1 Chronicles 3:20

KJV

And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hashubah {H2807}, and Ohel {H169}, and Berechiah {H1296}, and Hasadiah {H2619}, Jushabhesed {H3142}, five {H2568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also Hashuvah, Ohel, Berekhyah, Hasadyah and Yushav-Hesed - five.

Berean Standard Bible

Meshullam and Hananiah, their sister Shelomith, and five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed.

American Standard Version

and Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:20 meticulously records five descendants of King David through his son Pedaiah, a branch of the royal line stemming from Jeconiah (Jehoiachin). This verse, situated within the broader genealogical register of David's progeny, serves as a crucial link in demonstrating the unbroken continuity of Israel's royal house, particularly in the post-exilic period, thereby subtly affirming God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite national upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 3 of 1 Chronicles is almost entirely dedicated to the genealogy of King David, meticulously tracing his children and successive generations of the royal line. It begins with David's sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem, then follows the line of succession through Solomon down to the post-exilic period. Verse 20 specifically lists five sons of Pedaiah, who is identified in the preceding verse (1 Chronicles 3:19) as a descendant of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), the last reigning king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. This precise record, even for individuals not prominent in the broader narrative, underscores the Chronicler's intent to demonstrate the enduring nature of God's covenant with David and the unbroken continuity of the royal lineage, despite the apparent disruption of the monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed after the Babylonian exile, possibly during the Persian period (late 5th or early 4th century BC). For the returned exiles, who were rebuilding their community and identity, genealogies were far from mere lists; they were foundational documents. They established tribal affiliation, validated claims to land inheritance, confirmed priestly legitimacy, and, most importantly for the Davidic line, provided a tangible link to the past promises of God. The exile had seemingly shattered the Davidic monarchy, leaving the people without a king. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of these names would have served as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the enduring hope for a restored kingdom, even if currently under foreign rule.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Continuity of the Davidic Line:** The primary theme is the unbroken succession of David’s descendants. Even through periods of exile and upheaval, God’s covenant promise to David—that his throne would endure forever—is subtly affirmed by the mere existence of these names in the record. This continuity points towards the ultimate fulfillment of the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an everlasting kingdom.
* **God's Faithfulness to His Promises:** While merely a list of names, this verse, within its broader context, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite the political turmoil and the Babylonian exile that interrupted the earthly Davidic monarchy, God preserved the lineage through whom the Messiah would eventually come. This echoes themes found in verses like [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"), emphasizing God's covenant-keeping nature.
* **Importance of Genealogy:** For ancient Israel, genealogies were not just dry lists but foundational documents. They established identity, inheritance, and legitimacy. In this case, they validate the royal claim and, ultimately, form the historical bedrock for the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), who is identified as the Son of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hashubah (Hebrew, _ḥaššûḇāh_):** This name means "restoration" or "he has returned." Its inclusion in a post-exilic genealogy is particularly poignant, subtly hinting at the hope of return from exile and the restoration of God's people and promises.
* **Jushabhesed (Hebrew, _yûšab ḥeseḏ_):** Meaning "mercy is returned" or "mercy is brought back," this name, appearing last in the list, carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's enduring mercy and covenant faithfulness, even amidst the apparent desolation and disruption of the Davidic monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed":** This clause lists five specific individuals, all identified as sons of Pedaiah (as implied by the preceding verse, 1 Chronicles 3:19). The names themselves, particularly "Hashubah" and "Jushabhesed," carry significant symbolic meaning related to return, restoration, and mercy, which would have resonated deeply with a post-exilic audience longing for divine intervention.
* **"five.":** This concluding word serves as a definitive numerical count for this specific branch of the Davidic lineage. Its succinctness underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in preserving the genealogical record, emphasizing the precise continuation of the royal line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 3:20 is **genealogy**, a pervasive feature in biblical historical books. Here, it functions not merely as a dry historical record but as a profound theological statement. The meticulous listing of names, even seemingly obscure ones, serves to demonstrate the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line, thereby affirming God's covenant promises despite the political realities of the post-exilic period. The repeated use of "and" (the Hebrew _waw_ conjunction) before each name creates a sense of **enumeration**, emphasizing the distinct identity of each individual while simultaneously binding them together as a single unit within the lineage. Furthermore, the very act of preserving this lineage, particularly with names like Hashubah ("restoration") and Jushabhesed ("mercy is returned"), carries profound **symbolic** weight for a people longing for national and spiritual restoration and experiencing God's mercy after the devastating exile. The names themselves become micro-narratives of hope embedded within the larger historical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:20 is, in fact, a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David. Even when the earthly Davidic monarchy had seemingly collapsed and the people were in exile, God meticulously preserved the lineage. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over history, His meticulous care for details, and His commitment to His promises, ensuring the continuation of the royal line through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. It underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure or historical upheaval.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 3:20 might appear to be a mere historical footnote, it carries significant implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is deeply invested in the details of history and the lives of individuals, even those whose stories are not fully told. He orchestrates events and preserves lines for His greater purposes, demonstrating His meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness. The continuation of the Davidic line, even through generations that appear obscure or insignificant, serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring commitment to His promises. It encourages us to trust that God will fulfill His word, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. Ultimately, this verse affirms that every person, even those who may seem insignificant in the grand scheme, plays a part in God's unfolding plan, a divine tapestry leading to the Messiah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, like 1 Chronicles 3:20, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's detailed involvement in history, even in seemingly obscure records, encourage you in your own life?**
* **How might recognizing the "small" details of God's plan, such as a list of names, help you to trust Him with the larger, unknown aspects of your future?**

### FAQ
**Why are these names listed if they don't seem to have a major role in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: While these individuals are not prominent figures, their inclusion is crucial for several reasons. First, genealogies in ancient Israel served as legal documents, establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and inheritance rights. Second, and more importantly for the Chronicler, this meticulous listing demonstrates the unbroken continuity of the Davidic royal line, even through the period of exile. It serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David")). The very existence of these names, however briefly mentioned, underscores that God's plan was still unfolding, even when human kingship had ceased.

**What is the significance of the names themselves, like "Hashubah" and "Jushabhesed"?**

Answer: Many Hebrew names carry significant meaning, and those in 1 Chronicles 3:20 are no exception. "Hashubah" (Hebrew: חַשֻּׁבָה) means "restoration" or "he has returned." "Jushabhesed" (Hebrew: יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד) means "mercy is returned" or "mercy is brought back." These names, particularly in a post-exilic context, would have resonated deeply with the audience. They subtly convey a message of hope, divine restoration, and God's enduring mercy, even when the Davidic monarchy appeared to be in ruins. They serve as a quiet theological commentary within the genealogy itself, reminding the readers of God's character and His ultimate purposes for His people, as seen throughout the book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - A Book of God's Faithfulness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in [1 Chronicles 3:20](/1_chronicles/3-20 "1 Chronicles 3:20 - Davidic Genealogy") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Each name, however briefly mentioned, represents a vital link in the unbroken chain of the Davidic lineage, meticulously preserved by divine providence. This continuity was not for its own sake, but for the promised arrival of the Messiah, the true Son of David. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") intentionally trace Jesus' ancestry back through this very royal line, demonstrating His legitimate claim to the Davidic throne. The preservation of these names, even through the darkest days of exile, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Jesus is the One whose kingdom is eternal, the One who truly embodies the "restoration" and "mercy" hinted at in the names like Hashubah and Jushabhesed. He is the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, through whom all of God's promises find their resounding "Yes" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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.