1 Chronicles 3:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:13 is a concise entry within the extensive genealogies of the book, specifically tracing a segment of the royal line of David. It meticulously lists three successive kings of Judah: Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh. This verse serves as a vital link in the unbroken chain of David's descendants, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to establish an enduring dynasty, even amidst the varied spiritual characters of the kings who reigned.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with nine chapters of detailed genealogies, establishing the identity, heritage, and tribal affiliations of the Israelite nation, particularly for the post-exilic community returning from Babylon. These meticulous lists served a crucial purpose: to confirm tribal lineages, priestly duties, and, most significantly, the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic dynasty. 1 Chronicles 3 focuses specifically on the descendants of David, tracing the royal line through Solomon. Verse 13 is situated within this direct succession, following Jotham and preceding Amon, providing a clear, unbroken chain of kings who reigned in Jerusalem. The repetitive phrase "his son" emphasizes the lineal descent, reinforcing the historical continuity of the royal house.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written after the Babylonian exile, 1 Chronicles addresses a community seeking to re-establish its identity, faith, and national life in the Promised Land. Genealogies in the ancient Near East were not mere lists; they were crucial legal and social documents that validated claims to land, inheritance, priestly office, and royal succession. For the returning exiles, tracing the Davidic line was paramount, as it connected them to God's foundational covenant promises and provided hope for future restoration under a Davidic king. The kings mentioned in this verse—Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh—ruled Judah during a tumultuous period marked by the rising power of Assyria, internal spiritual decline, and periods of reform. Their reigns span from the late 8th century to the mid-7th century BCE, a critical era in Judah's history.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Flaws**. Despite the profound spiritual failures of kings like Ahaz and the initial wickedness of Manasseh, God's covenant with David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), remained unbroken. The lineage continues, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, which are not contingent on human perfection. Secondly, it highlights **Historical Continuity and Legitimacy**, providing an unbroken record of the royal succession, vital for establishing the rightful claim of the Davidic dynasty. Finally, and most profoundly, these genealogies serve as **Preparation for the Messiah**. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic line ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David and the true King, whose genealogy is famously recorded in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, בֵּן, _ben_):** This recurring term in genealogies, particularly "his son," denotes direct lineal descent and succession. In the context of the Davidic royal line, it is crucial for establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the dynasty, affirming the unbroken chain of inheritance of the covenant promises made to David. Its repetition in 1 Chronicles 3:13 underscores the direct, undisputed transition of kingship.
* **Ahaz (Hebrew, אָחָז, _'Achaz_):** Meaning "he has grasped" or "possessor," Ahaz's name ironically contrasts with his reign, which was characterized by a grasping for pagan deities and foreign alliances rather than holding fast to the Lord. His inclusion highlights that even kings who led Judah into profound apostasy were still part of the divinely preserved lineage.
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, מְנַשֶּׁה, _Menashsheh_):** Meaning "causing to forget," Manasseh's name reflects his initial reign, which caused Judah to forget the Lord through his extreme idolatry and wickedness. However, his later repentance, uniquely detailed in 2 Chronicles, underscores God's capacity for grace and transformation, even for the most wicked, and demonstrates that God's plan can encompass even the most profound human failures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ahaz his son":** This introduces King Ahaz, who reigned for 16 years (2 Kings 16:2). He was one of Judah's most wicked kings, notorious for his widespread idolatry, introducing pagan altars and practices into Jerusalem, and even sacrificing his own son in the fire (2 Kings 16:3). His reign was marked by spiritual apostasy and political instability, facing threats from Aram and Israel.
* **"Hezekiah his son":** Following Ahaz was his son Hezekiah, who reigned for 29 years (2 Kings 18:2). Hezekiah stands in stark contrast to his father, being one of Judah's most righteous kings. He initiated significant religious reforms, purging idolatry, restoring true worship in the Temple, and celebrating the Passover (2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32). His reign is a testament to faith and devotion, particularly during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.
* **"Manasseh his son":** Succeeding Hezekiah was his son Manasseh, who reigned for an astonishing 55 years (2 Kings 21:1), the longest of any king of Judah. Initially, Manasseh was exceedingly wicked, undoing all of his father's reforms, rebuilding pagan altars, practicing divination, and even sacrificing his own children. However, after being taken captive to Babylon by the Assyrians, he humbled himself and earnestly sought the Lord, experiencing a remarkable repentance and restoration (2 Chronicles 33:10-16).

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:13, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a purposeful literary and theological construct designed to establish legitimacy, confirm identity, and trace the unbroken line of succession. The **Repetition** of the phrase "his son" (`b'no`) serves to emphasize the direct, lineal continuity of the Davidic royal house, reinforcing the idea of an unbroken succession critical for the post-exilic community's understanding of their heritage and future hope. Furthermore, the verse employs subtle **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** by listing Ahaz (wicked), Hezekiah (righteous), and Manasseh (wicked then repentant) in immediate succession. This highlights the varied spiritual character of the kings within the same divinely preserved lineage, subtly underscoring God's sovereignty and faithfulness that transcends human performance, and His ability to work through both righteous and profoundly flawed individuals to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:13, though brief, powerfully encapsulates profound theological truths. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, which guaranteed an enduring dynasty. The inclusion of kings with such diverse spiritual characters—from the apostate Ahaz to the righteous Hezekiah, and the exceedingly wicked yet ultimately repentant Manasseh—underscores that God's plan and promises are not contingent upon human perfection or consistent obedience. Rather, they are rooted in His own steadfast character and sovereign grace. This lineage, preserved through periods of great sin and spiritual decline, serves as a testament to God's commitment to His redemptive purposes, maintaining the royal line through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. It reminds us that God works through imperfect people and circumstances to fulfill His perfect, overarching plan for salvation.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded Much More")
* [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "The Generations from Abraham to Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly straightforward list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His own unchanging character. We are part of a larger, divine narrative, a lineage of faith that stretches back through history, connecting us to God's ongoing work in the world. The stark contrast between Ahaz's apostasy, Hezekiah's righteousness, and Manasseh's profound sin followed by remarkable repentance teaches us about the gravity of our choices and the boundless nature of God's grace. Our lives, whether marked by faithfulness or failure, are woven into God's sovereign tapestry, and He can use even our imperfections to advance His purposes. This passage offers hope that even when we or those around us falter, God remains steadfast, guiding history towards His ultimate redemptive goal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of both righteous and wicked kings in this lineage challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does this short genealogical entry remind us that God's overarching plan is not thwarted by human sin or failure?**
* **Considering the varied legacies of Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh, what kind of spiritual legacy are you striving to leave for future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why does 1 Chronicles list these kings when 2 Kings also does, and are there differences in their accounts?**

Answer: Both 1 Chronicles and 2 Kings record the reigns of these kings, but they do so with different purposes and perspectives. 2 Kings focuses more on the moral and spiritual decline of the kings, often providing a prophetic judgment on their reigns, leading to the explanation for the Babylonian exile. 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community, emphasizes continuity, hope, the importance of temple worship, and the legitimacy of the Davidic line. While 2 Kings details Ahaz's wickedness and Hezekiah's righteousness, 1 Chronicles uniquely highlights Manasseh's repentance and restoration following his captivity in Babylon ([2 Chronicles 33:12-19](/2_chronicles/33-12 "Manasseh's Repentance in 2 Chronicles 33:12-19")). This difference underscores Chronicles' emphasis on God's grace and the possibility of restoration, even for the most wicked, providing a message of hope for the returning exiles.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "his son" in this verse and throughout the genealogies?**

Answer: The repetition of "his son" (Hebrew: בְּנוֹ, _b'no_) is crucial for establishing the direct, undisputed lineal succession within the Davidic dynasty. In ancient societies, clear genealogical records were vital for validating claims to inheritance, land, and royal authority. For the post-exilic community, this meticulous tracing of the lineage confirmed the legitimacy of the Davidic house and, more importantly, underscored the unbroken fulfillment of God's covenant promise to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Promise of an Enduring Dynasty to David")). It reinforces the historical continuity leading directly to the ultimate Son of David, the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 3:13, listing Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse is a vital thread in the meticulously preserved Davidic lineage, a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promise that a descendant of David would forever sit on the throne ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")). The presence of flawed kings like Ahaz and Manasseh within this very line, alongside the righteous Hezekiah, underscores that God's plan for redemption is not dependent on human perfection but on His sovereign grace and power. Jesus is the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, the Son of David"), the perfect King who perfectly fulfills all the promises made to David. Unlike the earthly kings who reigned with varying degrees of righteousness and sin, Jesus is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign is marked by perfect righteousness and justice ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). The inclusion of imperfect individuals in His human ancestry, as highlighted in genealogies like [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), powerfully illustrates His grace and His mission to redeem all of humanity, making Him the ultimate hope and the culmination of all Old Testament expectation.

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 Chronicles 33:1

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

2 Chronicles 29:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

¶ 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;