1 Chronicles 6:30

KJV

Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shimea {H8092} his son {H1121}, Haggiah {H2293} his son {H1121}, Asaiah {H6222} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Shim'a, his son Hagiyah and his son 'Asayah.

Berean Standard Bible

Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.

American Standard Version

Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:30, a concise entry within the extensive Levitical genealogies, meticulously records a segment of the lineage of Gershom, one of Levi's sons, specifically tracing Shimea, Haggiah, and Asaiah. This seemingly simple verse underscores the Chronicler's profound emphasis on divine order, the unbroken continuity of God's covenant people, and the vital importance of legitimate heritage for priestly and temple service in post-exilic Israel, reflecting God's sovereign and detailed involvement in the lives of His chosen servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles is almost entirely dedicated to the detailed genealogies of the Levites, tracing the descendants of Levi's three sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. This meticulous record served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community for whom the Book of Chronicles was primarily written: to establish and affirm the legitimate lines for priestly service, temple duties, and tribal identity. Verse [1 Chronicles 6:30](/1_chronicles/6-30 "1 Chronicles 6:30 - A Levitical Lineage") is situated within the lineage of Gershom, specifically detailing a segment of the line that eventually leads to Asaph, a prominent Levite musician and choirmaster appointed by King David, whose significant role in worship is highlighted in passages like [1 Chronicles 16:5](/1_chronicles/16-5 "1 Chronicles 16:5 - Asaph's Role in Worship"). The inclusion of such detailed lists, stretching back to the patriarchs (as seen from [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Israel")), reinforces the Chronicler's intent to demonstrate continuity and divine faithfulness through Israel's history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was compiled during the post-exilic period, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. For this community, identity, land rights, and especially the re-establishment of proper temple worship were paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They proved one's tribal affiliation, eligibility for inheritance, and, most critically for the Levites, their legitimate right to serve in the newly rebuilt Temple. The meticulous tracing of lines, even seemingly minor ones like [1 Chronicles 6:30](/1_chronicles/6-30 "1 Chronicles 6:30 - A Link in the Chain"), provided assurance to the returning exiles that their lineage was valid and that the divinely ordained structure of worship could be properly restored, connecting their present reality directly to their pre-exilic heritage and the covenant promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the genealogies it belongs to, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Meticulousness**. God's sovereign plan for Israel's worship and societal structure is revealed in the precise preservation of these lineages, demonstrating His attention to every detail, even down to individual names. Second, the repeated "his son" emphasizes **Continuity and Heritage**, highlighting the unbroken chain of generational transfer of identity, responsibility, and covenant blessings, particularly within the Levitical priesthood and its service. This continuity was crucial for a community striving to rebuild after exile, assuring them of their legitimate place in God's ongoing story. Finally, these genealogies underscore **Historical Veracity and Legitimacy**, lending credibility to the biblical narrative and affirming the historical reality of the people and events described. They provided a tangible link for the post-exilic community to their past, ensuring the proper administration of the Temple and the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society, as the Chronicler aims to show God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, from [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Adam to Israel") through to the return from exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shimea (Hebrew, _Shim'a'_):** This name, meaning "hearing" or "report," appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals in significant lineages. In this context, it marks a specific individual in the Gershomite line, emphasizing the continuity of the family. The name itself can subtly hint at the importance of hearing and obeying God's word, a foundational aspect of the Levitical service.
* **Haggiah (Hebrew, _Chaggiyah'_):** Meaning "feast of Yah" or "festival of the Lord," this name is particularly fitting for a descendant in a Levitical line, whose primary role was to facilitate Israel's worship and observance of God's appointed feasts. It subtly connects the individual's identity to the core functions of the Levites in the tabernacle and later the Temple.
* **Asaiah (Hebrew, _'Asayah'_):** Meaning "the Lord has made" or "the Lord has done," this name is a theophoric name, incorporating a divine element ("Yah"). It reflects a common practice in ancient Israelite naming, expressing a theological statement or a parent's gratitude for God's action. In the context of a genealogical list, it serves as a quiet testimony to God's active involvement and providential hand in the lives of individuals, even those seemingly minor in the grand narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shimea his son":** This phrase introduces the first individual in this specific segment of the lineage. The possessive "his son" clearly indicates direct paternal descent, establishing a precise link in the generational chain. It signifies the transfer of identity and, implicitly, the potential for inheriting responsibilities associated with the Levitical line.
* **"Haggiah his son":** Following the same formula, this clause identifies Haggiah as the direct descendant of Shimea. The repetitive structure reinforces the unbroken nature of the lineage, emphasizing continuity and the meticulous recording of each generation. It underscores the precision deemed necessary for establishing legitimacy in the post-exilic community.
* **"Asaiah his son":** This final clause in the verse names Asaiah as the son of Haggiah, completing this particular three-generation segment. The consistent use of "his son" throughout the genealogies in Chronicles highlights the importance of direct, verifiable lineage for the Levites, who were responsible for the sacred duties of the Temple. This formula is a hallmark of biblical genealogies, providing clarity and establishing historical and theological connections across generations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 6:30](/1_chronicles/6-30 "1 Chronicles 6:30 - A Genealogical Entry") is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a literary genre to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The Chronicler employs this device extensively to connect the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots and to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. Within this genealogical framework, **Repetition** is a key technique, specifically the recurring phrase "his son." This anaphoric repetition emphasizes the direct, unbroken chain of descent, reinforcing the theme of continuity and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. Furthermore, the use of **Onomastics** (the study of names) is subtly present, as the names themselves (e.g., Asaiah, "the Lord has made") often carry theological meaning, providing miniature theological statements embedded within the historical record and implicitly testifying to God's active presence in the lives of these individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 6:30 may appear as a mere list of names, it profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their divinely ordained roles. The very act of recording these genealogies, especially for the Levites, underscores the theological conviction that God works through specific individuals and families across generations to accomplish His purposes. It speaks to the idea that no detail is too small for God's sovereign plan, and even seemingly insignificant entries contribute to the grand narrative of His redemptive work. For the post-exilic community, this verse, like the broader genealogies, was a powerful affirmation of their identity and legitimacy, assuring them that despite exile and displacement, God's promises and the structure of His worship remained intact through the unbroken lineage of His chosen servants.

* [Exodus 6:16-19](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16-19 - The Sons of Levi") - Details the foundational lineage of Levi's sons, Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, from whom all Levitical families descended, establishing the basis for the genealogies in Chronicles.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry") - Highlights the critical importance of genealogical records for those returning from exile, particularly for priests and Levites, to prove their legitimate claim to service and inheritance.
* [Nehemiah 7:61-65](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61-65 - Disputed Genealogies") - Further emphasizes the necessity of verifiable lineage for those claiming priestly or Levitical roles, showing that those without clear records were excluded from sacred service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly "dry" genealogies of 1 Chronicles 6:30 offer profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who orchestrates history and individual lives with precision and purpose. Just as He carefully preserved the lineage of the Levites for the continuity of worship, He meticulously works in our lives, shaping our heritage, gifts, and circumstances for His glory. It challenges us to see the value in every part of God's Word, even the lists of names, recognizing that each element contributes to the larger tapestry of His redemptive plan. Furthermore, it encourages us to embrace our own place within God's ongoing story, understanding that our seemingly small contributions or obscure roles are nonetheless significant in His divine economy. We are part of a continuous spiritual heritage, called to faithfulness in our generation, just as those named in this verse were in theirs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving genealogies, as seen in this verse, encourage you about His care for the "small" details of your own life?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to dismiss parts of Scripture as "insignificant," and how does a verse like 1 Chronicles 6:30 challenge that perspective?**
* **What is the significance of understanding our spiritual heritage (e.g., the lineage of faith, the history of the Church) and how does it inform our present calling and identity in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons, particularly in Chronicles. They establish **legitimacy** for tribal identity, land inheritance, and especially for priestly and Levitical service. For the post-exilic community, these records were vital to prove their right to participate in the rebuilt Temple worship and to claim their ancestral lands. They also demonstrate God's **faithfulness** in preserving His covenant people through generations, fulfilling His promises. Furthermore, genealogies provide **historical continuity**, linking the present generation to their past, all the way back to the patriarchs and even Adam, affirming the historical reality of the biblical narrative and showing the unfolding of God's plan through specific families and individuals. This is evident in the meticulous records found in books like [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - Return from Exile and Genealogies") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of genealogies, exemplified by 1 Chronicles 6:30, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's emphasis on unbroken lineage and divine order in the Levitical priesthood foreshadows the perfect High Priest, Jesus, whose own genealogy is meticulously recorded in the New Testament. God's faithfulness in preserving the lines of Levi for temple service, and more broadly the line of David for kingship, culminates in the arrival of the Messiah. The very precision with which names like Shimea, Haggiah, and Asaiah are listed points to the divine providence that guided history, ensuring that the "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") would indeed come through a specific, verifiable lineage. Jesus' genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") are not mere historical notes but theological declarations that God's detailed plan, evident even in seemingly minor Old Testament lists, perfectly converged in the Incarnation of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, these ancient lists affirm the historical reality and divine precision behind God's unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all promises and the perfect High Priest who mediates a new and better covenant.

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.