1 Chronicles 2:8

KJV

And the sons of Ethan; Azariah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ethan {H387}; Azariah {H5838}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Eitan: 'Azaryah.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Ethan: Azariah.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ethan: Azariah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:8, a remarkably concise entry stating, "And the sons of Ethan; Azariah," is nestled within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles. This brief mention, detailing one of the descendants of Ethan, a son of Zerah from the tribe of Judah, serves as a testament to God's meticulous attention to every individual within His unfolding redemptive plan. Though seemingly minor, it underscores the divine preservation of lineage, crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and, most significantly, the historical foundation for the promised Messianic line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated deep within the comprehensive genealogies that initiate the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the tribe of Judah. Following a broad overview of humanity from Adam in [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam"), the narrative quickly narrows to the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 2 meticulously details the descendants of Judah, tracing various family lines through his sons, Perez and Zerah. Ethan, the father of Azariah in this verse, is explicitly identified earlier in this chapter as one of the five sons of Zerah, the son of Judah, alongside Zimri, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, as noted in [1 Chronicles 2:6](/1_chronicles/2-6 "1 Chronicles 2:6 - Sons of Zerah"). The brevity of this particular entry for Azariah stands out even within the generally terse genealogical lists, highlighting the sheer volume of names preserved and the selective focus on certain lines.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as the bedrock for tribal identity, land ownership, and the legitimacy of priestly and royal claims. In a post-exilic context, as the returned exiles sought to re-establish their national and religious identity, these records were vital for affirming continuity with their past, ensuring proper inheritance, and maintaining the purity of lineage, especially for the priesthood. The meticulous nature of these lists reflects a deep cultural value placed on ancestry and heritage, not merely for social standing but for understanding one's place within God's covenant community. Furthermore, these genealogies meticulously preserved the lineage through which God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the coming Messiah, would be fulfilled, underscoring their theological significance beyond mere historical record-keeping.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 2:8, however brief, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Meticulousness and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's careful oversight of every individual and every detail within His grand historical and redemptive plan. Even seemingly obscure figures like Azariah are remembered and recorded, signifying that no life is insignificant to God. Secondly, it highlights **Continuity and Heritage**, connecting present generations to their historical roots and to God's ongoing work throughout history. These genealogies affirm the importance of one's place within the larger community of God's people and the unbroken chain of God's faithfulness. Lastly, this verse, as part of the Judahite lineage, contributes to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Messianic Expectation**, as it helps establish the historical and genealogical foundation for the royal line of David, from whom the Messiah was prophesied to come, as seen in the subsequent chapters detailing the descendants of David, such as [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - Sons of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _Azaryah'_):** This is a theophoric name, meaning "Yahweh has helped" or "Yahweh is my helper." It is a common name throughout the Old Testament, borne by various individuals including kings, priests, and prophets (e.g., King Azariah/Uzziah of Judah in [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah King of Judah"), or the companion of Daniel in [Daniel 1:6](/daniel/1-6 "Daniel 1:6 - Daniel and His Companions")). The name itself, even in this brief genealogical entry, serves as a subtle theological statement, pointing to God's ever-present help and intervention in the lives of His people, even in the seemingly mundane act of recording family lines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ethan":** This clause directly connects to [1 Chronicles 2:6](/1_chronicles/2-6 "1 Chronicles 2:6 - Sons of Zerah"), where Ethan is listed as one of the five sons of Zerah, who was a son of Judah. This establishes the immediate familial context, indicating that Azariah is a grandson of Zerah and a great-grandson of Judah. The phrase "the sons of Ethan" implies that Ethan may have had more sons than just Azariah, but only Azariah is deemed important enough for specific mention in this particular list or perhaps was the only one whose line was traced further in this specific context.
* **"Azariah":** This is the specific name of the descendant being recorded. The extreme brevity of this entry, listing only the name without any further details about his life, achievements, or even other siblings, is characteristic of many entries in biblical genealogies. It signifies that the primary purpose here is simply to record the existence and lineage of this individual within the broader family tree of Judah, ensuring the continuity of the ancestral record. Despite the lack of detail, the mere inclusion of his name validates his existence and place within God's historical narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:8, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary structure that serves multiple theological and historical purposes. It establishes lineage, validates claims to land and office, and, most importantly, traces the covenant line through which God's promises would be fulfilled. The **Brevity** and **Conciseness** of this particular entry for Azariah, listing only his name, is also a literary characteristic. While some figures receive extensive narratives, Azariah's terse mention highlights the compiler's focus on the continuity of the line rather than individual biography. Yet, his inclusion, however brief, underscores the meticulousness of the record. Furthermore, the use of **Theophoric Naming** is significant. The name "Azariah" (meaning "Yahweh has helped") itself functions as a miniature theological statement embedded within the genealogy, subtly reminding the reader of God's active involvement and benevolent aid even in the lives of those briefly mentioned.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly simple statement of 1 Chronicles 2:8, though brief, carries profound theological weight by affirming God's meticulous oversight of history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The inclusion of every name, no matter how obscure or briefly mentioned, underscores the divine principle that every individual life holds significance within God's grand design. This verse contributes to the overarching theme of God's preservation of the righteous line, which ultimately leads to the Messiah. It reminds us that God works through generations, weaving together the lives of countless individuals to achieve His sovereign purposes, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community and the eventual arrival of the promised Deliverer.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 2:8, despite its brevity, offers a profound reminder that God's plan is meticulously detailed, encompassing every individual, even those whose lives appear to be mere footnotes in the grand narrative of history. For the modern believer, this verse serves as an affirmation of personal worth and divine remembrance. Just as Azariah's name was carefully recorded and preserved for millennia, so too is every detail of our lives known and valued by God. We are not lost in the crowd; our existence, our lineage, and our place within the unfolding story of God's kingdom are significant to Him. This understanding should inspire confidence and a deep sense of belonging within the family of God, knowing that we are part of a continuous spiritual heritage, meticulously overseen by a faithful God who never forgets His people or His promises. It calls us to trust in His sovereign hand, even when our own lives feel small or unremarkable, recognizing that our contribution, however humble, is part of His magnificent tapestry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names like Azariah challenge our perception of what is "important" in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage strengthen our faith and sense of identity today?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's attention to detail and His sovereign control over history?**
* **How does knowing that God remembers every name, even those briefly mentioned, impact your sense of personal value and purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly boring?**

Answer: While they may appear tedious to a modern reader, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles (and throughout the Bible) are far from boring in their original context and purpose. They served several crucial functions for the ancient Israelites. Firstly, they established **identity and belonging**, connecting individuals and families to their tribal heritage and to the covenant people of God. Secondly, they were vital for **land inheritance and legal claims**, ensuring that property rights were maintained according to divine law. Thirdly, they validated **legitimacy for leadership roles**, particularly for priests and kings, ensuring they belonged to the correct lineage (e.g., Levites for priesthood, Judah for kingship). Most importantly, these genealogies meticulously preserved the **Messianic line**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which the promised Savior would come. Every name, even one as brief as Azariah's in [1 Chronicles 2:8](/1_chronicles/2-8 "1 Chronicles 2:8 - Azariah Son of Ethan"), is a link in that divinely orchestrated chain, underscoring God's meticulousness and sovereign control over history.

**Is this the only Azariah in the Bible?**

Answer: No, the name Azariah (meaning "Yahweh has helped") was a very common and popular name in ancient Israel, likely due to its positive theological meaning. There are numerous individuals named Azariah mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Some notable figures include King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) of Judah in [2 Kings 15](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - Reign of Azariah/Uzziah"), a high priest in [1 Kings 4:2](/1_kings/4-2 "1 Kings 4:2 - Azariah Son of Zadok"), one of Daniel's three companions who was thrown into the fiery furnace in [Daniel 1:6](/daniel/1-6 "Daniel 1:6 - Azariah, Mishael, and Hananiah"), and several others listed in various genealogies and historical accounts. The Azariah in [1 Chronicles 2:8](/1_chronicles/2-8 "1 Chronicles 2:8 - Azariah Son of Ethan") is distinct from these, being a descendant of Ethan, a son of Zerah from the tribe of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly insignificant mention of "Azariah" in 1 Chronicles 2:8, nestled within a long list of names, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the meticulous providence of God to preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Every name in these genealogies, including Azariah's, serves as a silent testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a Seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). The chronicler's careful documentation of the Judahite line, specifically through Perez, ensures the historical and biological integrity of the royal lineage of David, from whom Jesus Christ descended. Thus, Azariah, however briefly mentioned, is a thread in the rich tapestry of God's redemptive history, a history designed to culminate in the incarnation of the Son of God. The very fact that God remembered and preserved the name of a seemingly minor figure like Azariah underscores His meticulous care for every detail leading to the fullness of time when He "sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")). Jesus, as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), is the ultimate fulfillment of these ancient genealogies, demonstrating that God's plan, meticulously laid out through generations, perfectly culminated in His Son, the one in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes 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.