1 Chronicles 9:44

KJV

And Azel had six sons, whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these [were] the sons of Azel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Azel {H682} had six {H8337} sons {H1121}, whose names {H8034} are these, Azrikam {H5840}, Bocheru {H1074}, and Ishmael {H3458}, and Sheariah {H8187}, and Obadiah {H5662}, and Hanan {H2605}: these were the sons {H1121} of Azel {H682}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Atzel had six sons, whose names were: 'Azrikam, Bokhru, Yishma'el, Sh'aryah, 'Ovadyah and Hanan; all these were sons of Atzel.

Berean Standard Bible

And Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

American Standard Version

And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:44 is a concise genealogical entry, meticulously listing the six sons of Azel: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. This verse is embedded within a broader genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the families who returned to and resettled Jerusalem and its surrounding areas following the Babylonian exile, thereby emphasizing the re-establishment of the community and the preservation of Israel's tribal and familial identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical section spanning from [1 Chronicles 1](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - The Genealogies from Adam to Abraham") through [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah"). Specifically, [1 Chronicles 9:35-44](/1_chronicles/9-35 "1 Chronicles 9:35-44 - The Genealogy of Saul's Descendants") provides a detailed lineage of Saul's family, tracing his ancestry through Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon," and then listing his descendants, including Azel and his sons. This immediate context highlights the meticulous record-keeping of prominent families, even those whose royal line had been disrupted, underscoring the chronicler's concern for the continuity of Israelite identity and the preservation of tribal records, particularly for those who returned to Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled and edited after the Babylonian exile, during the Persian period (c. 538-400 BC). For a people returning from seventy years of captivity, their identity, land rights, and religious legitimacy were paramount. Genealogies served as crucial legal and social documents, verifying tribal affiliations, priestly qualifications (e.g., [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priests Lacking Genealogical Record")), and the right to inherit land. The focus on Jerusalem's inhabitants in [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem") reflects the post-exilic community's effort to rebuild and repopulate the city, re-establishing its spiritual and administrative center. The inclusion of specific family lines, even those not directly related to the Davidic or priestly lines, underscores the importance of every family unit in the re-establishment of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of Azel's sons in [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - The Sons of Azel") contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it emphasizes **Continuity and Identity**, reminding the post-exilic community of their unbroken lineage and connection to their past, even after the trauma of exile. Second, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God in History**, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving a remnant and guiding the re-establishment of His people, even through seemingly mundane details like family trees. Third, it subtly reinforces the **Importance of Family and Heritage** within the covenant community, where each individual and family played a role in the larger divine narrative, echoing the significance of Abraham's lineage in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azel (Hebrew, _'Atsel'_):** This proper name, meaning "noble," "reserved," or "near," identifies the patriarch whose six sons are listed. While the name itself doesn't carry a profound theological meaning in this context, its inclusion signifies the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in preserving the lineage of prominent families, even those not directly in the Davidic or priestly lines. Azel is a descendant of Saul, highlighting the Chronicler's comprehensive approach to Israelite history, acknowledging all significant tribal lines.
* **Sons (Hebrew, בָּנִים, _banim'_):** The term "sons" here denotes male offspring, crucial for the continuation of family lines, inheritance, and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. The enumeration of six sons underscores the concept of a thriving, established family, which was a sign of divine blessing and a vital component of the community's strength and continuity, especially in the post-exilic period when repopulation and re-establishment were paramount.
* **Obadiah (Hebrew, עֹבַדְיָה, _'Ovadyah'_):** One of Azel's sons, this name means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of Yahweh." While simply a name in this genealogical list, its etymology provides a glimpse into the faith and worldview of the parents who bestowed such names. Many Hebrew names functioned as short prayers, declarations of faith, or reflections of divine attributes, subtly weaving theological affirmations into the fabric of daily life and family identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azel had six sons,"**: This opening clause introduces the patriarch Azel and immediately states the number of his direct male descendants, setting the stage for the detailed enumeration that follows. The emphasis on "six sons" highlights a significant number of offspring, indicating a substantial family unit within the larger tribal structure.
* **"whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan:"**: This is the core of the verse, providing the specific names of Azel's six sons. The meticulous listing of each name underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the preservation of individual identities within the collective lineage. Each name, though not explicitly expounded upon, represents a distinct person who contributed to the continuity of the family line.
* **"these [were] the sons of Azel."**: This concluding phrase serves as a reiteration and emphatic closure to the entry for Azel's family. It reinforces the direct paternal relationship and ensures clarity regarding whose lineage is being documented, providing a neat and definitive end to this particular genealogical segment.

#### Literary Devices
While a seemingly straightforward genealogical entry, [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - The Sons of Azel") employs several subtle literary techniques. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, the systematic listing of names, which serves to establish a comprehensive and authoritative record. This device, common in biblical genealogies, emphasizes completeness and precision. There is also a form of **Repetition** in the concluding phrase "these [were] the sons of Azel," which echoes the initial statement, creating a clear and concise frame for the list of names and ensuring no ambiguity about the relationship. Furthermore, the very presence of such detailed genealogies functions as a **Literary Framework** for the Chronicler's theological message, underscoring the themes of continuity, identity, and divine faithfulness through the meticulous preservation of human lineage. The names themselves, as discussed in the key word analysis, often contain **Symbolism** or implicit theological statements, even if not explicitly highlighted in the text.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - The Sons of Azel") is profoundly theological. It testifies to God's meticulous care for His people, not just as a collective, but as individuals within families. The preservation of these genealogies, especially after the devastating exile, speaks volumes about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He never forgets His people or their heritage. It underscores the divine order in human history and the importance of every family's contribution to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a quiet affirmation of God's enduring commitment to His chosen nation and the meticulous way He orchestrates even the seemingly minor details of their existence.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of Noah's Sons") - Illustrates the biblical emphasis on family and lineage as foundational to human history.
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry") - Highlights the practical and spiritual importance of genealogical records for post-exilic identity and priestly legitimacy.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - Shows the ultimate culmination of biblical genealogies in tracing the lineage of the Messiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often focused on individual achievement and immediate gratification, [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - The Sons of Azel") invites us to consider the profound significance of our heritage, our community, and God's sovereign hand in the details of our lives. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineage of Azel's sons, He knows and cares for every individual, every family, and every generation. This verse reminds us that our lives are part of a larger, divine narrative, connecting us to those who came before and those who will come after. It encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of God through generations, to understand our place in His grand story, and to live in a way that honors the legacy of faith passed down to us, while also building a spiritual heritage for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 9:44, deepen your understanding of God's character and His care for individuals?**
* **In what ways does knowing your own family history or spiritual heritage impact your sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What "details" in your life, which might seem mundane, could God be using to advance His larger purposes or demonstrate His faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. Primarily, they establish **identity and continuity**, linking individuals and communities to their ancestors and ensuring the preservation of tribal, family, and national heritage. For ancient Israel, they were vital for verifying **land rights**, **tribal affiliations**, and **priestly legitimacy** (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priests Lacking Genealogical Record")). Theologically, they demonstrate God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the promise to Abraham to make him a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and the promise of an enduring dynasty to David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Ultimately, they meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, affirming His rightful claim to the Davidic throne ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane listing of Azel's sons in [1 Chronicles 9:44](/1_chronicles/9-44 "1 Chronicles 9:44 - The Sons of Azel"), like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of these family lines, even through periods of exile and disruption, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in the Incarnation. Every name, every generation, served as a link in the chain leading to the promised Seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Jesus is the ultimate heir to the covenant promises made to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")) and David ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")), and His human lineage, meticulously recorded in the Gospels ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), confirms His qualification as the Messiah. Thus, Azel's sons, though distant, are part of the vast tapestry of human history that God sovereignly wove to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.