1 Chronicles 3:14

KJV

Amon his son, Josiah his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Amon {H526} his son {H1121}, Josiah {H2977} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Amon and his son Yoshiyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

Amon his son, and Josiah his son.

American Standard Version

Amon his son, Josiah his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:14 is a concise but profoundly significant entry within the extensive Davidic genealogy, meticulously tracing the royal lineage of Judah. By stating "Amon his son, Josiah his son," the verse continues the direct paternal succession from King Manasseh, highlighting the unbroken line that would lead to the righteous King Josiah. This brief genealogical statement serves to affirm the continuous fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the royal seed despite the varied moral character of its human custodians, ultimately pointing towards the promised Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the meticulously detailed genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies from Adam to the Exile"), a section fundamental to the Chronicler's overarching purpose. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - The Descendants of David") is entirely dedicated to the descendants of King David, emphasizing the legitimacy, continuity, and divine preservation of the royal line. Verse 14 follows the mention of Manasseh in [1 Chronicles 3:13](/1_chronicles/3-13 "1 Chronicles 3:13 - Manasseh's Place in the Genealogy") and immediately precedes the listing of Josiah's sons in [1 Chronicles 3:15](/1_chronicles/3-15 "1 Chronicles 3:15 - Josiah's Sons"). The very brevity of the entry for Amon and Josiah, despite their vastly different reigns, underscores the Chronicler's primary focus on the *lineage itself* as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, rather than a detailed historical narrative, which is found more extensively in the books of Kings. The Chronicler's goal is to establish an unbroken chain of succession from David, providing the post-exilic community with a clear understanding of their heritage and the enduring hope for a Davidic king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, roughly from the late 5th to early 4th century BC. For the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, these genealogies were critically important for re-establishing tribal identities, validating land claims, and restoring a sense of continuity with their pre-exilic past. The inclusion of kings like Amon and Josiah speaks to a pivotal and turbulent period in Judah's history. Amon (reigned c. 642-640 BC) continued the severe idolatry of his father Manasseh, leading to his assassination, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 21:19-26](/2_kings/21-19 "2 Kings 21:19-26 - Amon's Idolatry and Assassination"). His son Josiah (reigned c. 640-609 BC), however, ascended the throne at a young age and initiated one of the most significant religious reforms in Judah's history, cleansing the land of idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple (see [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms") and [2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34-35 - Josiah's Reign and Reforms")). The cultural significance lies in the stark contrast between these two monarchs, demonstrating the profound impact a king's spiritual disposition had on the nation and highlighting God's capacity to raise up righteous leaders even from unrighteous backgrounds.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Amon and Josiah in this brief genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty in Lineage**. Despite the unfaithfulness and wickedness of kings like Amon, God's promise to David to establish his throne forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) remained unbroken. God preserved the royal line, demonstrating His ability to work through diverse individuals, even raising up a righteous king like Josiah in a period of spiritual decline. Secondly, the immediate succession from Amon to Josiah highlights the **Contrast in Rulership**. This juxtaposition serves as a vivid theological lesson on the profound difference a king's character and commitment to God could make for the spiritual and political well-being of the nation. Amon's brief, idolatrous reign stands in sharp contrast to Josiah's zealous reforms and devotion to Yahweh, serving as a powerful reminder of the consequences of obedience versus disobedience. Finally, and most importantly, the verse reinforces the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**. The meticulous tracing of David's descendants, even through imperfect kings, underscores the Chronicler's primary purpose: to affirm the unbroken chain of the Davidic monarchy, thereby reinforcing the enduring hope of the promised Messiah who would ultimately descend from this divinely preserved lineage. This continuity is a central message for a post-exilic community seeking assurance of God's faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amon (Hebrew, _‘Âmôwn'_):** This name, according to the provided data, is simply "Amon, the name of three Israelites." While the etymology is not explicitly provided here, the name's simple identification underscores the Chronicler's focus on the individual's place in the lineage rather than a symbolic meaning. King Amon's reign (642-640 BC) was short and marked by a continuation of his father Manasseh's idolatrous practices, showing no faithfulness to Yahweh. His inclusion here highlights the raw, unvarnished truth of the Davidic line, which included both righteous and unrighteous kings.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to build" (בָּנָה), this term refers to "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." Its repeated use in the verse ("Amon his son, Josiah his son") emphasizes the direct, lineal succession, highlighting the continuous "building" of the family name and, by extension, the royal house. In the context of the Davidic covenant, this direct male lineage was essential for establishing the legitimacy of the royal claim and, ultimately, the messianic hope. The term underscores the foundational nature of genealogical succession for the Chronicler's purpose.
* **Josiah (Hebrew, _Yôʼshîyâh'_):** This name, meaning "founded of Jah" (Yahweh), perfectly encapsulates the character and impact of King Josiah. He was a beacon of righteousness in a period of national spiritual decline, initiating extensive reforms that sought to heal the land of idolatry and restore proper worship of Yahweh. His name serves as a theological statement about God's active support for those who turn to Him and His capacity to "found" or establish righteousness even amidst widespread unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Amon his son":** This phrase identifies Amon as the direct descendant of King Manasseh, who was mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Chronicles 3:13](/1_chronicles/3-13 "1 Chronicles 3:13 - Manasseh's Son")). Amon's brief reign (642-640 BC) was characterized by a continuation of his father's idolatrous practices and a lack of repentance, leading to his assassination by his own servants. His inclusion here, despite his wickedness, underscores the Chronicler's commitment to presenting the complete, unbroken genealogical record of the Davidic line, regardless of the individual king's piety. It demonstrates that God's covenant faithfulness extends even through unrighteous links in the chain.
* **"Josiah his son":** This clause immediately follows, identifying Josiah as the direct son and successor of Amon. The transition from Amon to Josiah represents a dramatic and divinely orchestrated shift in the spiritual trajectory of the kingdom of Judah. Josiah, who began his reign at the age of eight (640-609 BC), is presented as one of Judah's most righteous kings. He initiated widespread religious reforms, cleansing the land of idolatry, repairing the Temple, and re-establishing the covenant with Yahweh based on the rediscovered Book of the Law. His inclusion highlights God's capacity to raise up righteous leaders even from unrighteous backgrounds, demonstrating divine faithfulness to the covenant despite human failings and the pervasive wickedness of the preceding reigns.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of 1 Chronicles 3:14, though seemingly simple, employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Genealogy**, which serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, meticulously tracing the Davidic line to establish its legitimacy and continuity for the post-exilic community. This careful enumeration reinforces the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** by placing Amon, an unrighteous king, immediately before Josiah, a righteous king. This stark succession, presented without explicit commentary, implicitly highlights the profound difference a king's character made to the nation and underscores God's ability to work through diverse individuals to achieve His purposes. The **Conciseness** of the verse itself is also a device; its brevity belies the significant historical and theological shifts represented by the reigns of these two kings, inviting the reader to recall the more detailed narratives found elsewhere in the biblical record (e.g., in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles), thus relying on the reader's broader biblical knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 3:14 carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, despite the consistent failures and unfaithfulness of human kings. The inclusion of both Amon, an idolatrous king, and Josiah, a zealous reformer, in the direct line demonstrates that God's plan for the preservation of the royal lineage transcends human merit or demerit. It underscores divine sovereignty in maintaining the continuity of the line through which the Messiah would ultimately come. The verse implicitly teaches that God's purposes will prevail, even when the immediate circumstances or human agents seem to contradict them, offering a message of hope and assurance to the post-exilic community and to believers across generations. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan is not contingent on human perfection but on His own steadfast character.

* [2 Kings 21:19-26](/2_kings/21-19 "2 Kings 21:19-26 - Amon's Reign and Assassination")
* [2 Kings 22:1-2](/2_kings/22-1 "2 Kings 22:1-2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign Begins")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Amon and Josiah in 1 Chronicles 3:14, though part of a dry genealogical list, offers rich ground for reflection and practical application for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that personal character and devotion to God are not predetermined by one's lineage, upbringing, or immediate environment. Amon, steeped in the idolatry of his father Manasseh, continued a path of wickedness, yet from his very line emerged Josiah, who became one of Judah's most righteous kings, initiating sweeping reforms that brought a temporary spiritual renewal to the nation. This teaches us that individual choices matter immensely and that God, in His sovereign grace, can raise up instruments of righteousness even from the most unlikely or unpromising backgrounds. It instills hope that spiritual decline, whether in a family, community, or nation, does not have to be the final word. Josiah's story encourages us to seek personal revival and to commit wholeheartedly to God's will, knowing that our actions, empowered by divine grace, can have a profound and lasting impact, regardless of the spiritual climate around us. We are called to be faithful in our generation, just as Josiah was in his.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark contrast between Amon and Josiah challenge our assumptions about inherited character or destiny, and what does this imply for our own walk with God?**
* **In what ways does Josiah's story inspire us to seek personal revival and reform within our spheres of influence, regardless of our upbringing or the spiritual condition of those around us?**
* **How does God's faithfulness to preserve the Davidic line, despite human failings and unrighteousness, encourage us in our own walk of faith and trust in His overarching redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so prominent in Chronicles, and what is their primary purpose?**

Answer: The genealogies in Chronicles, particularly in the first nine chapters, are prominent because they served several vital purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they helped to re-establish tribal identities and land claims for those returning to Judah after the Babylonian exile, providing a framework for social and religious order. Secondly, they provided a crucial sense of continuity and connection to their heritage, affirming their place within God's covenant people and their historical narrative. Most importantly, for the Chronicler, these lists meticulously trace the unbroken Davidic line, validating the legitimacy of the royal house from which the Messiah was promised to come. They underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenants, especially the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")), assuring the exiles that God's promises would be fulfilled despite the apparent disruption of the monarchy. The focus on the Davidic line, culminating in the specific mention of kings like Amon and Josiah, reinforces the enduring hope for a future king from David's lineage.

**What is the significance of Josiah's reign in the broader biblical narrative, especially given his brief mention here?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 3:14 gives Josiah only a brief mention, his reign is profoundly significant in the broader biblical narrative, particularly as detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms") and [2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34-35 - Josiah's Reign and Reforms"). Josiah represents the last significant spiritual revival in Judah before the Babylonian exile. Ascending the throne after the wicked reigns of Manasseh and Amon, Josiah initiated a widespread religious reform, cleansing the land of idolatry, repairing the Temple, and restoring the worship of Yahweh. His discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple led to a national covenant renewal, demonstrating the potential for profound repentance and obedience to God's commands. Though his reforms ultimately could not prevent the impending judgment of exile, Josiah's reign stands as a powerful example of righteous leadership and a nation's capacity for spiritual transformation, even if temporary. He is often seen as a model of a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" ([2 Kings 22:2](/2_kings/22-2 "2 Kings 22:2 - Josiah's Righteousness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 3:14, meticulously tracing the royal line through Amon and Josiah, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's diligent preservation of the Davidic lineage, even through imperfect and unrighteous kings like Amon, underscores God's steadfast commitment to His covenant with David—that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This verse, therefore, serves as a vital link in the divinely preserved chain leading directly to the Messiah. The stark contrast between Amon's wickedness and Josiah's zealous righteousness foreshadows the perfect righteousness of Christ, who, unlike any earthly king, perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived a life completely devoted to God, without blemish or sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). The New Testament genealogies explicitly identify Jesus as the "son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")), directly connecting Him to this very lineage. Jesus is the true and eternal King from David's line, the one who perfectly embodies the divine support implied in Josiah's name ("founded of Jah"), and the one who ultimately heals and saves His people from their sins, establishing a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:14, far from being a mere historical record, is a profound testament to God's sovereign plan to bring forth the Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all covenant promises and the King of kings.

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 23:30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

2 Kings 21:19

¶ Amon [was] twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.

2 Chronicles 34:1

¶ Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.

Matthew 1:10

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

Matthew 1:11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

2 Kings 23:34

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.