1 Chronicles 9:42

KJV

And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahaz {H271} begat {H3205} Jarah {H3294}; and Jarah {H3294} begat {H3205} Alemeth {H5964}, and Azmaveth {H5820}, and Zimri {H2174}; and Zimri {H2174} begat {H3205} Moza {H4162};

Complete Jewish Bible

Achaz fathered Ya'ra; Ya'ra fathered 'Alemet, 'Azmavet and Zimri; Zimri fathered Motza;

Berean Standard Bible

Ahaz was the father of Jarah; Jarah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri was the father of Moza.

American Standard Version

And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:42 is a concise genealogical entry that continues the meticulous record of lineages within the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing descendants of King Saul through his son Jonathan. This verse lists Ahaz, Jarah, Alemeth, Azmaveth, Zimri, and Moza, serving as a vital link in the Chronicler's comprehensive documentation. Its inclusion underscores the post-exilic community's need to re-establish tribal identities, confirm historical continuity, and affirm God's faithfulness in preserving the intricate fabric of Israel's past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:42 is situated within a lengthy genealogical section (1 Chronicles 9:1-44) that meticulously lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas after the Babylonian exile. Specifically, verses 35-44 provide a detailed genealogy of King Saul, tracing his lineage through his son Jonathan, which is a near-verbatim repetition of [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1_chronicles/8-29 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Parallel Genealogy of Saul's Descendants"). This repetition underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the continuity of Israel's history and the importance of tribal identity, even for a line that did not lead to the Davidic monarchy. The immediate context of this verse, following the general census of those who returned to Jerusalem, highlights the re-establishment of the community and its roots, connecting the present generation to their ancestral past and reinforcing their place within God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was compiled during the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), a time when the returned Jewish community was striving to re-establish its identity, religious practices, and national continuity after decades of dispersion. Genealogies served as vital legal and social documents, determining land inheritance, tribal affiliation, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and confirming one's place within the covenant community. The meticulous recording of lineages, even those of figures like Saul whose kingdom ended in failure, reinforced the unbroken historical thread of Israel and God's faithfulness to His promises despite national setbacks. Culturally, lineage was paramount for identity and status in ancient Israel, and these records provided a tangible link to their foundational patriarchs and the covenant, ensuring the proper ordering of society and worship.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Preservation of Records:** The inclusion of such intricate and often repetitive genealogical lists throughout the Old Testament, from the earliest accounts in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogies from Adam to Noah") to the detailed records in Chronicles, demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in preserving the historical narrative of His people. It reflects a divine commitment to accuracy and the importance of knowing one's heritage within God's unfolding plan.
* **Historical Continuity:** Genealogies like this one serve as crucial bridges between generations, affirming the unbroken connection of the Israelite people to their ancestors and to the divine plan that began with Abraham and continued through the covenant at Sinai (see [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant with Israel at Sinai")). They provide a tangible link to the past, reminding the post-exilic community of their foundational identity and their place in God's ongoing story, even as they rebuilt their nation.
* **The Significance of "Begat":** The repeated Hebrew verb *yalad* (יָלַד), translated "begat" or "fathered," is more than a simple biological statement. It emphasizes the direct, divinely ordained transmission of lineage, heritage, and covenant promises. In a culture where identity was inextricably linked to family and tribe, this verb underscores the perpetuation of the family line, crucial for maintaining tribal boundaries, ensuring land rights, and ultimately, for the fulfillment of the promise of a Messiah from a specific lineage, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** This verb (יָלַד) is foundational to biblical genealogies, meaning "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." Its consistent use across generations highlights the direct, biological, and divinely ordained succession of family lines. In 1 Chronicles 9:42, its repetition underscores the deliberate and continuous nature of the lineage, emphasizing the perpetuation of the family unit and the tribal identity of Benjamin. Beyond mere procreation, *yalad* carries the weight of transmitting heritage, identity, and the covenant promises through successive generations, ensuring the unbroken thread of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahaz begat Jarah":** This opening clause establishes the starting point of this specific segment of Saul's lineage, identifying Ahaz as the father of Jarah. It immediately sets the tone for the genealogical progression, emphasizing the direct paternal link and the continuation of the family line.
* **"and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri":** This clause reveals Jarah as the father of multiple sons, indicating the branching out of the family line. The naming of three distinct sons (Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri) highlights the fertility and growth within the lineage, contributing to the overall strength and continuity of the tribe of Benjamin and demonstrating the detailed nature of the Chronicler's records.
* **"and Zimri begat Moza":** The final clause in this verse brings the specific segment to a close with Zimri fathering Moza. This continues the direct line of succession, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler and providing a clear, traceable path through this branch of Saul's descendants, ensuring the complete and accurate documentation of the tribal structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:42, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself, serving as a structured literary form to establish lineage and historical continuity. The repetitive use of the verb "begat" (Hebrew, *yalad*) exemplifies **Repetition**, a device that emphasizes the continuous, unbroken chain of generations and the importance of family succession. This rhythmic repetition underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the divine faithfulness in preserving the lines of Israel. Furthermore, the precise listing of names demonstrates **Enumeration**, a technique used to provide a comprehensive and authoritative account, reinforcing the historical veracity and the ordered nature of God's people within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 9:42 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that even the seemingly obscure details of lineage are part of His grand design. The preservation of these records, especially for a king like Saul whose reign ended in tragedy, underscores God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to His promises, regardless of human failure. It also highlights the biblical emphasis on corporate identity and the intergenerational nature of God's covenant with Israel, where the actions and identities of individuals are inextricably linked to their family and tribal heritage. This theological principle of continuity and divine oversight sets the stage for understanding the broader narrative of salvation history.

* [1 Chronicles 8:36-38](/1_chronicles/8-36 "Parallel Genealogy of Saul's Descendants")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1 "Genealogy from Adam to Noah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
At first glance, a genealogical verse like 1 Chronicles 9:42 might appear distant from daily life, yet it offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned in the grand tapestry of history, holds a significant place in God's overarching plan. Just as the Chronicler meticulously recorded these names, God knows each of us intimately, valuing our lives and our contributions to His story. This verse encourages us to appreciate our own heritage, recognizing the legacy passed down through generations—whether spiritual, familial, or cultural—and to consider the legacy we are building for those who will follow. Furthermore, the precision and persistence in these records speak to God's unwavering faithfulness and attention to detail. If God cares enough to preserve such intricate lineages, we can trust His meticulous care and sovereign oversight in every aspect of our own lives, even in the seemingly mundane or forgotten details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's meticulous care in preserving detailed genealogies impact your trust in His oversight of your own life?**
* **What aspects of your personal or spiritual heritage do you recognize as significant, and how might you honor or perpetuate them?**
* **In what ways can you see your own life contributing to a larger, intergenerational narrative of faith or purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 9:42, so important, especially if they seem repetitive or just lists of names?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far from mere lists; they serve several crucial purposes. First, they establish **historical continuity and authenticity**, demonstrating the unbroken lineage of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises across generations. For the post-exilic community, they were vital for re-establishing tribal identities, land rights, and eligibility for priestly service, as seen in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned"). Second, they underscore **God's faithfulness and meticulous sovereignty** over history, showing that every individual and every generation plays a role in His grand design, even those whose lives are briefly noted. Third, they often serve a **theological purpose**, particularly in tracing the lineage of key figures like David or, most significantly, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as meticulously recorded in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus' Lineage"). They connect the present to the past, affirming God's ongoing work through His chosen people and demonstrating the precision with which His redemptive plan unfolds.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:42 details a lineage that does not directly lead to the Davidic line, it nonetheless contributes to the broader biblical emphasis on lineage and divine continuity, which ultimately finds its climax in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these seemingly minor genealogies underscores God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His promises, even those that seem to diverge from the main Messianic path. Every "begat" in the Old Testament, whether leading to kings or commoners, implicitly points to the ultimate "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and further specified through the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah. The very existence of such detailed records prepares the reader for the climactic genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus' Lineage"), which demonstrate His rightful claim as the Christ, the Son of David, and the Son of God, fulfilling all the Old Testament expectations. Thus, even a verse like 1 Chronicles 9:42, by affirming the importance of lineage and God's historical oversight, subtly directs our gaze towards the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), Jesus, who is the culmination of all history and the ultimate fulfillment of God's meticulous plan.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 8:36

And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,