1 Chronicles 3:6

KJV

Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,

KJV (with Strong's)

Ibhar {H2984} also, and Elishama {H476}, and Eliphelet {H467},

Complete Jewish Bible

and nine others -Yivchar, Elishama, Elifelet,

Berean Standard Bible

David’s other sons were Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,

American Standard Version

and Ibhar, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:6 meticulously lists three of King David's sons—Ibhar, Elishama, and Eliphelet—who were born to him in Jerusalem. This concise yet significant enumeration is an integral part of the extensive genealogical records that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to precisely trace the royal lineage of Judah from Adam through David and his descendants, thereby powerfully underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and establishing the legitimate succession of the Davidic throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the comprehensive genealogical records that constitute the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles ([1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies from Adam to the Exile")). Specifically, [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Sons and Descendants") is dedicated entirely to cataloging the sons and descendants of King David, meticulously establishing the precise royal lineage through which God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, would be fulfilled. The names enumerated here—Ibhar, Elishama, and Eliphelet—are among the sons born to David after he established Jerusalem as his capital, distinguishing them from those born in Hebron. This particular list finds parallel accounts in [2 Samuel 5:15](/2_samuel/5-15 "2 Samuel 5:15 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 14:5](/1_chronicles/14-5 "1 Chronicles 14:5 - Another List of David's Sons"), underscoring the historical consistency and the Chronicler's emphasis on the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic line within the broader biblical narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were far more than mere historical records; they were foundational documents crucial for establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance, confirming priestly legitimacy, and, most critically for the Davidic line, asserting the rightful claim to the throne. David's pivotal act of establishing Jerusalem as the political and religious capital (as recounted in [2 Samuel 5:6-10](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-10 - David Captures Jerusalem")) marked a new era for Israel. The birth of his sons in this newly secured capital symbolized the consolidation of his kingdom and the perpetuation of his dynasty. While the practice of polygamy among kings, evident in David's multiple wives and numerous children, was a cultural norm of the time, it often led to complex family dynamics. The meticulous recording of these names reflects the profound value placed on lineage, continuity, and the fulfillment of divine promises, all of which were intricately tied to familial descent in Israelite society.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this seemingly simple list of names in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons") contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles. First, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant**, particularly God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Each name, though part of a lengthy list, serves as a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history toward the fulfillment of His promises. Second, it reinforces **Historical Veracity**, as biblical genealogies function as crucial historical documents, validating the reality of biblical figures and events. The repetition of these names across multiple books (e.g., [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King of All Israel") and [1 Chronicles 14](/1_chronicles/14 "1 Chronicles 14 - David's Victories and Sons")) reinforces their authenticity and importance in the narrative of Israel. Finally, this list contributes to establishing the **Continuity of Leadership** and the legitimate succession of the Davidic throne, which was vital for the stability and identity of the nation of Israel, pointing ultimately to the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ibhar (יִבְחָר, _Yibchar_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to choose," translates to "He chooses" or "He will choose." While it is the name of David's son, its intrinsic meaning carries profound theological weight, subtly pointing to God as the ultimate chooser. This divine attribute of election is central to biblical theology, highlighting God's sovereign selection of David as king, of Israel as His covenant people, and ultimately, of the specific lineage through which the Messiah would come. It serves as a quiet reminder that even within human genealogies, divine volition and purpose are actively at work.
* **Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ_):** Composed of "El" (God) and "shama" (to hear), this name translates to "My God has heard" or "God has heard." It stands as a beautiful and powerful testimony to God's attentiveness, responsiveness, and compassionate engagement with humanity. In a world where prayers and cries often seemed unheard, this name, borne by a royal son, could serve as a quiet affirmation of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and their leaders. It speaks to the divine attributes of omniscience and compassion, indicating that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His creation.
* **Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט, _ʼĔlîypheleṭ_):** This name, also incorporating "El" (God) and "palet" (to escape or deliver), means "God of deliverance" or "My God is deliverance." It directly addresses the theme of salvation, rescue, and divine protection. Given David's tumultuous life, marked by numerous battles, persecutions, and miraculous escapes from his enemies, this name would have resonated deeply, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of safety, victory, and preservation. The name prophetically foreshadows the greater deliverance that would come through the Davidic line, culminating in the person and work of the Messiah, who offers ultimate liberation from sin and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ibhar also,":** The inclusion of "also" indicates that Ibhar is another son in a continuing list, building upon the names mentioned in the preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 3:1-5](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron and Jerusalem")). Ibhar is identified as one of David's sons born in Jerusalem, signifying the stability, expansion, and divine blessing upon David's kingdom after he established his capital. His name, "He chooses," subtly highlights God's sovereign hand in the lineage and the establishment of the royal house.
* **"and Elishama,":** Elishama is presented as another son born to David in Jerusalem. His name, "My God has heard," functions as a quiet theological statement embedded within the genealogy, perhaps reflecting David's own experiences of God hearing his prayers and delivering him from distress, or simply affirming God's characteristic attentiveness to the cries of His people. His inclusion further expands the roster of David's legitimate heirs, emphasizing the proliferation and strength of the royal family.
* **"and Eliphelet,":** Eliphelet completes this specific triad of sons listed in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons"). His name, "My God is deliverance," echoes themes of divine rescue, protection, and victory that were central to David's life and reign. The repeated listing of these sons, particularly Eliphelet (who appears twice in other biblical lists, suggesting possibly two sons with the same name or a scribal variant), underscores the proliferation of David's offspring and the secure establishment of his royal house, essential for the continuity of the promised Davidic dynasty.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons"), and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a purposeful theological and historical construct. Biblical genealogies serve to establish identity, legitimate claims (to land, priesthood, or kingship), and demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage. The meticulous detail in listing David's sons underscores the immense importance of the Davidic covenant and the continuity of the royal line. Additionally, there is an element of **Repetition** or **Parallelism**, as these specific names appear in other biblical texts (e.g., [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David's Sons") and [1 Chronicles 14](/1_chronicles/14 "1 Chronicles 14 - David's Victories and Sons")). This repetition serves to confirm the historical veracity of the records and to emphasize the legitimacy and breadth of David's family, which was crucial for the stability and future of the kingdom. Finally, the very **Nominalism** (the study and significance of names) is profoundly important, as the inherent meanings of Ibhar ("He chooses"), Elishama ("My God has heard"), and Eliphelet ("My God is deliverance") implicitly convey rich theological messages about God's character, attributes, and active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, even without explicit commentary in the text.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of David's sons in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons"), seemingly a minor detail, profoundly undergirds the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. It demonstrates that God is deeply invested in the minute details of history and the lives of individuals, orchestrating events and preserving lineages to fulfill His divine purposes. This verse, like the broader genealogies of 1 Chronicles, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to the Davidic Covenant, ensuring a perpetual line from which the promised Messiah would ultimately emerge. It reminds us that even in seemingly mundane lists of names, God's sovereign plan is meticulously unfolding, laying the groundwork for the grand narrative of humanity's redemption.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Eternal Covenant with David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons"), though a list of names from ancient history, offers profound truths for contemporary reflection and spiritual nourishment. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, deeply invested not just in grand historical movements but also in the individual lives that comprise them. Just as He carefully preserved the lineage of David, ensuring the precise fulfillment of His promises, so too does He oversee the intricate details of our own lives. This verse encourages us to recognize that our personal histories, our families, and even the seemingly ordinary aspects of our existence are intricately woven into God's larger, unfolding narrative of redemption. It invites us to trust implicitly in His faithfulness, knowing that if He is so attentive to the past, He is certainly attentive to our present circumstances and our future. We are not forgotten or insignificant; we are profoundly part of His grand design, called to live in light of His enduring covenant and sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in genealogies, such as this verse, encourage us about His attention to detail in our own lives and circumstances?**
* **What does the preservation of David's lineage teach us about God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when they seem distant, delayed, or obscured by time?**
* **How can we begin to see our own family histories, personal stories, and even the "ordinary" details of our lives as part of God's larger redemptive narrative, contributing to His overarching purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially seemingly simple lists like 1 Chronicles 3:6?**

Answer: Genealogies are far from simple lists; they are foundational to the biblical narrative and serve critical theological and historical purposes. In ancient Israel, they were vital for establishing tribal identity, validating land inheritance, confirming priestly legitimacy, and, most significantly, demonstrating the divine promise of a perpetual dynasty for David. For the Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, these genealogies—including the precise listing of David's sons in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Sons and Descendants")—were essential for reminding the people of their identity, their heritage, and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenants, particularly the Davidic covenant which pointed directly to the coming Messiah. They provide crucial historical grounding and theological continuity, powerfully illustrating God's sovereign hand guiding history towards His ultimate redemptive plan for humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of David's lineage, including these lesser-known sons, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promise to David—that his "house and his kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever" ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Promise to David")). Every name listed, every generation recorded, serves as a testament to the divine orchestration that ensured the birth of the promised "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, was legally adopted by Joseph, a direct descendant of David (as shown in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary")), thereby fulfilling all the genealogical requirements for the Messiah. Intriguingly, the very meanings of the names in [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons")—Ibhar ("He chooses"), Elishama ("My God has heard"), and Eliphelet ("My God is deliverance")—can be seen as prophetic whispers of Christ's redemptive work: God chose to send His Son into the world to save it ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), He hears the cries of His people and responds with compassion ([Psalm 34:17](/psalm/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry Out")), and He is our ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin and the power of death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Thus, this ancient list of names points forward to the one who perfectly embodies God's choice, His hearing, and His deliverance for all humanity.

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

1 Chronicles 14:5

And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

2 Samuel 5:15

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

1 Samuel 14:5

The forefront of the one [was] situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.