1 Chronicles 3:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these were the sons {H1121} of David {H1732}, which were born {H3205} unto him in Hebron {H2275}; the firstborn {H1060} Amnon {H550}, of Ahinoam {H293} the Jezreelitess {H3159}; the second {H8145} Daniel {H1840}, of Abigail {H26} the Carmelitess {H3762}:

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the sons born to David in Hevron: the firstborn was Amnon, whose mother was Achino'am from Yizre'el; the second, Dani'el, whose mother was Avigayil from Karmel;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second was Daniel by Abigail of Carmel;

American Standard Version

Now these were the sons of David, that were born unto him in Hebron: the first-born, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:1 initiates a comprehensive genealogical record of King David's descendants, specifically listing his sons born in Hebron during the foundational period of his reign over Judah. This verse serves as a crucial anchor in the Chronicler's broader narrative, meticulously tracing the royal lineage to underscore God's covenant faithfulness and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, which ultimately points towards the promised Messiah. It highlights the early formation of David's household, linking it directly to the historical and geographical setting of his initial kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the book of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 1 and 2 provide extensive genealogies from Adam through the tribes of Israel, culminating in the lineage of Judah and the family of Jesse, David's father. Immediately preceding 1 Chronicles 3:1 are the detailed descendants of Judah, setting the stage for the focus on David's royal line. Following this verse, the chapter continues to list David's sons born in Jerusalem, his wives, and then the subsequent generations of the Davidic kings and their descendants, meticulously tracing the royal succession. This meticulous record emphasizes the Chronicler's preoccupation with legitimate lineage, particularly for the Davidic covenant and the future of the temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Hebron" is historically precise and significant. Hebron was David's first capital, where he reigned over the tribe of Judah for seven and a half years before uniting all Israel under his rule in Jerusalem (as detailed in [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "2 Samuel 5:5 - David's Reign in Hebron")). This period in Hebron was foundational for David's kingship, representing the initial establishment of his royal household and the consolidation of his power base. Polygamy, as evidenced by David having multiple wives and sons listed from different mothers, was a common, though often problematic, practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, reflecting alliances, prestige, and the desire for numerous heirs to secure a dynasty. The meticulous recording of lineage was paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving not only as a historical record but also for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and claims to leadership, especially for the royal house.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by this verse is **Genealogy and Lineage**, particularly the meticulous tracing of the royal line of David. This is not merely a historical exercise but a theological assertion, affirming the continuity of God's covenant with David (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), which promised an enduring dynasty. The verse also highlights the **Establishment of David's Kingdom**, emphasizing the foundational period in Hebron before his reign expanded to all Israel. It implicitly points to **Divine Faithfulness**, as God is seen preserving the promised lineage despite human complexities and failures. Furthermore, the detailed record, which largely corresponds with accounts in [2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron"), underscores the Chronicler's commitment to **Historical Accuracy** and the reliability of the biblical narrative concerning the royal succession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _ḥeḇrōn'_):** A significant ancient city in the Judean hills, meaning "confederacy" or "association." It was one of the oldest cities in Canaan, associated with Abraham (where Sarah was buried, [Genesis 23:2](/genesis/23-2 "Genesis 23:2 - Sarah's Death in Kiriath-Arba (Hebron)")). For David, Hebron was his first capital, where he was anointed king over Judah and reigned for seven and a half years. Its mention here anchors the birth of these sons to a specific, crucial period in David's rise to power, signifying the initial establishment of his royal family and kingdom before the move to Jerusalem.
* **Amnon (Hebrew, _’amnōn'_):** Meaning "faithful," "trustworthy," or "firm." Ironically, Amnon's life, as recorded in [2 Samuel 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon and Tamar"), tragically deviated from the positive implications of his name. His violent and sinful actions led to his murder by Absalom, highlighting the complexities and moral failures within David's own family, despite the divine promises concerning his lineage. The contrast between his name and his character serves as a subtle literary tension.
* **Daniel (Hebrew, _dānī’ēl'_):** Meaning "God is my judge." This son of David is also referred to as "Chileab" in [2 Samuel 3:3](/2_samuel/3-3 "2 Samuel 3:3 - David's Sons, including Chileab"). "Chileab" means "completion of the father" or "restraint of the father." The dual naming, while not explicitly explained, was not uncommon in ancient Israel. The name "Daniel" carries a theological weight, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and judgment, a theme that resonates throughout the Davidic narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus of the subsequent list: the male offspring of King David. The specific geographical marker "in Hebron" is vital, distinguishing these sons from those born later in Jerusalem and pinpointing the initial phase of David's royal family formation during his reign over Judah. It signals the beginning of a detailed genealogical record that is central to the Chronicler's purpose.
* **"the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;":** This identifies David's eldest son, Amnon, and his mother, Ahinoam, who hailed from Jezreel. The designation "firstborn" is significant in ancient Near Eastern culture, carrying rights of inheritance and succession, though Amnon's actions and subsequent death would disrupt this natural order. The mention of the mother's name and origin further specifies the lineage and provides historical detail.
* **"the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:":** This clause names David's second son, Daniel (also known as Chileab), and his mother, Abigail, from Carmel. Abigail is known from [1 Samuel 25](/1_samuel/25 "1 Samuel 25 - David and Abigail") as the wise woman who averted David's wrath against Nabal and subsequently became one of David's wives after Nabal's death. This detail links the genealogical record to earlier narrative accounts, reinforcing the historical authenticity of the Chronicler's work.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 3:1 is **Genealogy**, presented as a **List**. This systematic enumeration of names and familial relationships serves as a foundational building block for the Chronicler's historical and theological narrative. The precise naming of individuals, mothers, and places (like Hebron, Jezreel, Carmel) demonstrates a commitment to **Historical Accuracy** and verisimilitude, grounding the sacred history in tangible details. The structure itself, moving from the general introduction ("sons of David") to specific individuals with their mothers, follows a clear **Enumeration** pattern. While seemingly dry, the inclusion of Amnon, whose life tragically contrasts with his name's meaning, subtly introduces an element of **Irony** or **Foreshadowing** for those familiar with the broader Davidic narrative, hinting at the complexities and moral challenges within the royal family despite its divine appointment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:1, by meticulously listing David's sons, serves as a theological anchor for the enduring promise of the Davidic Covenant. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a legitimate lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogy is not merely historical record-keeping; it is a theological statement about divine providence, demonstrating how God works through human families and historical events to achieve His purposes. This verse reminds the post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was written, of their deep roots in God's covenant promises and the continuity of His work across generations, even when the present reality seemed bleak. The preservation of the royal line, despite its internal struggles and the eventual exile, points to a future hope rooted in God's unwavering commitment to His word.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might seem distant from our daily lives, 1 Chronicles 3:1 offers profound insights into God's character and His engagement with human history. It reminds us that God's plans are meticulously detailed and unfold through real people in specific times and places. Just as God faithfully preserved David's lineage, He is faithful to His promises in our lives, even when circumstances seem chaotic or our own "lineage" (our personal history, family, or circumstances) feels imperfect. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, which works through generations to bring about His ultimate purposes. It also invites us to consider our own place within God's grand narrative, recognizing that every life, every family, and every generation plays a part in His ongoing story of redemption. Our seemingly small details matter to a God who meticulously records the lineage of kings and commoners alike.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture, like 1 Chronicles 3:1, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways can understanding our "spiritual lineage"—the history of God's work in the lives of believers before us—encourage us today?**
* **What does the contrast between Amnon's name ("faithful") and his later actions teach us about human nature and the importance of character over mere designation?**
* **How does the focus on historical detail in this verse encourage us to see God at work in the specifics of our own lives and the world around us?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles focus so heavily on genealogies, especially David's sons?**

Answer: The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, emphasized genealogies for several crucial reasons. Firstly, they established the legitimate lineage for temple worship, priestly service, and tribal identity after the return from Babylon. Secondly, and most significantly for David's line, they underscored God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty. By meticulously tracing David's sons and subsequent kings, the Chronicler reassured the people that God's promises, including the future coming of a Messiah from David's line, remained secure despite the present lack of a reigning king. This focus provided hope and a sense of continuity with their divinely ordained past.

**Is the Daniel mentioned here the same as Daniel the prophet?**

Answer: No, the Daniel mentioned in [1 Chronicles 3:1](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1 - David's Son Daniel") is David's son, born centuries before Daniel the prophet. Daniel the prophet lived during the Babylonian exile, serving in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, as recorded in the [Book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "Daniel 1 - Daniel in Babylon"). While they share the same name, they are entirely distinct historical figures. It's also worth noting that David's son Daniel is called "Chileab" in [2 Samuel 3:3](/2_samuel/3-3 "2 Samuel 3:3 - David's Sons, including Chileab"), indicating a dual name, which was not uncommon in ancient times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:1, with its meticulous listing of David's sons born in Hebron, serves as a foundational stone in the grand narrative that ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's primary purpose in detailing David's lineage was to affirm God's covenant faithfulness, particularly the promise of an enduring dynasty (as found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a vital link in the genealogical chain that culminates in the birth of the Messiah. Jesus, repeatedly identified as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), fulfills the Davidic Covenant perfectly. Unlike Amnon, whose life tragically betrayed the meaning of his name, Jesus is the truly "faithful" one, the firm and trustworthy King whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom will have no end (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")). The very existence of this genealogical record in Chronicles underscores the divine providence that preserved the royal line through centuries of turmoil, ensuring that the promised "seed" would indeed come forth to establish God's 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

2 Samuel 3:2

And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

2 Samuel 3:5

And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

Joshua 15:56

And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

1 Samuel 27:3

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

2 Samuel 13:29

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

2 Samuel 13:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name [was] Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

1 Samuel 25:39

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.