1 Chronicles 5:17

KJV

All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these were reckoned by genealogies {H3187} in the days {H3117} of Jotham {H3147} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and in the days {H3117} of Jeroboam {H3379} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All these were listed in genealogies during the times of Yotam king of Y'hudah and Yarov'am king of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

All of them were reckoned in the genealogies during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.

American Standard Version

All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:17 serves as a crucial historical validation within the extensive genealogical records of ancient Israel, specifically authenticating the meticulous compilation and preservation of tribal lineages. This verse timestamps the official registration of these records, affirming their existence and reliability during the reigns of King Jotham of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel, thereby reinforcing the Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of God's covenant people and their heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with an exhaustive nine-chapter genealogical account, tracing the lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's primary purpose: to remind the returned exiles of their identity as God's chosen people, their covenant heritage, and their rightful claim to the land and its promises. Chapter 5 specifically details the genealogies of the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—who settled east of the Jordan River. Verse 17 acts as a historical parenthetical, interjecting a note of authority and reliability regarding the compilation of these specific tribal records, confirming that the information presented was not merely oral tradition but formally "reckoned by genealogies," or officially registered. This historical anchor lends credibility to the preceding and subsequent lists, reinforcing the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy for his audience, who needed assurance of their place within God's grand narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were far more than mere family trees in ancient Israel; they were foundational to legal, social, religious, and military structures. They determined land inheritance, tribal identity, eligibility for priestly service, military conscription, and even social standing. The phrase "reckoned by genealogies" implies an official, possibly state-sanctioned, census or registration. The mention of King Jotham of Judah (c. 750-735 BC) and King Jeroboam II of Israel (c. 793-753 BC) provides a significant chronological marker. While these kings did not reign concurrently, their combined mention suggests that the genealogical data was either compiled from sources originating in these periods of relative stability and prosperity for both kingdoms, or that these records were actively maintained and referenced during these significant eras. For the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler wrote, such historical validation was vital for re-establishing their identity, land claims, and religious practices after generations of displacement and loss, connecting them directly to their pre-exilic heritage and the foundational covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **the enduring importance of lineage and identity** for the people of Israel, emphasizing that their connection to God's covenant promises was intrinsically tied to their tribal and familial heritage. The meticulous preservation of these records underscored their unique status as God's chosen people, distinct from surrounding nations, as seen in the importance of tribal registration for land allocation in [Numbers 26:52](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52 - Division of Land by Lot"). Secondly, it reinforces the **Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the preservation of truth**. By providing specific royal reigns as timestamps, the text assures the reader of the records' authenticity and reliability, demonstrating that the narratives are grounded in verifiable history, not myth. This emphasis on documented history serves to validate the claims and identity of the returned exiles. Finally, the verse subtly points to **God's providential oversight and faithfulness across generations**. Even in the seemingly mundane details of genealogies, God's hand is evident in preserving the identity and continuity of His people, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises, including the eventual coming of the Messiah through a specific, divinely ordained lineage, as hinted at in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reckoned (Hebrew, _hityached'_):** This verb, derived from the root יָחַד (yachad), meaning "to be united" or "to be joined," here takes on a reflexive or passive sense in the Hithpael stem, meaning "to be enrolled by lineage," "to be registered," or "to be listed according to one's family or tribal descent." It conveys a strong sense of official, precise, and authoritative documentation, indicating that these were not casual or informal records but formally maintained tribal rosters, likely for purposes of census, military service, land allocation, or temple service. The term emphasizes the systematic and verifiable nature of the genealogical compilation.
* **Genealogies (Hebrew, _yachas'_):** This noun, closely related to the verb _hityached_, specifically refers to a "genealogical enrollment" or "register." It denotes the formal, written record of one's ancestry or lineage, often compiled for official purposes. The use of this term underscores the meticulous and documented nature of the records being referenced, highlighting their importance as legal and historical documents rather than mere oral traditions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these were reckoned by genealogies":** This clause refers to the individuals and families of the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) whose lineages are detailed in the preceding verses of 1 Chronicles 5. The phrase "reckoned by genealogies" emphasizes that their tribal and family affiliations were not merely known but were officially compiled, registered, and verified in written records. This implies a formal process of documentation, ensuring accuracy and authenticity, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity, land rights, and social order in ancient Israel.
* **"in the days of Jotham king of Judah":** This specifies a historical period during which these genealogical records were either compiled, updated, or officially recognized. Jotham reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 750-735 BC. His inclusion provides a chronological anchor for the records, suggesting their existence and validation during a time of relative stability and prosperity for Judah. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic audience, uses this detail to lend historical credibility and authority to the genealogies.
* **"and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel":** This further extends the historical timeframe, referencing Jeroboam II, who reigned over the Northern Kingdom of Israel from approximately 793-753 BC. While Jeroboam II and Jotham did not rule concurrently, their reigns represent significant periods in the history of both kingdoms. The mention of Jeroboam II indicates that these genealogical records concerning the Transjordanian tribes (which included territory of the Northern Kingdom) were also maintained or referenced during his era, possibly reflecting records from a united Israelite past or a period when such documentation was vital for both kingdoms. This dual reference underscores the comprehensive and historically grounded nature of the Chronicler's sources.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 5:17 employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is **Historicism**, where the text deliberately anchors its narrative in verifiable historical events and figures (the reigns of Jotham and Jeroboam II). This serves to validate the authenticity and reliability of the genealogical data presented, assuring the post-exilic audience that their heritage is rooted in genuine historical fact. The verse also functions as a **Chronological Marker**, providing a specific temporal reference point for the compilation or verification of these records. This precise dating elevates the genealogies from mere lists to documented historical artifacts. Furthermore, the verse acts as an **Affirmation** or **Validation**, explicitly stating that these records "were reckoned by genealogies," thereby asserting their official and authoritative status. This rhetorical move strengthens the Chronicler's argument for the continuity and legitimacy of God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry historical note in 1 Chronicles 5:17 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. By validating the genealogies through specific historical reigns, the Chronicler reinforces the idea that God's plan unfolds within real human history, not merely in abstract theological concepts. The preservation of these lineages, even through periods of national division and exile, testifies to God's providential hand guiding the destiny of Israel. It emphasizes that every individual, every family, and every tribe played a role in God's grand narrative, meticulously recorded because they were part of His chosen people. This divine attention to detail in human lineage ultimately points to the precision with which God orchestrates His redemptive plan, ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time for His purposes.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"): The foundational promises to Abraham regarding land, nation, and blessing are inherently tied to his descendants, making the preservation of lineage crucial for the fulfillment of these covenants.
* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census of Israel"): This passage details the divine command for a census by lineage, highlighting the importance of tribal registration for military organization and the allocation of responsibilities within the community.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Lineage"): In the post-exilic period, the inability to prove one's lineage could result in exclusion from priestly service or community benefits, demonstrating the continued vital importance of these records for identity and privilege.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 5:17, while detailing ancient record-keeping, offers timeless insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, whose plans unfold with precision, even through what might seem like mundane historical records. Just as the ancient Israelites found their identity and inheritance rooted in their meticulously preserved genealogies, so too do believers today find their identity and inheritance rooted in their spiritual lineage—being adopted into God's family through Christ. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness across generations. It prompts us to consider how God's providential hand guides even the seemingly insignificant aspects of our lives, weaving them into His larger redemptive tapestry. Our past, our present, and our future are all held securely within His sovereign plan, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's attention to historical detail in genealogies impact your view of His oversight in your own life?**
* **In what ways does your spiritual heritage (the history of faith, the church, and God's work through generations) shape your identity today?**
* **What "records" or traditions in your faith community are important for preserving its identity and mission, and how are they being maintained?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so extensively detailed in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple critical purposes beyond simple family trees. They are foundational for establishing tribal identity, determining land inheritance (as seen in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Tribe")), validating claims to priesthood or kingship, and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. For the post-exilic community, the Chronicler's genealogies were vital for re-establishing their national and religious identity, proving their lineage to Abraham and the twelve tribes, and reasserting their right to the land and the temple worship. They also meticulously trace the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line.

**Why does 1 Chronicles 5:17 mention two kings, Jotham of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel, who did not reign concurrently?**

Answer: The mention of Jotham (Southern Kingdom) and Jeroboam II (Northern Kingdom) serves to provide a broad chronological span and to emphasize the historical depth and reliability of the genealogical records. While they did not rule at the exact same time, their reigns represent significant periods of stability and prominence for both Judah and Israel in the 8th century BC. The Chronicler is likely indicating that the genealogical data for the Transjordanian tribes (which encompassed territory from both kingdoms) was either compiled from sources originating in these eras or was actively maintained and referenced during these periods. This dual reference underscores the comprehensive nature of the records and their relevance across the divided kingdom, lending greater authority to the Chronicler's historical account.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of genealogies, so carefully noted in 1 Chronicles 5:17, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The seemingly dry lists of names and lineages were not merely historical artifacts but divinely orchestrated pathways, ensuring the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises concerning the Messiah. The Old Testament genealogies, including those of the Transjordanian tribes, ultimately point to the faithfulness of God in preserving a people and a lineage through whom the "seed" of Abraham, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," would come ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "The Promise to Abraham's Seed"); [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")). The New Testament begins with the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") in Matthew, tracing His legal descent through Joseph to David and Abraham, while Luke provides a different lineage, possibly through Mary, back to Adam, demonstrating His universal connection to humanity ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "The Genealogy of Jesus")). These New Testament genealogies confirm that Jesus is the rightful heir to the Davidic throne and the ultimate fulfillment of all the promises made to Israel. He is the one in whom all tribal identities converge, and through whom all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage, are "reckoned by genealogies" into the family of God, becoming co-heirs with Christ ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 5:17, in its attention to the details of human lineage, subtly foreshadows the divine precision with which God brought forth His Son, the Christ, the culmination of all history and the ultimate fulfillment of every promise.

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.