1 Chronicles 4:3
And these [were of] the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister [was] Hazelelponi:
And these were of the father {H1} of Etam {H5862}; Jezreel {H3157}, and Ishma {H3457}, and Idbash {H3031}: and the name {H8034} of their sister {H269} was Hazelelponi {H6753}:
These are [the sons] of the father of 'Eitam: Yizre'el, Yishma and Yidbash; their sister's name was Hatzlelponi.
These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. And their sister was named Hazzelelponi.
And these were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi;
Cross-References
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2 Chronicles 11:6
He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, -
Judges 15:11
Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines [are] rulers over us? what [is] this [that] thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
Commentary
1 Chronicles 4:3 continues the detailed genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically focusing on the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, who was the wife of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:19). This verse lists four children associated with "the father of Etam": Jezreel, Ishma, Idbash, and their sister Hazelelponi. These names contribute to the extensive family tree that establishes the lineage and tribal identity of ancient Israel, particularly important for the post-exilic community.
Historical and Cultural Context
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9) are not mere lists of names; they served a crucial purpose for the returned exiles. They reaffirmed their connection to the covenant people, established land rights, and traced the lineage of the Davidic monarchy and the priesthood. The phrase "the father of Etam" likely refers to the patriarch or founder of the inhabitants of a place named Etam, possibly a town or region within Judah's territory (2 Chronicles 11:6). The inclusion of a sister, Hazelelponi, by name is noteworthy, as female names are less common in these patriarchal lists, suggesting her significance within the family or tribe.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The name Hazelelponi (Hebrew: ืึทืฆึฐืึถืึฐืคึผืึนื ึดื, Hatslelponi) is unique in the biblical text. Its exact meaning is debated but is often associated with "shade" or "shadow" and "turning" or "face." Some propose meanings like "shade coming upon me" or "shadow of turning." While its precise etymology remains somewhat obscure, its distinctiveness in being named alongside her brothers makes her stand out within this genealogical record. The name Jezreel (ืึดืึฐืจึฐืขึถืื, Yizre'el) means "God sows" or "God scatters." While a significant place name and prophetic symbol elsewhere (e.g., in the book of Hosea, particularly Hosea 1:4), here it functions simply as a personal name within this family line.
Practical Application
Even in what might seem like a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 4:3 offers profound lessons. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of how seemingly obscure, plays a part in God's grand design. Our personal histories and family legacies are woven into the larger tapestry of God's work in the world. This verse encourages us to appreciate our heritage, understand our place in the spiritual lineage of faith, and recognize that God remembers and values every person, even those whose stories are briefly told.
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