1 Chronicles 9:42

1 Chronicles 9:42 is a genealogical verse that continues the detailed record of lineages within the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing descendants of King Saul through his son Jonathan. This verse states: "And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;"

Context

This verse appears in a section of 1 Chronicles (9:35-44) that is almost identical to 1 Chronicles 8:29-38. It meticulously lists the lineage of King Saul, the first king of Israel, through his son Jonathan. The Ahaz mentioned here is not the King Ahaz of Judah (who appears much later in Israel's history and is known from books like Isaiah and 2 Kings), but rather a specific individual within Saul's ancestral line. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies served a vital purpose for the post-exilic community: to re-establish tribal identities, priestly courses, and the historical continuity of Israel, connecting them back to their foundational figures and God's covenant promises. The inclusion of Saul's lineage, even though his kingdom ultimately failed, underscores the meticulous preservation of records and the intricate web of family relationships that formed the nation of Israel.

Key Themes

• Divine Preservation of Records: The very existence of such detailed lists, even for lineages that did not directly lead to the Messiah, highlights God's meticulous care and the importance of historical accuracy in the biblical narrative. It shows His faithfulness in preserving the records of His people.
• Historical Continuity: Genealogies like this one bridge generations, providing a continuous thread from the past to the present. They affirm the unbroken connection of the Israelites to their ancestors and to the divine plan that unfolded through them.
• The Significance of "Begat": The repeated phrase "begat" (from the Hebrew verb yalad) emphasizes the direct, biological transmission of lineage and heritage. It is a simple yet profound statement of continuity and the perpetuation of family lines, crucial for tribal identity and the fulfillment of promises related to descendants.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "begat" is yalad (יָלַד), which means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." Its repeated use in genealogies like this one underscores the direct, biological succession of generations. While the individual names (Ahaz, Jarah, Alemeth, Azmaveth, Zimri, Moza) each have their own meanings, the primary focus of this verse is on the act of procreation and the continuation of the family line, rather than the specific significance of each name in this context.

Related Scriptures

For a parallel account of this specific lineage, you can refer to 1 Chronicles 8:36-38. The broader context of biblical genealogies serves to establish the lineage for significant figures, including the Messianic line leading to Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament. Early examples of detailed lineage records can also be found in Genesis 5, illustrating the Bible's consistent emphasis on family history.

Practical Application

While a list of names might seem less immediately applicable than other scriptures, 1 Chronicles 9:42 offers valuable insights:

• Every Individual Matters: Even those whose lives are summarized by a single line in a genealogy are part of God's grand narrative. It reminds us that our own lives, though seemingly small, contribute to a larger story.
• Valuing Heritage: The meticulous record-keeping encourages us to appreciate our own family heritage and the legacy we are building for future generations.
• God's Faithfulness in Detail: The precision with which God preserved these records speaks to His character—He is attentive to every detail, even those we might consider insignificant. This can encourage us to trust His care in all aspects of our lives.