1 Chronicles 3:2

The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

The third {H7992}, Absalom {H53} the son {H1121} of Maachah {H4601} the daughter {H1323} of Talmai {H8526} king {H4428} of Geshur {H1650}: the fourth {H7243}, Adonijah {H138} the son {H1121} of Haggith {H2294}:

the third, Avshalom, the son of Ma'akhah the daughter of Talmai king of G'shur; the fourth, Adoniyah the son of Haggit;

the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;

the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 3:2 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 3:2 continues the meticulous genealogical record of King David's sons, providing crucial details about his family and the royal lineage. This verse specifically names two prominent sons who would later play significant, and often tragic, roles in Israel's history.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy genealogical section (1 Chronicles 1-9) that prefaces the historical narrative of the book. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, particularly through the Davidic line and the priesthood. Chapter 3 focuses specifically on the descendants of David, listing his sons born in Hebron (verses 1-4) and then those born in Jerusalem (verses 5-9). This detailed lineage was vital for establishing tribal identities, land claims, and the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. For more on David's sons born in Hebron, see also 2 Samuel 3:2-5.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Royal Lineage and Continuity: The primary purpose of this genealogy is to establish the unbroken line of David, highlighting the faithfulness of God in preserving the royal family through whom the Messiah would eventually come. Even seemingly mundane lists like this underscore God's sovereign plan.
  • Humanity and Flaws within the Royal Family: While a record of divine promise, it also lists individuals whose lives were far from perfect. Both Absalom and Adonijah were figures of ambition and rebellion, demonstrating that even those in the Messianic line were subject to human failings.
  • Historical Accuracy: The Chronicler's attention to detail, including the mothers' names and their origins (like Maachah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur), underscores the historical basis of these records and the importance of specific alliances and relationships in ancient Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The name Absalom (Hebrew: ืึทื‘ึฐืฉึธืืœื•ึนื, โ€™Avshalom) means "father of peace" or "my father is peace." This name stands in stark contrast to his life, which was marked by violence, intrigue, and his infamous rebellion against his father, King David. This irony highlights the tragic nature of his story.

Adonijah (Hebrew: ืึฒื“ึนื ึดื™ึธึผื”, โ€™Adoniyyah) means "my Lord is Yah" or "Yahweh is my Lord." Like Absalom, Adonijah also acted contrary to the meaning of his name, attempting to seize the throne from David's chosen successor, Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:5ff.

Practical Application

Even seemingly dry genealogies in the Bible carry profound meaning. They remind us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The inclusion of figures like Absalom and Adonijah, despite their flaws and rebellious actions, demonstrates that God works through imperfect people and maintains His plan despite human sin. For believers today, this passage reinforces the reliability of God's Word and His faithfulness to His redemptive purposes, ultimately culminating in Christ, the Son of David. It also serves as a subtle reminder that lineage does not guarantee character, and that personal choices shape one's legacy.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 Samuel 19:4

    But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

  • 2 Samuel 19:10

    And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

  • 2 Samuel 13:38

    So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

  • 2 Samuel 14:32

    And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? [it had been] good for me [to have been] there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be [any] iniquity in me, let him kill me.

  • 2 Samuel 14:23

    So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

  • 2 Samuel 13:1

    ยถ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name [was] Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

  • 2 Samuel 18:18

    Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which [is] in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.
โ† Back