1 Chronicles 4:5

And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

And Ashur {H806} the father {H1} of Tekoa {H8620} had two {H8147} wives {H802}, Helah {H2458} and Naarah {H5292}.

Ashur the father of T'koa had two wives, Hel'ah and Na'arah.

Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

And Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

1 Chronicles 4:5 introduces us to Ashur, identified as "the father of Tekoa," and details his two wives, Helah and Naarah. This verse is part of the extensive genealogical records found in the early chapters of 1 Chronicles, which meticulously trace the lineage of the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah, leading up to the Davidic monarchy.

Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles begins with nine chapters dedicated almost entirely to genealogies, serving to connect the post-exilic community with their heritage and God's covenant promises. This specific verse falls within the lineage of Judah, highlighting significant families and their contributions. Ashur is noted as the patriarch or founder of Tekoa, a town in the southern kingdom of Judah that later became known as the home of the prophet Amos. The mention of multiple wives, while common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflects a practice that often led to complex family dynamics, as seen in other biblical narratives.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Foundation: The primary purpose is to document the historical continuity of God's people. These detailed genealogical records were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of leadership within Israel.
  • Founding of Communities: Ashur's designation as "father of Tekoa" underscores the importance of key individuals in establishing and leading significant settlements. This highlights the development of Israelite society beyond nomadic tribes into settled communities.
  • Social Norms of the Era: The mention of Ashur having two wives, Helah and Naarah, provides a glimpse into the social practices of the time. While polygamy was practiced, it was not God's original design for marriage, which is presented as a union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24).

Linguistic Insights

The name Ashur (אשור - 'Ashshur) here refers to a personal name and should not be confused with the nation of Assyria. Tekoa (תקוע - Teqoa') is a place name, possibly meaning "a pitching of tents" or "fixed abode," reflecting its role as a settled community.

Practical Application

While seemingly a simple record of names, 1 Chronicles 4:5 reminds us of the importance of roots and identity. For the original audience, it reinforced their connection to a covenant-keeping God through their lineage. For us today, it underscores that even the seemingly mundane details of history are part of God's larger narrative. It also serves as a subtle reminder of societal norms versus God's ideal, encouraging us to seek His perfect will in all areas of life, including family structure.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:24

    And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.
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