb's Descendants") introduces Caleb, a prominent figure whose descendants are meticulously traced. Verse 54 continues this lineage through Salma, one of Caleb's sons, but shifts from naming individuals to identifying communities and places. This transition underscores that the genealogies were not merely about personal ancestry but about the formation and structure of the tribal landscape, indicating settlement patterns and the establishment of key Judahite localities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the returning exiles in the post-Babylonian period, genealogies were far from dry lists; they were vital documents. They served as legal records, confirming land ownership, tribal affiliation, and the right to participate in the restored community and temple worship. The mention of towns like Bethlehem and groups like the Netophathites signifies the re-establishment of the Judahite presence in their ancestral lands. The "house of Joab" refers to a powerful and influential family, likely descended from Joab, King David's formidable general, indicating their deep and ancient roots within this lineage. The meticulous preservation of such records reflects a cultural emphasis on continuity, heritage, and the divine promises tied to the land and the people.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma") contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it emphasizes **the importance of lineage and identity**, demonstrating how God preserved the tribal structures and familial ties through generations, even through periods of exile. Second, the naming of specific towns and clans highlights **geographical and communal connections**, showing the tangible establishment of God's people within the promised land. The inclusion of [Bethlehem](/ruth/4-11 "Ruth 4:11 - Bethlehem Mentioned in Ruth") is particularly significant, as it was the hometown of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Origins in Bethlehem")) and, prophetically, the birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem as Messiah's Birthplace")). This meticulous record also underscores **God's faithfulness in preservation**, illustrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a perpetual dynasty through Judah, which would ultimately lead to the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, _Bêṯ Leḥem'_):** Meaning "house of bread" or "house of food," Bethlehem is listed here as a "son" of Salma, indicating that it was either founded by or heavily populated by Salma's descendants, effectively becoming a familial or clan entity. Its inclusion underscores its ancient and integral connection to the tribe of Judah, predating its fame as David's birthplace.
* **Netophathites (Hebrew, _Nṭōp̄āṯîm'_):** This term refers to the inhabitants of Netophah, a town located near Bethlehem. The listing of "Netophathites" rather than an individual name signifies that the genealogy here is tracking established communities or clans that originated from Salma's lineage, demonstrating the expansion and settlement of his descendants into distinct geographical and social units.
* **Manahethites (Hebrew, _Mānaḥtî'_):** Referring to the people of Manaheth, this collective noun, like Netophathites, indicates a community or clan. The phrase "half of the Manahethites" suggests a division or a shared lineage with another group, highlighting the complex interrelationships and subdivisions within the larger tribal structure of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Salma; Bethlehem":** This phrase introduces the descendants of Salma, a son of Caleb. The immediate listing of "Bethlehem" as a "son" is a prime example of **metonymy**, where the name of a place stands for the people or clan associated with it. It indicates that Bethlehem was a significant settlement or clan group that traced its origins back to Salma.
* **"and the Netophathites":** This refers to the inhabitants of Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. The use of a collective noun ("the Netophathites") rather than an individual name further emphasizes that the genealogy is tracking established communities and their geographical affiliations, indicating the spread and settlement of Salma's lineage.
* **"Ataroth, the house of Joab":** "Ataroth" is likely a place or clan name. "The house of Joab" signifies a powerful and prominent family or clan, likely descended from Joab, King David's renowned general. This inclusion highlights the deep roots of influential families within these ancient Judahite lineages.
* **"and half of the Manahethites":** This phrase refers to a portion of the inhabitants or clan of Manaheth. The specification of "half" suggests a division of territory, a shared ancestral claim, or a particular segment of the Manahethite population linked to Salma's line, illustrating the intricate details of tribal and clan organization.
* **"the Zorites":** This refers to the inhabitants of Zorah, another town in Judah. Like the Netophathites and Manahethites, the Zorites represent a community or clan that traced its heritage through Salma, further detailing the geographical dispersion and communal identity of his descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma") is **Metonymy**, where a place name (like Bethlehem) or a collective noun for inhabitants (like Netophathites) stands in for the people or clan associated with that location or group. This reflects the ancient practice of identifying individuals and families by their geographical origins or the communities they founded. The entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a **Genealogy**, a literary form crucial for establishing lineage, tribal identity, land rights, and the historical continuity of God's covenant people. The meticulous nature of these lists, even when seemingly dry, underscores the Chronicler's purpose in demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the chosen line through which His promises would be fulfilled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma"), though a seemingly obscure genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign care for His covenant people. It demonstrates that God's plan unfolds not just through prominent individuals but through the establishment and preservation of entire communities and geographical locations. The Chronicler's painstaking detail in recording these lineages and their associated settlements underscores the divine commitment to maintaining the identity and inheritance of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy would arise. This seemingly dry list is, in fact, a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for His redemptive purposes, ensuring the continuity of the chosen line and the places integral to His unfolding narrative.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")
* [Ruth 4:11-12](/ruth/4-11 "Blessing on Boaz and Ruth in Bethlehem")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names and places might initially seem distant from modern experience, [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma") offers profound insights into God's character and His engagement with human history. It reminds us that our identity is not merely individual but often deeply intertwined with our heritage—familial, cultural, and spiritual. God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving these ancient lineages reflects His sovereign care for every person and every community, demonstrating that even the seemingly mundane aspects of life are part of His grand, unfolding narrative. This verse encourages us to consider how our own roots and the places we inhabit contribute to our story and, more importantly, to God's larger story of redemption. It fosters an appreciation for the long arc of God's faithfulness, assuring us that His purposes will always be fulfilled, often through the most unexpected or overlooked channels.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our own heritage (familial, cultural, spiritual) contribute to our sense of identity and purpose in God's larger story?**
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in these genealogies reveal about His character and His involvement in human history, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances?**
* **In what ways can we recognize God's faithfulness in seemingly ordinary or overlooked aspects of our lives, just as He worked through these ancient lineages and places like Bethlehem?**

### FAQ

**Why does the text list towns and groups as "sons" of Salma?**

Answer: In ancient Hebrew genealogical practices, the term "sons of" (Hebrew: _b'nei_) was not exclusively limited to direct biological offspring. It could also refer to descendants, clans, inhabitants of a particular place, or even the founders of a community. So, when [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma") lists "Bethlehem" or "the Netophathites" as "sons of Salma," it signifies that these towns or groups were either founded by Salma's descendants, or their primary inhabitants traced their lineage back to him. This method of recording genealogies served to establish communal identity, land rights, and the historical connections of various settlements within the broader tribal structure of Judah. It highlights a focus on the collective "house" or "family" as a foundational unit, encompassing both individuals and the communities they formed.

**What is the significance of Bethlehem being mentioned here?**

Answer: The inclusion of Bethlehem in this ancient genealogy is profoundly significant, establishing its deep roots within the tribe of Judah long before it gained prominence. Bethlehem was the hometown of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Origins in Bethlehem")), and its mention here underscores its ancient connection to the lineage that would produce Israel's greatest king. More importantly, it foreshadows Bethlehem's pivotal role in God's redemptive plan as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem as Messiah's Birthplace"), where it is declared the birthplace of the Messiah. Its presence in this detailed tribal record confirms its status as a divinely chosen location, integral to the unfolding of God's promises and the eventual coming of the Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma"), seemingly a dry list of names and places, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The Chronicler's painstaking preservation of the Judahite lineage, particularly through Salma's descendants and the inclusion of Bethlehem, serves as a vital thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan. These ancient records establish the historical and genealogical credentials of the Messiah. Jesus, as recorded in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), is explicitly identified as a descendant of Judah and David. Furthermore, the prophecy of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem as Messiah's Birthplace") explicitly states that the Ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem, the very town rooted in Salma's lineage here. Thus, [1 Chronicles 2:54](/1_chronicles/2-54 "1 Chronicles 2:54 - Descendants of Salma") is not just about historical record-keeping; it is a testament to God's sovereign faithfulness in meticulously preparing the way, through specific people and places, for the arrival of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who would be born in the "house of bread" ([Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4 "Luke 2:4-7 - The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem")) and fulfill all the promises made to Judah and David, establishing His eternal kingdom.

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

Nehemiah 7:26

The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

Ezra 2:22

The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

Nehemiah 12:28

And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;

2 Samuel 23:29

Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

1 Chronicles 11:30

Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,