1 Chronicles 3:9

1 Chronicles 3:9 concludes the enumeration of David's sons born in Jerusalem, providing a summary statement that acknowledges the full scope of his offspring. This verse is part of the extensive genealogies found in the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, which trace the lineage of Israel from Adam, culminating in the royal line of David.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles begins with meticulous genealogies, establishing the historical and theological continuity of God's people. Chapters 1-9 are dedicated to these lists, with a particular focus on the tribes of Judah and Levi, and crucially, the royal line of David. 1 Chronicles 3:1-8 specifically lists David's sons born in Hebron and then those born in Jerusalem, providing their names and mothers. Verse 9 acts as a concluding summary for this section, emphasizing that the preceding list covers "all the sons of David" who were born to his principal wives, while also explicitly mentioning his children by concubines and his prominent daughter, Tamar. This detailed record was vital for establishing legitimacy, land rights, and the continuity of the Davidic covenant after the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

• Completeness of the Record: The phrase "all the sons of David" highlights the comprehensive nature of the genealogical account. This meticulous documentation underscores the divine providence in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, a central theme of biblical history.
• Inclusion of Concubine's Sons: The mention of "the sons of the concubines" indicates that children born from secondary wives were recognized as part of David's household and lineage, even if they often held a different legal or social standing than those born to principal wives. This reflects the complex family structures of ancient Israel.
• Tamar's Prominence: The specific inclusion of "Tamar their sister" is significant. She is the only daughter explicitly named in this list of sons, drawing attention to her unique and tragic story recounted in 2 Samuel 13. Her inclusion in this royal genealogy, despite the scandal associated with her, demonstrates the Bible's unflinching honesty in recording history, including the imperfections and sufferings within the most prominent families.
• Divine Faithfulness through Human Imperfection: This verse, like much of David's family history, reveals that God's plan for the Davidic dynasty and the future Messiah unfolded through a family marked by human sin, polygamy, and tragedy. It underscores the enduring nature of God's promises despite human failures, particularly the Davidic Covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "concubines" (*pilagesh*) refers to a secondary wife, often of lower status than a primary wife, but whose children were still considered legitimate within the family structure. The specific naming of Tamar (Hebrew: תָּמָר, Tamar, meaning "date palm") among a list predominantly featuring sons is a striking detail, emphasizing her distinct identity and the indelible mark of her story on David's family history.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that the Bible is a realistic portrayal of human history, including the complexities and challenges of family life, even within a royal lineage. It highlights that God works through imperfect people and intricate circumstances to fulfill His sovereign purposes. For us today, it teaches that our family histories, with all their joys and sorrows, are part of a larger divine narrative. It encourages us to look beyond surface appearances and acknowledge the full truth of our past, trusting that God's plan prevails through every generation.