1 Chronicles3

1 Chronicles 3 meticulously records the lineage of King David, beginning with his sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem. It then traces the royal line through Solomon and the kings of Judah, down to Josiah and his sons. The chapter concludes by detailing the descendants of Jeconiah, extending the Davidic genealogy several generations beyond the Babylonian exile.
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Sons of David Born in Hebron

1
Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: ​
2
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
3
The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
4
These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. ​

Sons of David Born in Jerusalem

5
And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel: ​
6
Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,
7
And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
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And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.
9
These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister. ​

The Royal Line of Judah

10
And Solomon's son was Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, ​
11
Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,
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Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
13
Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,
14
Amon his son, Josiah his son.
15
And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. ​
16
And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son. ​

The Post-Exilic Line

17
And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son, ​
18
Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.
19
And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister: ​
20
And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.
21
And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.
22
And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.
23
And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three.
24
And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven. ​

Study Notes for 1 Chronicles 3

Verse 1

This section lists David's six sons born during his initial reign in Hebron (seven years and six months). The first two, Amnon and Daniel (Chileab), and the third, Absalom, are notable figures in the historical narratives of 2 Samuel.

Verse 4

This verse summarizes David's time in Hebron, serving as a transition before listing the children born during his time as king over all Israel in Jerusalem (33 years).

Verse 5

Solomon's inclusion here is vital, as the subsequent royal genealogy follows his line. Bathshua is the Chronicler’s designation for Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah whom David took as his own (2 Sam 11).

Verse 9

The mention of 'sons of the concubines' acknowledges David’s larger family, but emphasizes that the legitimate, royal line is traced only through the named sons. Tamar is the only daughter mentioned, likely due to her significance in the tragic family history (2 Sam 13).

Verse 10

This verse transitions the genealogy from David to the continuous line of kings who ruled Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of the divine covenant promising David an enduring dynasty (2 Sam 7).

Verse 15

The four sons listed here include Jehoahaz (Shallum), Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, who were the final kings of Judah and ruled in rapid succession during the political crisis leading to the Babylonian Exile.

Verse 16

Jehoiakim's son, Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), ruled only three months before being exiled to Babylon, marking the virtual end of the independent monarchy.

Verse 17

Jeconiah was deported in 597 BC. Although Jeremiah prophesied that his line would be cut off (Jer. 22:30), the Chronicler shows the Davidic covenant surviving the exile and continuing through his son Salathiel.

Verse 19

Zerubbabel is a pivotal figure, serving as the appointed governor who led the first wave of returnees from Babylon and oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 3). His inclusion confirms the preservation of the Davidic line in the restored community.

Verse 24

This concluding list extends the genealogy several generations past Zerubbabel, demonstrating to the post-exilic community that the legitimate Davidic lineage remained intact and preserved, carrying the hope of future restoration.

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