1 Chronicles 3:13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

Ahaz {H271} his son {H1121}, Hezekiah {H2396} his son {H1121}, Manasseh {H4519} his son {H1121},

his son Achaz, his son Hizkiyahu, his son M'nasheh,

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 3:13 is a concise entry in the lengthy genealogy of the royal line of David, specifically listing three successive kings of Judah: Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh. This verse continues the careful documentation of the lineage from King David, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant promises made to him.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9), establishing the identity and heritage of the Israelite nation, particularly for the post-exilic community. These lists served to confirm tribal affiliations, priestly duties, and most importantly, the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty. Verse 13 is part of the direct line of David's descendants who reigned as kings in Jerusalem, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The meticulous record highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line through which the Messiah would eventually come, as promised to King David in 2 Samuel 7.

Key Figures in This Verse

  • Ahaz: Reigned for 16 years (2 Kings 16:2). He was one of Judah's most wicked kings, known for his idolatry and introducing pagan practices, even sacrificing his own son. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual apostasy.
  • Hezekiah: Son of Ahaz, he was a righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms, restoring true worship in Judah and purging idolatry. His reign is a testament to faith and devotion, as detailed in 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32.
  • Manasseh: Son of Hezekiah, he reigned for 55 years, the longest of any king of Judah. Initially, he was exceedingly wicked, undoing his father's reforms and leading Judah into deeper idolatry, even sacrificing his own children. However, after being taken captive to Babylon, he humbled himself and repented, a remarkable turnaround described in 2 Chronicles 33.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Flaws: This verse, like the broader genealogy, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, even when the kings themselves were deeply flawed (Ahaz, early Manasseh). The lineage continues despite human sin and disobedience.
  • Historical Continuity: The explicit listing of "his son" (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผื ื•ึน, b'no) provides a clear, unbroken chain of succession, vital for establishing the historical record and the legitimacy of the Davidic line.
  • Preparation for Messiah: The ultimate purpose of these genealogies in the Old Testament is to trace the lineage leading to Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and true King. This foundational historical record provides the backdrop for the New Testament's opening genealogy in Matthew 1:1.

Practical Application

The inclusion of kings with varied spiritual characters in this lineage reminds us that God works through imperfect people and circumstances to fulfill His perfect plan. It teaches us about:

  • God's Steadfastness: His promises are not dependent on human perfection but on His own character.
  • The Importance of Legacy: While Ahaz led Judah astray, Hezekiah brought revival, and Manasseh's long reign showcased both profound sin and profound repentance. Each life contributed to the ongoing narrative of God's people.
  • Hope in God's Plan: Even through periods of apostasy or hardship, God remains sovereign, guiding history towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. This lineage ultimately points to the coming of the King of kings, Jesus Christ.
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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 Chronicles 33:1

    ยถ Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

  • 2 Chronicles 29:1

    ยถ Hezekiah began to reign [when he was] five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

  • 2 Kings 16:1

    ยถ In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

  • 2 Kings 18:1

    ยถ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

  • 2 Kings 16:20

    And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

  • Matthew 1:9

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

  • Matthew 1:10

    And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
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