1 Chronicles 4:2

KJV

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These [are] the families of the Zorathites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Reaiah {H7211} the son {H1121} of Shobal {H7732} begat {H3205} Jahath {H3189}; and Jahath {H3189} begat {H3205} Ahumai {H267}, and Lahad {H3855}. These are the families {H4940} of the Zorathites {H6882}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Re'ayah the son of Shoval fathered Yachat; Yachat fathered Achumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Tzor'ati.

Berean Standard Bible

Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.

American Standard Version

And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:2 is a concise but significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing a line of descent from Shobal through Reaiah, Jahath, Ahumai, and Lahad, identifying them as "the families of the Zorathites." This verse, like others in the Chronicler's record, serves to establish the continuity of God's people, affirm tribal identity and inheritance rights for the post-exilic community, and underscore the divine faithfulness in preserving specific lineages that contribute to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 4:2 is situated within the lengthy genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. These chapters meticulously trace the lineage of Israel from Adam, with a particular emphasis on the twelve tribes, and especially the tribe of Judah (chapters 2-4). This specific verse falls within the detailed account of Judah's descendants, following the broader overview of Caleb's family and preceding further lists of Judahite clans and their settlements. It serves as a precise link in a vast chain, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to establishing the historical continuity and legitimacy of the post-exilic community by connecting them directly to their ancestral roots. The inclusion of specific family lines, even those without extensive narrative, highlights the Chronicler's theological purpose of demonstrating God's faithful preservation of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely written for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, sometime in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For this community, establishing clear genealogies was paramount. It was essential for re-affirming tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral lands, determining eligibility for priestly service, and reinforcing a sense of national and religious continuity after the trauma of exile. The extensive focus on the tribe of Judah, as seen in this verse, underscores its unique significance as the royal tribe from which King David came, and through whom God established an eternal covenant for kingship, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). The mention of "Zorathites" further grounds this lineage geographically, connecting these families to the town of Zorah, a known location in the Shephelah region, reinforcing their place within the historical and physical landscape of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the genealogies, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **continuity of God's people** through generations, demonstrating that despite exile and disruption, God preserved a remnant and their lineage. Secondly, it highlights **divine preservation and faithfulness**, showcasing God's meticulous care in maintaining the family lines through whom His covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant (see [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and the Davidic covenant, would ultimately be fulfilled. Thirdly, it speaks to the **importance of identity and belonging** within the community of faith. Every name, even those not associated with heroic deeds, represents an individual and a family unit with a distinct place and purpose within the larger tapestry of Israel, underscoring that every part of God's people is valued and remembered in His historical record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Begat" (Hebrew, יָלַד, _yalad'_):** This verb, frequently used in biblical genealogies, signifies not merely biological procreation but also the passing down of heritage, lineage, and covenantal identity. In the context of Chronicles, it emphasizes the unbroken chain of succession and the divine hand in preserving the continuity of families and tribes, ensuring the fulfillment of promises through specific lines.
* **"Families" (Hebrew, מִשְׁפָּחָה, _mishpachah'_):** This term refers to a clan or an extended family unit, often comprising multiple households tracing descent from a common ancestor. Its use here highlights the corporate identity of the Zorathites, emphasizing that the individuals named (Reaiah, Jahath, Ahumai, Lahad) are not isolated figures but integral members of a larger, identifiable social and tribal group within Judah.
* **"Zorathites" (Hebrew, הַצָּרְעָתִי, _hat-Tsor'ati'_):** This ethnonym indicates a group or clan associated with the town of Zorah. Zorah was a significant town in the Shephelah, known for being the birthplace of Samson ([Judges 13:2](/judges/13-2 "Judges 13:2 - Birthplace of Samson")). Identifying these families by their geographical affiliation underscores their specific place within the tribal land allocations and their contribution to the broader Judahite presence in the region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath":** This clause establishes the initial link in the lineage, identifying Reaiah as the son of Shobal. Shobal is noted elsewhere in 1 Chronicles 2:50 as "the father of Kirjath-jearim," indicating his prominence as a founder or leader within Caleb's lineage, a significant branch of Judah. This connection grounds Reaiah within a well-established and important family line.
* **"and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad":** This continues the direct line of descent, showing Jahath as the father of two individuals, Ahumai and Lahad. The mention of two sons indicates a branching of the family, further detailing the expansion and diversification of this particular clan within Judah. While no specific deeds are attributed to these individuals, their inclusion signifies their importance in the familial and tribal structure, ensuring their place in the historical and spiritual heritage of Israel.
* **"These [are] the families of the Zorathites":** This concluding statement serves as an identifier, categorizing the entire lineage just described (Reaiah, Jahath, Ahumai, and Lahad) as belonging to the "families of the Zorathites." This designation firmly connects these individuals and their descendants to the geographical and tribal identity associated with the town of Zorah, reinforcing their specific role and location within the broader tribe of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:2, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. It establishes **Continuity**, demonstrating the unbroken chain of God's people from creation through the patriarchs and tribes, reassuring the post-exilic community of their legitimate heritage. The device of **Repetition**, particularly the recurring "begat," reinforces the unbroken succession and the divine preservation of lineage. Furthermore, the focus on **Nominalism**, the act of naming and recording individuals, underscores the Chronicler's belief in the significance of every person within God's unfolding plan, even those not highlighted for specific deeds. Each name represents a unique life and a vital link in the divine narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 4:2 holds profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, even amidst periods of national decline and exile. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies, especially for Judah, underscores the divine commitment to the promises made to Abraham and David, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This verse reminds us that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and families, highlighting the corporate nature of His covenant people and the significance of every "link" in that chain. It demonstrates that God remembers and values every part of His people, regardless of their historical prominence.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Genealogies of Those Who Returned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern reader, 1 Chronicles 4:2, though a genealogical entry, offers significant spiritual insights. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, who cares for every individual and every family, even those whose lives are not extensively chronicled. Just as Reaiah, Jahath, Ahumai, and Lahad had their specific place and purpose in God's historical plan for Israel, so too does every believer today have a unique and valued role in His unfolding kingdom. We are not isolated individuals but are part of a vast spiritual lineage, connected to Christ and to a heritage that extends through generations of faith. This verse encourages us to appreciate our roots, whether physical or spiritual, and to recognize that our lives, though seemingly ordinary, contribute to God's grand narrative, reflecting His faithfulness and our belonging to His eternal family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names in Scripture, even seemingly obscure ones, challenge our modern tendency to overlook "ordinary" lives or individuals?**
* **In what ways does understanding our spiritual lineage in Christ, as part of God's continuous story, provide a sense of identity and belonging for us today?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His plan through generations, even when human circumstances seem to threaten continuity?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so prevalent in 1 Chronicles, and what was their primary purpose for the original audience?**

Answer: Genealogies are indeed a dominant feature of 1 Chronicles, particularly in the first nine chapters. Their prevalence stems from their crucial importance to the post-exilic community for whom the book was written. Firstly, they served to re-establish and affirm **identity and legitimacy** for a people returning from exile, helping them reconnect with their ancestral heritage and understand their place within God's covenant people. Secondly, they were vital for **land claims and inheritance rights**, ensuring that families could reclaim their ancestral territories according to divine mandate. Thirdly, specific genealogies, especially for the Levites and priests, were essential for **re-establishing temple worship and priestly service** in Jerusalem. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, these genealogies, particularly the extensive focus on the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, served a profound **theological purpose**: to demonstrate God's unwavering **faithfulness** in preserving His people and His covenant promises, especially the Davidic covenant (see [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")), through generations, pointing forward to the coming Messiah. They provided a sense of continuity, hope, and divine purpose for a community rebuilding its life and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 4:2 details an ancient lineage within the tribe of Judah, its ultimate significance is found in its contribution to the grand narrative that culminates in Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of these genealogies, especially those of Judah, foreshadows God's sovereign hand guiding history toward the birth of the promised Messiah. Every name, including Reaiah, Jahath, Ahumai, and Lahad, represents a link in the chain that ultimately leads to the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David"), Jesus. The very existence of such detailed records in the Old Testament underscores the importance of physical lineage for the incarnation of God's Son, whose own genealogies are carefully recorded in the New Testament (see [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus")). These ancient "families of the Zorathites" are part of the broader human story through which God brought forth the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Christ, the focus shifts from physical lineage to spiritual adoption, as all who believe are now united into a new spiritual family, becoming [fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"), fulfilling God's promise to build a people for Himself through the ultimate descendant of Judah.

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

Judges 13:25

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Joshua 15:33

[And] in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

1 Chronicles 2:52

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, [and] half of the Manahethites.

1 Chronicles 2:54

The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.