1 Chronicles 9:6

KJV

And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Zerah {H2226}; Jeuel {H3262}, and their brethren {H251}, six {H8337} hundred {H3967} and ninety {H8673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the descendants of Zerach: Ye'u'el and their kinsmen, 690.

Berean Standard Bible

From the Zerahites: Jeuel and 690 relatives.

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:6 is a precise entry within the extensive genealogical records detailing the inhabitants of Jerusalem and surrounding areas following the Babylonian exile. It specifically enumerates "Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety" as descendants from the lineage of Zerah, one of Judah's sons. This verse, though seemingly a simple numerical and name-based record, serves as a vital testament to the meticulous re-establishment of tribal identity, communal order, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapter 9, which meticulously lists the families and individuals who resettled in Jerusalem and other towns of Judah after the return from Babylonian captivity. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles are predominantly genealogical, serving to anchor the repatriated community in their historical and covenantal identity, tracing their lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and tribes of Israel. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from these broad genealogies to focus on the residents of Jerusalem, including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants, before moving into the narrative history of the kings, beginning with Saul in [1 Chronicles 10](/1_chronicles/10 "1 Chronicles 10 - The Death of Saul"). The inclusion of Zerah's descendants here underscores the Chronicler's intent to demonstrate the continuity of the tribes, particularly Judah, even after the disruption of exile, ensuring proper tribal organization and land inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the Babylonian exile (circa 538 BCE onwards) was a time of immense rebuilding—not just of physical structures like the Temple and city walls, but also of a shattered national and religious identity. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents that established lineage for land inheritance, priestly qualifications, tribal membership, and social status. The meticulous record-keeping, as seen in this verse, reflects the urgent need to re-establish order and purity within the community. The returnees, a remnant of a once-great nation, were tasked with reconstructing their society according to Mosaic law, where tribal affiliation was foundational to their existence and their relationship with God. The mention of "brethren" highlights the communal nature of this restoration, emphasizing the collective identity and shared purpose of the returning exiles.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. **Genealogy and Lineage** are paramount, underscoring the divine preservation of Israel's tribal structures and the importance of knowing one's heritage for identity and covenantal standing, a theme woven throughout 1 Chronicles 1-9. It vividly illustrates the **Post-Exilic Restoration**, showcasing the tangible efforts to re-establish a functioning Israelite society in the land, a process detailed further in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer"). Furthermore, 1 Chronicles 9:6 subtly points to **God's Enduring Faithfulness**. Despite centuries of apostasy, divine judgment through exile, and the apparent dissolution of the nation, God meticulously preserved a remnant and orchestrated their return, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people, as prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return"). The verse also highlights the **Interplay of Individual and Corporate Identity**, where a single name (Jeuel) represents a large collective ("six hundred and ninety brethren"), emphasizing that each individual's place contributes to the larger mosaic of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zerah (Hebrew, _zerach_):** This name means "rising" or "dawning," and refers to one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, born with a scarlet thread tied to his hand (as recounted in [Genesis 38:27-30](/genesis/38-27-30 "Genesis 38:27-30 - The Birth of Perez and Zerah")). His lineage was significant, though secondary to that of his twin brother, Perez, through whom the Davidic line would eventually come. The mention of Zerah here confirms the inclusion of all major Judahite families in the post-exilic community.
* **Jeuel (Hebrew, _ye'i'el_):** Meaning "carried away by God" or "treasured by God," this name appears multiple times in the Old Testament for various individuals, often associated with Levites or those involved in temple service or restoration. In this context, the name is particularly poignant for someone listed among those who returned from exile; they were indeed "carried away" (into captivity) and now, by God's grace, are "treasured" in the restored community, playing a part in the re-establishment of Israel.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, אחים, _'achim_):** While literally meaning "brothers," in this genealogical and tribal context, _'achim_ extends to include kinsmen, relatives, or members of the same clan or tribal unit. It signifies a broader familial or communal group, emphasizing the collective identity and shared heritage of the 690 individuals associated with Jeuel. This term reinforces the idea of a unified people, bound by common ancestry and covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Zerah;":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the specific lineage being enumerated. It points to a direct descent from Zerah, the son of Judah, thereby connecting this group to one of the foundational patriarchal lines of Israel. This precision was crucial for maintaining tribal distinctions and rights in the post-exilic period.
* **"Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.":** This clause provides the specific details of the enumeration. "Jeuel" is singled out, likely as a prominent head of a family or a representative figure within the Zerahite clan. The phrase "and their brethren" then encompasses the wider group of kinsmen belonging to that family branch. The precise number, "six hundred and ninety," underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, highlighting the substantial contribution of this particular Judahite lineage to the repopulation and reconstruction of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:6, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 1-9, is **Genealogy** or **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names and numbers to establish lineage and quantify populations. While seemingly dry, this device serves a profound theological purpose: it demonstrates continuity, validates identity, and underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled. The mention of "Jeuel" as a representative figure for a larger group of "brethren" also employs a subtle form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (Jeuel) stands for the whole (his family/clan), providing a focal point for a larger numerical entry. The precision of the number "six hundred and ninety" also conveys a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical weight to the Chronicler's account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:6, though a seemingly minor detail in a long list, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reflects the divine providence that preserved specific lineages, ensuring the continuity of Israel's identity and the eventual arrival of the Messiah. The act of recording these names and numbers after the devastation of exile underscores the importance of every individual within God's redemptive plan and the corporate identity of His chosen people. It is a testament to the belief that God does not forget His promises, even when His people fail, and that He works through specific individuals and families to accomplish His grand purposes.

* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The Census of Israel")
* [Ezra 2:64-65](/ezra/2-64-65 "Ezra 2:64-65 - Total Number of Returnees")
* [Luke 12:6-7](/luke/12-6-7 "Luke 12:6-7 - God's Care for Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of genealogies like 1 Chronicles 9:6 offer profound spiritual lessons. In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and personal narratives, this verse reminds us of the profound importance of our collective identity and our place within a larger story—God's story. Just as the Chronicler meticulously recorded the names and numbers of those who returned, God knows each of us intimately, valuing every detail of our lives and our place in His unfolding plan. This encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, recognizing that our faith is not a solitary journey but one connected to a vast lineage of believers. It also challenges us to consider how our individual lives contribute to the health and vitality of the broader community of faith, and how we, like Jeuel and his brethren, are called to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and rebuilding, whether physically or spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in this verse speak to God's care and knowledge of individuals within a larger community?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of our spiritual heritage and our connection to the lineage of faith?**
* **In what ways can we, like the returning exiles, contribute to the "rebuilding" or "restoration" of God's work in our own communities today?**

### 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. Firstly, they establish identity and lineage, which was vital in ancient Israel for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and determining eligibility for priestly or royal roles. Secondly, they demonstrate continuity, proving that God's covenant promises, especially those concerning the land and the Davidic dynasty, were being faithfully preserved through generations, even through periods of exile and hardship. For the post-exilic community, these lists in Chronicles served to re-anchor them in their history and reaffirm their place as God's chosen people, ensuring proper temple service and tribal organization. They are not merely historical records but theological statements about God's faithfulness to His promises and His people, as seen in the broader context of 1 Chronicles 1-9.

**What is the significance of the number "six hundred and ninety" in 1 Chronicles 9:6?**

Answer: The precise number "six hundred and ninety" signifies the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the substantial contribution of the Zerahite lineage to the repopulation of Jerusalem after the exile. While the exact numerical significance beyond its face value is not explicitly stated, it underscores the Chronicler's concern for detail and the tangible reality of the returned remnant. It highlights that the restoration was not just a spiritual idea but a physical reality, involving a significant number of people from various tribal lines, each contributing to the rebuilding of the nation. This level of detail reinforces the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the post-exilic community's re-establishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:6 is a seemingly dry genealogical entry, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the meticulous preservation of the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. The Chronicler's painstaking effort to record the descendants of Zerah, a son of Judah, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a King from the tribe of Judah (as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")). Every name, every number, and every preserved lineage in the Old Testament genealogies ultimately points to the divine providence that ensured the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), was born into a specific, verifiable lineage, fulfilling centuries of prophetic expectation. Thus, this verse, like all biblical genealogies, serves as a foundational block in the grand narrative of redemption, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom all of 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")).

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

Genesis 38:30

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

1 Chronicles 2:6

And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

1 Chronicles 2:4

And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah [were] five.