1 Chronicles 4:21

KJV

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah [were], Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Shelah {H7956} the son {H1121} of Judah {H3063} were, Er {H6147} the father {H1} of Lecah {H3922}, and Laadah {H3935} the father {H1} of Mareshah {H4762}, and the families {H4940} of the house {H1004} of them that wrought {H5656} fine linen {H948}, of the house {H1004} of Ashbea {H791},

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shelah the son of Y'hudah: 'Er the father of Lekha, La'adah the father of Mareshah and the clans of fine-linen-workers at Beit-Ashbea,

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shelah son of Judah:

American Standard Version

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 4:21 continues the meticulous genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing descendants of Shelah, one of Judah's sons. Beyond listing notable individuals like Er and Laadah, the verse uniquely highlights "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea," providing a rare glimpse into the specialized occupations and economic contributions of specific family lines within ancient Israel, underscoring the divine preservation of lineage and the dignity of skilled labor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogies of Judah, which span from [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - Genealogies of Judah") through [1 Chronicles 4](/1_chronicles/4 "1 Chronicles 4 - Further Genealogies of Judah"). Following the initial broad outlines of Judah's descendants, Chapter 4 delves into more specific and sometimes fragmented family lines, including those of Caleb and Hur, before returning to Shelah's progeny. The inclusion of occupational details, as seen in this verse, is relatively rare within these lists, making its mention of "fine linen workers" particularly noteworthy. It serves not just as a record of names but also as a snapshot of the community's economic and social fabric, demonstrating the chronicler's interest in the practical contributions of various families to the life of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The compilation of these genealogies in 1 Chronicles was critically important for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. After decades in Babylon, these records served to re-establish tribal identity, validate claims to land inheritance, confirm priestly and Levitical lineages, and reinforce the continuity of God's covenant people. In a society where identity was deeply tied to family and tribe, these lists provided a vital link to the past and a blueprint for rebuilding the future. The mention of "fine linen" (Hebrew: *butz* or *shesh*) refers to a highly prized and luxurious textile, often imported from Egypt. It was used for sacred purposes, such as the elaborate [priestly garments](/exodus/28-5 "Exodus 28:5 - Fine Linen for Priestly Garments") in the Tabernacle and Temple, and for royal or noble attire, as exemplified by [Joseph's robes from Pharaoh](/genesis/41-42 "Genesis 41:42 - Joseph Clothed in Fine Linen"). This detail indicates that this branch of Shelah's descendants possessed a specialized, valuable, and perhaps even sacred craft, contributing significantly to both the economy and the religious life of their community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel") underscores the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, particularly that of Judah, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come, fulfilling the ancient prophecy in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah"). These genealogies connect the returning exiles to the enduring covenant promises of God. Furthermore, the specific inclusion of "them that wrought fine linen" highlights the **Value and Dignity of All Labor**. Even within a seemingly dry list of names, God's Word notices and values the specific skills and contributions of individuals and families. All honest work, whether agricultural, administrative, or skilled craftsmanship, played a vital role in the community and was seen as a legitimate and honorable contribution. Finally, these lists provided a profound sense of **Identity and Heritage**, linking the Israelites to their ancestors and the grand narrative of God's faithful interaction with His people, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity essential for national and spiritual restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelah (Hebrew, _Shēlāh'_):** One of the three sons of Judah by the daughter of Shua the Canaanite, alongside Er and Onan ([Genesis 38:5](/genesis/38-5 "Genesis 38:5 - Birth of Shelah")). Shelah's lineage is significant as it represents a distinct branch of Judah's tribe, contributing to the overall tribal census and demonstrating the diverse family groups that constituted Judah. His descendants, including those mentioned here, were part of the foundational families of Israel.
* **wrought fine linen (Hebrew, _ʻōśēy būts'_):** This phrase specifically refers to those who worked with or manufactured *būts*, a Hebrew term for fine, white linen, often associated with luxurious and sacred garments. Unlike *shesh*, which can refer to the material itself, *būts* often implies the finished product or the craft of making it. The inclusion of this occupational detail is rare and highlights a specific, recognized, and valuable trade within this family line, indicating their expertise and contribution to the material culture and possibly the religious economy of ancient Israel.
* **Ashbea (Hebrew, _ʼAshbēaʻ'_):** The name of the head of the "house" or family that was particularly known for working with fine linen. The mention of Ashbea by name, rather than just "the families," further emphasizes the specific and recognized nature of this craft within his lineage. It suggests a family legacy or specialization, where the skill was passed down through generations, making their contribution distinct and memorable enough to be recorded in the sacred genealogies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Shelah the son of Judah [were], Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah":** This clause establishes the primary lineage being detailed, tracing descendants from Shelah, Judah's son. It then names two prominent figures, Er and Laadah, and their respective sons, Lecah and Mareshah, indicating the continuation and expansion of Shelah's family line. This structure is typical of genealogical lists, showing direct patrilineal descent and identifying key ancestral figures.
* **"and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen":** This is the most distinctive part of the verse. It shifts from naming individuals to identifying a specific group by their occupation. The phrase "families of the house of them that wrought fine linen" highlights a collective identity centered around a specialized craft, suggesting that this was a significant and perhaps hereditary profession within Shelah's descendants. It points to an organized group of artisans who contributed to the material culture of the time.
* **"of the house of Ashbea":** This final phrase further specifies the identity of the fine linen workers, attributing their lineage or primary association to "the house of Ashbea." This could mean Ashbea was the patriarch of this particular branch of Shelah's family, or that he was a particularly renowned or founding figure of this specific craft within the larger family of fine linen workers. It grounds the occupational identity within a concrete family unit.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 4:21, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names and lineages serves to establish historical continuity, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of covenant promises. Within this genealogical framework, the chronicler employs **Emphasis through Detail**, as the specific mention of "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen" stands out amidst a long list of names. This particularity draws attention to the significance of this specialized craft and the family associated with it, suggesting that their contribution was noteworthy enough to be recorded. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** at work, where "them that wrought fine linen" serves as a defining characteristic for the entire "house of Ashbea," allowing the craft to represent the family itself and their collective identity. This highlights how professions could become integral to family heritage and recognition in ancient Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry genealogical entry holds profound theological implications. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His covenant people. Every name, every family, and even every specialized craft recorded, speaks to God's sovereign oversight of history and His people. The inclusion of the "fine linen workers" reminds us that God values not only kings and priests but also artisans and laborers, recognizing their unique contributions to the community and to His purposes. This detail elevates the dignity of all honest work, showing that skills and trades are not incidental but can be integral to one's identity and service within God's plan. It foreshadows the New Testament understanding that every member of God's family has a unique and valued role.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")
* [Exodus 35:35](/exodus/35-35 "God-Given Skill for Craftsmanship")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 4:21, though a single line in a long genealogy, offers rich insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately aware of every detail of our lives, our family histories, and our occupations. Just as He knew the "house of them that wrought fine linen," He knows our unique skills, talents, and the work of our hands. This verse elevates the dignity of all legitimate labor, teaching us that our professions, whether seemingly mundane or highly specialized, can be consecrated to God's glory. Our skills are not merely means to an end but gifts to be stewarded for the good of our communities and the advancement of God's kingdom. Understanding our spiritual heritage as part of God's family through Christ provides a profound sense of identity and purpose, anchoring us in a narrative far grander than our individual stories. We are called to live out our vocations with excellence, knowing that God sees, values, and can use every aspect of our lives for His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in these genealogies encourage you about His awareness of your own life, your family, and your work?**
* **In what ways can your unique skills, talents, or profession be consecrated to God's service and the building up of His kingdom today?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual heritage as a believer, part of God's family through Christ, shape your identity and sense of belonging?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel"), including this verse, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. They were vital for re-establishing tribal identity, confirming land inheritance rights after the return from exile, validating claims to priestly or royal lineage, and demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. They provided a historical anchor and a sense of continuity, linking the present generation to their ancestors and the grand narrative of God's interaction with Israel, ultimately pointing towards the promised Messiah from the line of Judah.

**What was "fine linen" (shesh/butz) used for in ancient Israel, and why is its mention significant here?**

Answer: Fine linen (Hebrew: *shesh* or *butz*) was a highly valued, luxurious textile in the ancient Near East, often imported from Egypt. It was used for sacred purposes, such as the elaborate [priestly garments](/exodus/28-5 "Exodus 28:5 - Fine Linen for Priestly Garments") worn in the Tabernacle and Temple, and for royal or noble attire, symbolizing purity, wealth, and high status, as seen with [Joseph being dressed in fine linen by Pharaoh](/genesis/41-42 "Genesis 41:42 - Joseph Clothed in Fine Linen"). Its mention in 1 Chronicles 4:21 is significant because it highlights a specific, specialized, and economically important craft within a particular family line, demonstrating that the chronicler valued and recorded not just political or religious leaders, but also those who contributed through skilled labor.

**Does God truly care about our jobs or crafts today, as suggested by this verse?**

Answer: Absolutely. This verse, by meticulously recording a family known for their craft, underscores the biblical principle that God values all legitimate work. The Bible teaches that God gifts individuals with skills and abilities, as seen in [Exodus 35:35](/exodus/35-35 "Exodus 35:35 - God-Given Skill for Craftsmanship") where artisans are filled with the Spirit for Tabernacle construction. Our work, whether seemingly mundane or highly specialized, can be an act of worship and service to God and our communities. It is part of our calling and contributes to the flourishing of society, reflecting God's own creative nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Judah's lineage in 1 Chronicles 4:21, including the specific detail of "the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. These genealogies serve as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises, particularly the one concerning a king from Judah who would reign forever, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah") and affirmed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "Davidic Covenant"). Jesus Christ is the promised descendant of Judah, the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, the inclusion of a family known for their specialized craft foreshadows the diverse and valued contributions within the New Covenant community, the body of Christ. Just as every family and skill was important in the old covenant, so too every member of Christ's body, with their unique spiritual gifts and callings, is essential for the building up of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for the Body of Christ")). In Christ, our identity is no longer primarily tied to earthly lineage or profession, but to our adoption as sons and daughters of God ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Children of God Through Faith")), and our work, whatever it may be, becomes an act of worship offered to Him ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Work Heartily for the Lord")).

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.