1 Chronicles 3:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:2 meticulously continues the enumeration of King David's sons born in Hebron, specifically identifying Absalom, the third son, born to Maachah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, and Adonijah, the fourth son, born to Haggith. This verse is an integral component of the Chronicler's comprehensive genealogical record, serving to establish the legitimate and unbroken lineage of David, a lineage divinely ordained to culminate in the Messiah, even as it subtly introduces figures whose lives would be marked by significant rebellion and profound personal tragedy within the royal family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, serving as a foundational preface to the historical narrative of the kingdom. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 focuses on the direct descendants of David, first listing those born in Hebron (verses 1-4), which includes Absalom and Adonijah, and then those born in Jerusalem (verses 5-9). The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, meticulously details these genealogies to underscore the continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the Davidic line and the priestly families. This systematic enumeration was crucial for the returning exiles, providing them with a sense of identity, legitimacy, and hope rooted in their historical and theological heritage, affirming the unbroken nature of the royal dynasty despite the intervening exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this verse is the early to mid-period of King David's reign, a pivotal era marked by the consolidation of the monarchy and the expansion of Israel's influence. David's marriages, such as his union with Maachah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, were often more than personal unions; they were strategic political alliances designed to forge diplomatic ties and secure the kingdom's borders. Geshur was an Aramean kingdom situated east of the Sea of Galilee, and such a marriage would have been a significant diplomatic maneuver, integrating a foreign royal house into David's growing sphere of influence. The inclusion of the mothers' names—Maachah and Haggith—is noteworthy in a patriarchal genealogy, suggesting their status or the prominence of their sons. Furthermore, birth order was critically important in ancient Near Eastern societies, as it often determined succession expectations, making the later attempts by Absalom and Adonijah to seize the throne particularly audacious and disruptive to established norms.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme is the **Royal Lineage and Continuity** of the Davidic dynasty. The Chronicler's painstaking record here highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an enduring throne and a perpetual line, as powerfully articulated in [God's covenant with David](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). Despite the profound human failings and rebellions of individuals within this royal line, such as Absalom's infamous revolt detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "Absalom's Rebellion Against David") and Adonijah's audacious attempt to usurp the throne in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation"), God's overarching plan for the Messiah's descent through David remains intact and sovereign. Another significant theme is **Human Imperfection within Divine Purpose**. The very inclusion of these sons, who were well-known for their ambition and disloyalty, underscores the profound theological truth that God works through flawed individuals and maintains His sovereign will even amidst human sin and rebellion. Finally, the **Historical Accuracy and Legitimacy** of the Davidic line is paramount, providing a verifiable and reliable record for the post-exilic community, reinforcing their identity and hope in God's promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Absalom (Hebrew, _’Avshalom'_):** Meaning "father of peace" or "my father is peace." This name, ironically, stands in stark and tragic contrast to his life, which was characterized by violence, intrigue, and a devastating rebellion against his own father, King David. The profound irony of his name highlights the deep disruption and lack of peace he brought to David's kingdom and family, ultimately leading to his own violent demise.
* **Maachah (Hebrew, _Maʻăkâh'_):** The name means "depression" or "crushing." She was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Her inclusion in the genealogy emphasizes David's strategic political alliances through marriage, connecting the royal house of Judah with a foreign kingdom. This connection would later prove significant when Absalom fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon, finding refuge with his maternal grandfather's family as recorded in [2 Samuel 13:37](/2_samuel/13-37 "Absalom Flees to Geshur").
* **Adonijah (Hebrew, _’Adoniyyah'_):** Meaning "lord of Jah" or "Yahweh is my Lord." Similar to Absalom, Adonijah's actions profoundly contradicted the meaning of his name. He attempted to usurp the throne from David's chosen successor, Solomon, demonstrating a profound lack of submission to God's appointed king and, by extension, to God Himself, whose name was part of his own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur":** This clause precisely identifies David's third son by birth order from his marriages in Hebron. It not only names Absalom but also meticulously identifies his mother, Maachah, and her distinguished royal, foreign lineage as the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. This detail provides crucial genealogical accuracy and subtly hints at the broader political landscape and strategic alliances that characterized David's early reign, setting the stage for later narrative developments involving Absalom.
* **"the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith":** This clause continues the enumeration, identifying David's fourth son, Adonijah, and his mother, Haggith. Like Absalom, Adonijah would also emerge as a figure of significant contention and rebellion within the Davidic family, notably attempting to seize the throne from his younger half-brother Solomon, despite David's clear designation of Solomon as his rightful successor, thus bringing further strife to the royal household.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several subtle yet powerful literary devices within this seemingly straightforward genealogical entry. **Conciseness** is a primary characteristic, as the text efficiently conveys vital information about lineage and parentage without extensive narrative elaboration, typical of genealogical lists. However, beneath this brevity lies profound **Irony**, particularly evident in the names of Absalom ("father of peace") and Adonijah ("Yahweh is my Lord"). Their subsequent actions—Absalom's violent rebellion and Adonijah's self-exaltation against God's chosen king—stand in stark and tragic contrast to the noble meanings of their names, highlighting the profound disconnect between an individual's given identity and their actual character. The inclusion of the mothers' names and their specific origins (like Maachah, daughter of a foreign king) also serves as a form of **Historical Detail** and **Verisimilitude**, lending authenticity and depth to the record by emphasizing the real-world political and social dynamics that influenced the composition and continuity of the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though a mere genealogical entry, profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. The meticulous preservation of the lineage, even through individuals like Absalom and Adonijah who brought great turmoil and rebellion, testifies to God's absolute sovereignty over human sin and His remarkable ability to achieve His divine purposes despite and even through human failings. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan is not contingent on human perfection or obedience but on His own unchangeable divine will and infinite power. The continuity of this line, despite internal strife and external threats, points forward with prophetic certainty to the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant in the Messiah, the true and eternal Son of David.

* [2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1-6 "Absalom's Conspiracy and Rebellion")
* [1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5-10 "Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation of the Throne")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Enduring Promise to David's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:2 carries profound spiritual weight, inviting us to deeper reflection. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises across generations. Even when the human instruments of His grand plan are deeply flawed, as Absalom and Adonijah demonstrably were, God's overarching purpose remains steadfast and unstoppable. For us today, this passage powerfully reinforces the reliability of God's Word and His absolute faithfulness to His redemptive purposes, which ultimately culminate in Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David. It also subtly reminds us that lineage, position, or even a noble name does not guarantee character or righteousness; personal choices and humble submission to God's will are paramount. We are called to live in alignment with God's purposes, learning from the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition and rebellion, and trusting in His sovereign hand to guide all of history toward His glorious and perfect end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, despite the profound human flaws of individuals within it, encourage your faith and trust in His plans today?**
* **What profound lessons can we draw from the striking contrast between Absalom's and Adonijah's noble names and their rebellious actions, particularly regarding the importance of character over mere identity or position?**
* **How do these meticulous genealogies remind us of the precise and detailed nature of God's overarching plan for history and redemption, even in seemingly minor entries?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include these specific details about Absalom and Adonijah, given their rebellious actions?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary aim in these genealogies is to establish the legitimate and unbroken lineage of David, which was of paramount importance for the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity and hope. Including Absalom and Adonijah, despite their well-known flaws and rebellious acts, maintains the historical accuracy and completeness of the royal genealogy, demonstrating that the Chronicler is presenting a factual record. Furthermore, their stories, which would have been well-known to the original audience from the detailed accounts in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel") and [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings"), serve as stark reminders that even within the divinely chosen line, human sin and rebellion occurred. This paradoxically highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating that His covenant promises are not dependent on human perfection or obedience but on His own unchangeable faithfulness. It also sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, where the Chronicler often emphasizes the critical importance of obedience and faithfulness as key to national blessing and continuity.

**What is the significance of Maachah being the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur?**

Answer: The detail that Maachah was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, is significant for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it highlights David's astute political acumen. Marriages to foreign royalty were a common and effective means for ancient Near Eastern kings to forge strategic alliances and expand their influence. This union likely secured David's northern border and fostered diplomatic ties with a neighboring kingdom. Secondly, this familial connection provides a crucial narrative explanation for Absalom's later actions; after he murdered his half-brother Amnon, he found immediate refuge with his maternal grandfather in Geshur, as recorded in [2 Samuel 13:37](/2_samuel/13-37 "Absalom Flees to Geshur"). This demonstrates the enduring and practical ties of such familial and political connections. Lastly, it underscores the diverse origins within David's own family, reflecting the complex social and political fabric of the burgeoning Israelite kingdom and the broader ancient Near Eastern world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 3:2, by meticulously tracing the Davidic lineage through figures like Absalom and Adonijah, ultimately points to the unwavering faithfulness of God in preserving the very line from which the Messiah would come. Despite the tragic rebellions, profound personal failings, and internal strife brought about by these sons, God's covenant with David for an eternal kingdom and an enduring dynasty (as promised in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Enduring Promise to David's House")) remained unbroken and sovereignly maintained. This divine perseverance culminates perfectly in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and true "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), the rightful heir to David's throne. While Absalom, whose name ironically means "father of peace," brought only strife, division, and bloodshed to his family and kingdom, Jesus is the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who reconciles humanity to God and brings a profound, genuine peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Similarly, Adonijah, whose name means "Yahweh is my Lord," sought to usurp the throne for himself through human ambition, but Jesus truly embodies "Yahweh is my Lord," as He is the rightful, divinely appointed King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose reign is eternal and righteous. The very imperfections and struggles within David's family underscore the absolute necessity of a perfect King, one whose reign is not marked by human ambition, sin, or failure, but by divine righteousness, perfect obedience, and eternal salvation, fulfilled perfectly and completely in Christ.

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 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

¶ 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.