1 Chronicles 3:12

KJV

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

Amaziah {H558} his son {H1121}, Azariah {H5838} his son {H1121}, Jotham {H3147} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Amatzyah, his son 'Azaryah, his son Yotam,

Berean Standard Bible

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

American Standard Version

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:12 continues the meticulous genealogical record of King David's descendants, specifically listing three successive kings of Judah: Amaziah, Azariah (also known as Uzziah), and Jotham. This seemingly simple verse is a vital link in the chronicler's extensive account, serving to affirm the unbroken continuity of the Davidic royal line and underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding an enduring dynasty for His chosen people. It places these historical figures within the broader narrative of divine sovereignty over Israel's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles is fundamentally a genealogical and historical work, beginning with Adam and extensively detailing the lineage of Israel, with a pronounced focus on the tribe of Judah and the royal line of David. Chapter 3 specifically enumerates David's descendants, primarily through Solomon, establishing the legitimate succession of kings. Verse 12 is situated within this lengthy list (1 Chronicles 3:10-16) that traces the kings of Judah from Solomon down to the exilic and post-exilic periods. The repetitive formula "his son" emphasizes direct paternal lineage, ensuring the chronological and dynastic flow is clear. This section directly follows the listing of David's sons born in Jerusalem and precedes the continuation of the royal line through Jotham's successors, highlighting the unbroken chain of leadership promised to David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed during the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE) for the returning community in Judah. This community faced challenges of identity, legitimacy, and hope. Genealogies were crucial in ancient Near Eastern societies for establishing tribal identity, land rights, priestly claims, and royal succession. For the post-exilic community, the detailed Davidic genealogy served to remind them of their heritage, affirm the legitimacy of the Davidic covenant, and provide hope for the future restoration of the kingdom under a Davidic ruler. The inclusion of kings like Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), and Jotham, whose reigns are more fully chronicled in the books of Kings, serves to validate the historical accuracy and continuity of the Davidic line, assuring the audience that God's plan for Israel's leadership remained on track despite the exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger genealogical record, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **Continuity of the Davidic Line**, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising an eternal dynasty. Secondly, it underscores the **Legitimacy of Israel's History and Leadership**, meticulously preserving the factual basis of their heritage and the rightful claim of the Davidic house to the throne, which was crucial for a community striving to rebuild its identity. Thirdly, the very existence of such an enduring and detailed lineage points to **Divine Sovereignty in Succession**, indicating God's meticulous hand guiding history and the leadership of His people, even through periods of unfaithfulness or exile. Finally, these genealogies, culminating in the line of David, implicitly foster **Messianic Hope**, pointing toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in a future Davidic king who would rule forever, a theme picked up in later prophetic books like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messianic King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **בְּנוֹ (Hebrew, _beno'_):** This possessive form of the Hebrew word for "son" (בֵּן, _ben_) is repeated three times in this short verse. Its consistent use throughout the genealogies in 1 Chronicles serves a critical function beyond mere identification. It emphatically establishes direct paternal lineage, leaving no ambiguity about the succession. In a context where dynastic legitimacy was paramount, the repetition of "_beno_" provides an unbroken, verifiable chain of descent. It underscores the chronicler's focus on the continuity of the Davidic line as a fulfillment of God's covenant, rather than on the individual reigns or character of the kings, which are detailed elsewhere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Amaziah his son":** This phrase identifies Amaziah as the direct descendant and successor of Joash (mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:11). Amaziah was the eighth king of Judah after the division of the kingdom, reigning for 29 years. His reign, though initially righteous, ended tragically due to idolatry and military defeat, as described in [2 Kings 14](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Reign of Amaziah") and [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - Reign of Amaziah"). The chronicler here, however, is not concerned with the details of his reign but solely with his place in the unbroken genealogical chain.
* **"Azariah his son":** Azariah is presented as the direct successor to Amaziah. This king is more commonly known as Uzziah, a name used extensively in [2 Kings 15](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - Reign of Uzziah") and [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Reign of Uzziah"). He was one of Judah's most successful kings, reigning for 52 years, bringing prosperity and military strength, though his reign also ended with divine judgment (leprosy) due to his presumption in burning incense in the temple. The inclusion of "Azariah his son" maintains the precise lineage, regardless of the alternative name by which he was known.
* **"Jotham his son":** Jotham is identified as the direct successor to Azariah/Uzziah. He reigned for 16 years, largely continuing his father's righteous policies and strengthening Judah's defenses, as recounted in [2 Kings 15:32-38](/2_kings/15-32 "2 Kings 15:32-38 - Reign of Jotham") and [2 Chronicles 27](/2_chronicles/27 "2 Chronicles 27 - Reign of Jotham"). His inclusion completes this segment of the royal succession, leading directly into the subsequent generations listed in the following verses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:12, and indeed throughout the genealogies of Chronicles, is **Repetition**. The phrase "his son" (בְּנוֹ) is reiterated for each successive king, creating a rhythmic and emphatic affirmation of direct lineage. This consistent repetition serves to underscore the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line, which is a central theological concern for the chronicler. Furthermore, the entire chapter functions as a **Genealogy**, which itself is a distinct literary form. Genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists; they are theological statements that establish identity, legitimize claims, and trace the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific families. In this context, the genealogy confirms the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. The precise and unadorned listing of names also exemplifies **Conciseness**, where complex reigns are reduced to simple links in a chain, prioritizing the overarching narrative of succession over individual historical detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:12, though a simple listing of names, is deeply significant for its contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic line, even through periods of apostasy and exile, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to the covenant established with David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). This continuity was not merely a historical record for the post-exilic community; it was a profound theological statement that God's plans for His people and for a righteous king would ultimately be fulfilled. It highlights divine sovereignty in the meticulous guidance of history, ensuring that the lineage from which the promised Messiah would come remained intact. The very existence of these names in this order is a testament to God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating events to bring about His ultimate purposes.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David") - "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever."
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David") - "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David, my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’"
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messianic King") - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:12 holds profound spiritual lessons for us today. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises across generations, even when human actions are flawed or when circumstances seem to derail His plans. Just as He meticulously preserved the Davidic line through kings like Amaziah, Azariah, and Jotham, He remains faithful to His covenant with us, working out His purposes in our lives and in the world. This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term plan, knowing that His sovereignty extends even to the most minute details of history. It invites us to find comfort in the steadfastness of God's character, recognizing that His faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His own unchanging nature. Furthermore, understanding our spiritual heritage, rooted in God's historical interaction with humanity, provides a firm foundation for our faith, connecting us to a grand narrative that culminates in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of the Davidic lineage, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises in your own life?**
* **In what ways can understanding the historical continuity of God's work, even through seemingly mundane details like genealogies, deepen your appreciation for His sovereignty?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's long-term vision and His patience in bringing His plans to fruition, despite human imperfections or delays?**

### FAQ

**Why are biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 3:12, considered so important?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere lists of names; they serve several crucial theological and historical purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was written, they were vital for establishing **identity** and **legitimacy**. They helped define who belonged to Israel, confirm tribal affiliations, and validate claims to land and priestly roles. Most importantly, the Davidic genealogy, which includes 1 Chronicles 3:12, meticulously traces the royal line to demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This continuity was essential for fostering **Messianic hope**, as it pointed forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in a future king from David's lineage. Thus, these genealogies are foundational to understanding God's unfolding redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ.

**Why is "Azariah" in this verse also known as "Uzziah" in other biblical texts?**

Answer: The interchangeability of "Azariah" and "Uzziah" for the same king (the son of Amaziah) is a common feature in ancient Hebrew naming conventions and scribal practices. Both names carry similar meanings: "Azariah" means "Yahweh has helped," and "Uzziah" means "My strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength." Such variations were not uncommon, sometimes reflecting different regional pronunciations, scribal traditions, or even a change in name to mark a significant event or new phase in life. In the biblical record, [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Uzziah's Reign Begins") and [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26:1 - Uzziah's Reign") predominantly use "Uzziah," while other passages or genealogical lists might use "Azariah." The chronicler's use of "Azariah" in 1 Chronicles 3:12 simply reflects one valid name for this king, without diminishing his historical identity or his place in the Davidic line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane listing of "Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son" in 1 Chronicles 3:12 is far from insignificant; it serves as a crucial link in the grand, divinely orchestrated narrative that culminates in Jesus Christ. Each name in this genealogy is a testament to God's meticulous preservation of the Davidic line, ensuring the fulfillment of His eternal covenant that a son of David would sit on the throne forever. These kings, despite their individual flaws and the temporary failures of the earthly kingdom, were vital conduits through whom the promised Messiah would ultimately come. The chronicler’s emphasis on unbroken succession points forward to the true and eternal King, Jesus, who is explicitly identified as the "son of David" in the New Testament genealogies (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - Genealogy of Jesus through Nathan")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never end. He is the "root of David" (as in [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")), the one through whom all of God's promises to David, and indeed to humanity, find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:12, like every verse in the Old Testament, whispers of the coming Christ, the true King who perfectly embodies God's faithfulness and reigns eternally.

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 Kings 14:1

¶ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2 Kings 14:21

And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was] sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

2 Kings 15:30

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

2 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Amaziah [was] twenty and five years old [when] he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 15:32

¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.

Matthew 1:8

And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

Matthew 1:9

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;