1 Chronicles 3:10

KJV

¶ And Solomon's son [was] Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon's {H8010} son {H1121} was Rehoboam {H7346}, Abia {H29} his son {H1121}, Asa {H609} his son {H1121}, Jehoshaphat {H3092} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo's son was Rechav'am, his son Aviyah, his son Asa, his son Y'hoshafat,

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon’s son was Rehoboam:

American Standard Version

And Solomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:10 is a pivotal verse within the extensive genealogies of the book of Chronicles, specifically detailing the royal lineage of Judah. It meticulously continues the direct line of succession from King Solomon, listing four of his immediate descendants who reigned after him: Rehoboam, Abia (also known as Abijah), Asa, and Jehoshaphat. This concise entry serves to underscore the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the enduring promise of an unbroken dynasty, providing essential historical and theological grounding for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are predominantly dedicated to comprehensive genealogies, tracing the tribal lines from Adam through the patriarchs and into the post-exilic period. Chapter 3 specifically focuses on the descendants of King David, meticulously detailing the royal lineage through Solomon. This meticulous record served a crucial purpose for the returned exiles: it established legitimate claims to land and priestly roles, but most importantly, it underscored the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the promise of an enduring dynasty, as first articulated in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The listing of these kings, whose reigns are more fully detailed in the books of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israel's Kings") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah"), validates the historical flow of God's redemptive plan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around 450-400 BC, for the community that had returned from Babylonian captivity. For these exiles, identity, heritage, and the re-establishment of their national and religious life were paramount. Genealogies were not merely dry lists; they were vital documents that affirmed tribal identity, validated claims to ancestral lands, confirmed priestly legitimacy, and, crucially, demonstrated the unbroken line of the Davidic monarchy. In a society where lineage determined status and rights, this record reassured the people that God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of an eternal Davidic throne, remained active and true, providing hope for future restoration and the coming of the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogical record, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Succession and Legitimacy**, clearly delineating the unbroken line of kings from Solomon, thereby reinforcing the divine mandate and legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty in Judah. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Faithfulness** to His covenant promises. Despite the spiritual failings and political turmoil that characterized the reigns of some of these kings (e.g., [Rehoboam's division of the kingdom](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")), and the eventual exile, God remained steadfast to His promise to David, ensuring a continuous royal line. Thirdly, these genealogies provide the **Historical Foundation** for understanding the subsequent narratives about the kings of Judah and their reigns, serving as a skeletal framework upon which the flesh of historical events and theological lessons is built. They connect the present community back to their glorious past and forward to their promised future, rooted in the covenant with David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abia (Hebrew, _'Ăbîyāh'_):** This name, meaning "my father is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is father," is the KJV rendering of the Hebrew name more commonly transliterated as "Abijah" in other English translations (e.g., ESV, NIV) and in other biblical accounts (e.g., [1 Kings 15:1](/1_kings/15-1 "1 Kings 15:1 - Abijah's Reign")). The variation highlights the fluidity of transliteration from Hebrew to English, but the identity of the individual, Rehoboam's son and successor, remains consistent. The name itself carries theological weight, pointing to the foundational relationship of God as Father, even for kings who did not always live up to their divine calling.
* **Rehoboam (Hebrew, _Rĕḥob‘ām'_):** Meaning "he enlarges the people" or "the people are enlarged," Rehoboam's name ironically contrasts with his reign, which saw the tragic division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: Judah and Israel ([1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). His inclusion here, despite his significant failures, underscores the Chronicler's commitment to tracing the *legitimate* royal line through David and Solomon, regardless of the individual king's piety or political success, emphasizing the divine promise over human performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon's son [was] Rehoboam":** This clause immediately establishes the direct continuation of the royal line from King Solomon, the builder of the First Temple and David's chosen successor. Rehoboam's position as "Solomon's son" signifies his legitimate claim to the throne, despite the tumultuous beginning of his reign and the subsequent division of the kingdom. The Chronicler's focus is on the unbroken lineage, not necessarily the individual's character at this point.
* **"Abia his son":** This identifies Abia (Abijah) as the direct successor to Rehoboam. His brief reign is detailed in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - King Abijah's War with Jeroboam"), where he is noted for his reliance on the Lord in battle against Jeroboam. The phrase "his son" is a repetitive but crucial element in genealogies, meticulously charting the direct paternal line.
* **"Asa his son":** Asa succeeded Abia. His reign is largely depicted positively in Chronicles, as he initiated significant religious reforms, removing idolatry and seeking the Lord ([2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - King Asa's Reforms")). His inclusion continues the theme of legitimate succession, highlighting a period of relative faithfulness and divine favor within the Davidic line.
* **"Jehoshaphat his son":** Jehoshaphat followed Asa, continuing the line of relatively righteous kings. He is praised for walking in the ways of his father David and for his efforts to teach the law throughout Judah ([2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - King Jehoshaphat's Reign")). His mention concludes this specific segment of the royal lineage, demonstrating the ongoing, divinely preserved succession through four generations from Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:10, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish historical continuity, legitimate claims, and theological connections. The repetitive phrase **"his son"** serves as a formulaic connective, emphasizing the direct paternal line and reinforcing the unbroken succession. This **Repetition** creates a rhythmic flow that underscores the meticulous nature of the record. The verse also exemplifies **Conciseness**, packing generations of royal lineage into a single, brief statement. This brevity, however, belies the profound historical and theological weight carried by each name, which would have been intimately familiar to the original audience from other biblical narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:10, though a simple list of names, is deeply significant for its theological implications. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Despite the political instability, moral failures of individual kings, and the devastating experience of exile, this verse, embedded in the broader genealogies, assures the post-exilic community that the royal line was preserved. It underscores the truth that God's promises are not contingent on human perfection but on His own steadfast character. This continuity was crucial for the hope of the people, as it pointed forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in the coming Messiah, who would be the rightful heir to David's throne and establish an everlasting kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Promise of an Enduring Dynasty to David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary about Jesus' Davidic Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even in seemingly dry genealogical lists, the attentive reader can discover profound spiritual truths. 1 Chronicles 3:10 reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His long-term plans that span generations, often unfolding through imperfect human vessels. The continuity of the Davidic line, even through kings with mixed records like Rehoboam, speaks volumes about God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises. For believers today, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or His promises appear delayed. It teaches us that God works through history, preserving His purposes and preparing the way for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive story. Our lives, too, are part of a larger divine narrative, and just as God was faithful to His ancient covenants, He remains faithful to His promises to us, working all things for His glory and our good. This verse invites us to consider our own place within God's grand narrative and to find assurance in His unchanging character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 3:10, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness and His long-term plans?**
* **What does the preservation of the Davidic line, despite the flaws of individual kings, teach us about God's grace and His commitment to His covenants?**
* **How can recognizing our own place within God's ongoing historical and redemptive narrative impact our daily walk and sense of purpose?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, especially a verse like 1 Chronicles 3:10?**

Answer: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 3:10, are far more than mere lists of names; they serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community for whom the book was written. Firstly, they established **identity and continuity**, connecting the returned exiles to their historical roots and the promises made to their ancestors, particularly Abraham and David. Secondly, they provided **legitimacy for land claims and priestly roles**, ensuring that individuals could prove their lineage for inheritance and service in the re-established temple. Most importantly, for a verse like 1 Chronicles 3:10, the genealogies underscore the **unbroken continuity of the Davidic covenant**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line through Solomon, Rehoboam, and subsequent kings. This was vital for hope, as the Davidic covenant promised an eternal king and kingdom, pointing forward to the Messiah. The Chronicler emphasizes that despite the exile, God's promises remained intact, providing a foundation for future restoration and the ultimate coming of the true Davidic King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:10, a seemingly simple list of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of the Davidic lineage through Solomon, Rehoboam, Abia, Asa, and Jehoshaphat is not merely historical record-keeping; it is the divinely orchestrated preparation for the arrival of the ultimate Son of David. Every name in this genealogy, regardless of their personal piety or failures, served as a link in the chain that led directly to the promised Messiah. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus") explicitly connect Him to this very lineage, affirming His rightful claim to the Davidic throne. Jesus is the true and eternal King, the one who perfectly fulfills the covenant God made with David for an everlasting dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). He is the Lamb of God and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root and the Offspring of David ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah") and [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:10, by demonstrating God's faithful preservation of the royal line, points forward to Jesus, in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - 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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 11:43

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 15:24

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 14:31

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 15:1

¶ Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.

2 Chronicles 17:1

¶ And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

1 Kings 15:8

And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 14:1

¶ So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.