1 Chronicles 4:17

KJV

And the sons of Ezra [were], Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ezra {H5834} were, Jether {H3500}, and Mered {H4778}, and Epher {H6081}, and Jalon {H3210}: and she bare {H2029} Miriam {H4813}, and Shammai {H8060}, and Ishbah {H3431} the father {H1} of Eshtemoa {H851}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of 'Ezrah: Yeter, Mered, 'Efer and Yalon. These are the sons of Bityah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took as his wife: she conceived Miryam, Shamai and Yishbach the father of Esht'moa; while his Jewish wife bore Yered the father of G'dor, Hever the father of Sokho and Y'kuti'el the father of Zanoach.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:17 meticulously records a segment of the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing the sons of Ezra—Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon—and mentioning Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, with Ishbah identified as the father of Eshtemoa. This verse, embedded within the Chronicler's comprehensive historical account, underscores the importance of lineage for identity, inheritance, and the continuity of God's covenant promises to Israel, highlighting the divine attention to detail in the preservation of His people's heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:17 is situated within the lengthy genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Following a universal genealogy from Adam through Noah and his sons ([1 Chronicles 1:1-23](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam to Noah")), the Chronicler narrows the focus to the descendants of Abraham, then Jacob, and finally concentrates on the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 4 specifically delves into the intricate lineages of Judah, the royal tribe, detailing various clans, families, and individuals, including those associated with specific towns or trades. This verse, therefore, serves as a precise entry within this meticulous record, contributing to the overall aim of establishing the legitimate identity and historical continuity of the post-exilic community by linking them to their pre-exilic ancestors and the covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed after the Babylonian exile, during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). For the returning Jewish community, establishing identity, land rights, and eligibility for priestly service was paramount. Genealogies served as legal documents, verifying claims to ancestral lands in Judah and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines. The detailed nature of these records reflects a society deeply concerned with heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly those related to the land and the Davidic covenant. The mention of specific individuals and their descendants, like Ishbah being the "father of Eshtemoa," also highlights the importance of geographical connections and the establishment of settlements within the tribal territories, reinforcing the community's re-establishment in the promised land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader genealogical sections, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **importance of lineage and heritage** as foundational to Israel's identity and covenantal status. The meticulous record-keeping demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and maintaining His promises across generations, even through periods of national upheaval like the exile. Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereign attention to detail** and His care for individual families within His grand redemptive plan. Even seemingly obscure names are recorded, underscoring that every person has a place in God's story. This attention to detail foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant") which guaranteed an enduring dynasty, ultimately pointing towards the Messiah. The genealogies also reinforce the theme of **continuity and restoration**, bridging the gap between the past glory of Israel and the hopeful future of the returning exiles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ezra (Hebrew, _'Ezra'_):** Meaning "help" or "succor." While this Ezra is distinct from the famous scribe of the post-exilic period, the name itself carries a positive connotation, suggesting divine assistance or support. In the context of a genealogy, it might subtly allude to the divine help extended to the lineage itself.
* **Miriam (Hebrew, _Miryam'_):** A common Hebrew name, famously borne by the sister of Moses and Aaron. Its inclusion here, alongside male descendants, is notable in a patriarchal lineage, suggesting her significant role or the importance of her descendants in the family line. The name's presence provides a familiar echo within the ancient records.
* **Eshtemoa (Hebrew, _'Eshtemoa'_):** This is a place name, indicating a town in the hill country of Judah. Its identification as a city of the priests (Joshua 21:14) suggests that Ishbah's lineage may have had connections to Levitical service or significant land holdings, providing a geographical anchor for this family branch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ezra [were], Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon":** This clause introduces the direct male descendants of a man named Ezra, who is distinct from the well-known scribe. The listing of these four sons establishes a clear line of succession and family identity within the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the patriarchal structure of the genealogies.
* **"and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa":** This phrase shifts focus to the children born by an unnamed "she," likely one of Ezra's wives. The inclusion of Miriam, a female, is noteworthy in a list primarily concerned with male lineage, suggesting her particular significance or the importance of her descendants. Shammai is another son. Ishbah is highlighted not just as a son, but as the "father of Eshtemoa," indicating that his lineage was associated with the founding or prominence of the town of Eshtemoa, a significant detail for territorial and historical identification.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:17, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, is **Cataloging** or **List-Making**. This meticulous enumeration of names and familial relationships serves a crucial historical and theological purpose, establishing legitimacy and continuity. The device of **Patronymic Designation** is also evident, where individuals are identified by their father ("sons of Ezra," "Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa"), reinforcing the patriarchal structure and the importance of male lineage for tracing tribal and land rights. The brief mention of Miriam, a female, could be seen as a subtle form of **Highlighting by Exception**, as female names are less common in these lists, drawing attention to her presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:17, though seemingly a mere list of names, contributes profoundly to the biblical narrative by affirming God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of these detailed lineages underscores the divine commitment to maintain a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. It teaches us that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in God's overarching story, and that God's sovereignty extends to the seemingly mundane details of family history. This attention to lineage also serves to validate the claims of the returning exiles to their ancestral lands and their place within the covenant community, demonstrating God's restorative work.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations")
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Numbers 1:18 - Registration by Families")
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age often characterized by a sense of anonymity and detachment, 1 Chronicles 4:17 offers a profound reminder of the value God places on every individual and every family. This seemingly dry list of names reveals a God who is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously recording the lineage of His people. It encourages us to recognize our own place within God's grand narrative, understanding that our lives, though perhaps not recorded in Scripture, are known and valued by Him. Just as these ancient families contributed to the unfolding of God's plan, so too do our lives and our faithfulness contribute to His ongoing work in the world. It prompts us to appreciate our own heritage, both familial and spiritual, and to consider how our lives connect to the generations that preceded us and those that will follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture challenge our modern tendency to overlook or devalue the "ordinary" details of life?**
* **In what ways does understanding our own family or spiritual heritage contribute to our sense of identity and purpose in God's story?**
* **What does God's attention to seemingly minor details in these genealogies reveal about His character and His care for humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in 1 Chronicles, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) serve several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they **establish identity and legitimacy**, allowing the returning exiles to verify their tribal affiliations, land rights, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. This was vital for rebuilding society and the temple. Secondly, they provide **historical continuity**, linking the current generation back to Adam, Abraham, and the patriarchs, reinforcing their place in God's covenant history. Thirdly, they underscore **God's faithfulness** in preserving His people and His promises, particularly the Davidic line, despite the exile. The meticulous record-keeping demonstrates that God's plan was unfolding precisely as He intended, even through periods of hardship, ensuring the continuation of His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:17 is a specific genealogical entry, its deeper significance, like all Old Testament genealogies, ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah. The meticulous preservation of the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which kings would come, foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The very act of recording these names, ensuring continuity and identity, highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a descendant of David who would reign forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Jesus' own genealogies in the New Testament, found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), directly connect Him to these ancient lines, demonstrating His rightful claim as the promised King and the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes. Thus, even a seemingly obscure verse like 1 Chronicles 4:17 contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Son of David](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27 - Jesus, Son of David"), through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 4:19

And the sons of [his] wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite.

Joshua 15:50

And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

1 Chronicles 6:57

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

1 Samuel 30:28

And to [them] which [were] in Aroer, and to [them] which [were] in Siphmoth, and to [them] which [were] in Eshtemoa,

1 Chronicles 21:24

And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take [that] which [is] thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.