1 Chronicles 3:17

KJV

And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jeconiah {H3204}; Assir {H617}, Salathiel {H7597} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Y'khonyah, also called Asir: Sh'alti'el his son;

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Jeconiah the captive:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 3:17 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant genealogical entry, meticulously preserving a vital link in the Davidic royal lineage. By identifying Assir and Salathiel as sons of Jeconiah, the last reigning king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, this verse powerfully testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises. It underscores the divine commitment to the Davidic Covenant, ensuring the continuity of the royal line despite national catastrophe and the apparent cessation of the monarchy, through which the ultimate Messiah would eventually come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of 1 Chronicles 3, a chapter exclusively dedicated to the meticulous genealogy of David's royal descendants. The chapter commences with David himself, then traces the succession through Solomon and the subsequent kings of Judah, culminating in the post-exilic lineage. Chapter 3 is a crucial component of the extensive genealogical sections that introduce the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). These genealogies were not mere historical records but served a profound theological purpose for the post-exilic community: to establish their identity, affirm their covenant relationship with God, validate their right to the land, and, most critically, demonstrate the enduring nature of God's promises concerning the Davidic dynasty, even after the trauma of the exile. The Chronicler's precise record-keeping here underscores his overarching theological agenda: to illustrate God's steadfast faithfulness unfolding throughout history, particularly in the preservation of the royal line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 3:17 is one of profound national upheaval and crisis for the kingdom of Judah. Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin) endured a brief and tragic reign of merely three months and ten days before Nebuchadnezzar deposed him and led him captive to Babylon in 597 BC, an event vividly recounted in [2 Kings 24:15](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15 - Jehoiachin's Exile to Babylon"). This marked the initial major deportation of Judah's elite, including the king, priests, and skilled artisans, setting the grim stage for the complete destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred temple a decade later. Culturally, the exile represented a catastrophic rupture, deeply challenging Israel's understanding of God's covenant promises and their very identity as a chosen people. In ancient Near Eastern societies, however, genealogies were indispensable for establishing legitimacy, land rights, and social standing. For the returning exiles, preserving the royal genealogy, even through the line of a captive king, was paramount for sustaining hope in the eventual restoration of the Davidic throne and the ultimate fulfillment of the Messianic promise.
* **Key Themes:** The preeminent theme underscored by 1 Chronicles 3:17 is the **unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises**, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David") established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Despite the apparent collapse of the monarchy, the captivity of its last legitimate king, and the desolation of the land, God meticulously preserves the royal line. This verse subtly yet powerfully emphasizes **continuity amidst catastrophe**, demonstrating that divine purposes are not thwarted by human sin or cataclysmic historical upheavals. It also profoundly highlights the theme of **Messianic expectation**, as the preservation of this lineage, even through figures born in exile like Salathiel, directly points towards the eventual advent of the promised "Son of David" who would establish an eternal kingdom. The Chronicler's overarching emphasis on genealogy itself serves as a foundational theme of **identity and heritage** for the returning exiles, grounding them firmly in their covenant history and divine election, reminding them of God's enduring plan for their future, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 33:17](/jeremiah/33-17 "Jeremiah 33:17 - A Davidic King Will Never Fail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeconiah (Hebrew, _Yᵉkonyâh'_):** This name, a shortened form of Jehoiachin (יהוֹיָכִין), means "Jah will establish." He is also referred to as Coniah (כׇּנְיָהוּ) in Jeremiah. The significance of his name is deeply ironic given his brief and tragic reign, yet profoundly meaningful in light of God's ultimate preservation of his lineage. Despite his captivity, the very name "Yahweh establishes" foreshadows God's continued work through his descendants, demonstrating divine sovereignty even in human failure.
* **Assir (Hebrew, _ʼAççîyr'_):** This name literally means "prisoner" or "captive." While listed as a son of Jeconiah in the KJV, its meaning powerfully reflects the dire circumstances of the royal family during the Babylonian exile. The name itself could be a poignant reminder of their enslaved status or perhaps a symbolic name for a son born under such oppressive conditions, though the Chronicler presents him as a distinct individual.
* **Salathiel (Hebrew, _Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl'_):** Also known as Shealtiel (שַׁלְתִּיאֵל), this name means "I have asked God" or "asked of God." Salathiel is a pivotal figure in the Davidic line, as he is the son through whom the royal lineage explicitly continues after the exile, leading directly to Zerubbabel, who played a crucial role in the post-exilic rebuilding of the temple. His name may reflect the prayers, hopes, and earnest petitions of the exiled community for divine intervention and restoration of their fortunes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jeconiah;":** This introductory phrase immediately directs the reader's attention to the descendants of Jeconiah, who was the last reigning king of Judah before the devastating Babylonian exile. The semicolon serves as a deliberate pause, preparing the reader for the subsequent enumeration of his sons. The Chronicler's intentional decision to trace the royal line through Jeconiah, despite his ignominious end as a captive, emphatically underscores the legitimacy and unbroken continuity of the Davidic lineage, even when the throne was vacant and the nation lay in ruins. This choice highlights God's commitment to His covenant.
* **"Assir, Salathiel his son,":** This clause lists two individuals, presenting "Assir" as one of Jeconiah's sons. The explicit inclusion of "Salathiel his son" is particularly significant. While Assir is mentioned, it is through Salathiel that the royal line is clearly stated to continue, a fact confirmed by later genealogies in Ezra, Nehemiah, and the New Testament. The precise phrase "his son" unequivocally clarifies that Salathiel is directly the son of Jeconiah, thereby ensuring the direct continuation of the royal bloodline despite the challenging and desperate circumstances of the exile.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:17, and indeed throughout this entire chapter, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names transcends mere historical record, functioning instead as a profound theological statement. By carefully tracing the lineage through Jeconiah and Salathiel, the Chronicler masterfully employs genealogy to demonstrate divine faithfulness and the unbroken continuity of the Davidic covenant, even when all human hope seemed irrevocably lost. The inherent **Conciseness** of the verse itself, listing only two names for Jeconiah's sons, is a deliberate choice that imbues it with immense theological weight, highlighting this crucial, divinely preserved link in the Messianic chain. Furthermore, there is a strong potential for **Symbolism** embedded within the name "Assir" ("prisoner"), which could subtly reflect the tragic status of the royal family during the exile, or even the entire nation held captive. The very act of preserving and recording this genealogy in the aftermath of the exile functions as a powerful **Narrative of Hope**, affirming God's ongoing, sovereign work and redemptive purposes despite apparent desolation and despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:17, though a simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. In the face of national disaster—the Babylonian exile and the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy—this verse quietly declares that God's plan for His people and for the royal line remains intact. It demonstrates that divine sovereignty transcends human failure and historical upheaval, meticulously preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. The inclusion of Salathiel, a figure prominent in the post-exilic community, underscores the theme of restoration and the enduring hope for a future Davidic king. This verse is a testament to God's faithfulness, reminding us that even in the darkest valleys of history, His purposes are being meticulously worked out.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and Eternal Throne")
* [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch of David")
* [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Zerubbabel and Jeshua Rebuild the Altar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:17 offers a profound source of spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human performance, political stability, or favorable circumstances. Even when the world crumbles around us, when our plans fail, or when our hopes seem dashed, God is quietly, meticulously, and sovereignly working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises. The preservation of the Davidic line through Jeconiah, a captive king, into the next generation with Salathiel, speaks volumes about God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's hidden work, even when we cannot perceive it. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our God is the God of continuity, who brings life and purpose out of apparent desolation. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan, finding profound hope and assurance in His unchanging character and His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the preservation of the Davidic line through a captive king like Jeconiah challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "hidden work" or His long-term plan, even when current circumstances appear bleak or contradictory to your hopes?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of divine continuity and the enduring nature of God's promises, even across generations and through periods of crisis?**

### FAQ
**Why are there different names for Jeconiah (Jehoiachin, Coniah) and Salathiel (Shealtiel) in the Bible?**

Answer: The variations in names for figures like Jeconiah (also called Jehoiachin in [2 Kings 24:8](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Reign") and Coniah in [Jeremiah 22:24](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24 - Prophecy against Coniah")) and Salathiel (also Shealtiel in [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Shealtiel and Zerubbabel")) are common in ancient Hebrew texts and genealogies. These are not indications of different individuals but rather reflect different forms, spellings, or shortened versions of the same name. This fluidity in transliteration and nomenclature was typical in ancient records and does not undermine the historical accuracy or the genealogical continuity of the biblical narrative. It often depends on the specific biblical book or the context in which the name is used, much like a person today might be known by a formal name, a nickname, or a shortened version of their given name.

**What is the significance of the name "Assir" in this verse, and why isn't he mentioned as prominently as Salathiel?**

Answer: The name "Assir" (Hebrew for "prisoner" or "captive") is profoundly significant because it powerfully reflects the tragic circumstances of Jeconiah and his family during the Babylonian exile. While the KJV presents it as a proper name for one of Jeconiah's sons, some scholars suggest it might be a descriptive epithet for Jeconiah himself, emphasizing his status as a captive, or perhaps a symbolic name for a son born in captivity, embodying the nation's plight. Assir is not as prominently mentioned as Salathiel because Salathiel is the one through whom the Davidic royal line explicitly continues to Zerubbabel and ultimately to Jesus Christ, as confirmed by later biblical genealogies. The Chronicler's primary focus is on tracing the legitimate succession to demonstrate God's faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant, making Salathiel the more crucial figure for the unfolding Messianic narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:17, seemingly a mere list of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus of Nazareth. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic lineage through Jeconiah and Salathiel, even amidst the exile and the apparent end of the monarchy, is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). This verse directly links to the New Testament genealogies of Jesus, where Salathiel is explicitly named as an ancestor of Christ in both [Matthew 1:12](/matthew/1-12 "Matthew 1:12 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:27](/luke/3-27 "Luke 3:27 - Genealogy of Jesus"). This divinely orchestrated continuity, forged in the crucible of national disaster, underscores that God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Jesus, the ultimate "Son of David" ([Matthew 22:42](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David")), is the complete fulfillment of God's pledge to establish an eternal throne and an everlasting kingdom. The very fact that this seemingly insignificant verse survived the exile and was recorded by the Chronicler points to the divine orchestration of history, ensuring that the promised Messiah would indeed come from the legitimate royal line, proving God's sovereign control over all circumstances to bring about His perfect redemptive plan for humanity through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them.

Matthew 1:12

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

Ezra 3:8

¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.