1 Chronicles 3:12

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 3:12

First Chronicles is largely a genealogical record, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam, with a particular focus on the tribe of Judah and the royal line of King David. Chapter 3 specifically details the descendants of David, primarily through his son Solomon. Verse 12 continues this vital chronological list, naming three successive kings of Judah: Amaziah, Azariah (also known as Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:1 and elsewhere), and Jotham. This verse is part of a larger section that establishes the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic dynasty, a crucial element for the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was written.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Continuity of the Davidic Line: The primary message of this verse, and indeed much of 1 Chronicles 3, is the unbroken succession of kings descending from David. This continuity underscores God's faithfulness to His eternal covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever.
  • Historical Accuracy and Legitimacy: By meticulously listing each generation, the chronicler emphasizes the factual basis of Israel's history and the legitimate claim of the Davidic house to the throne. This meticulous record keeping was important for preserving identity and heritage.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Succession: While human actions and choices were involved, the very existence of such a detailed and enduring lineage points to God's overarching plan and control over the course of history and the leadership of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "his son" (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผื ื•ึน, benล) in this verse and throughout the genealogies serves to emphasize the direct paternal lineage. While the names themselves have meanings (e.g., Amaziah means "strength of Yahweh," Azariah means "Yahweh has helped," Jotham means "Yahweh is perfect"), the chronicler's focus here is purely on the succession rather than the individual character or reign of these kings, which are detailed in the books of Kings.

Practical Application

While a simple listing of names, 1 Chronicles 3:12 reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: Just as God faithfully maintained the Davidic line through generations, He remains faithful to His promises to us, even when circumstances seem bleak.
  • The Importance of Heritage and History: Understanding our spiritual heritage and the historical truths of God's interaction with humanity provides a firm foundation for faith. The detailed genealogies ultimately lead to the lineage of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the promise of a perpetual king from David's line.
  • God's Sovereignty in Detail: Even in seemingly mundane lists of names, we can perceive God's meticulous hand guiding history towards His ultimate purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 14:1

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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;
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