2 Chronicles 11:19

KJV

Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which bare {H3205} him children {H1121}; Jeush {H3266}, and Shamariah {H8114}, and Zaham {H2093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and she became the mother of his sons Ye'ush, Sh'maryah and Zaham.

Berean Standard Bible

She bore sons to him: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham.

American Standard Version

and she bare him sons: Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 11:19 is a concise genealogical entry within a broader section detailing the family of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. This verse specifically names three of Rehoboam's children—Jeush, Shamariah, and Zaham—born to him by his wife Mahalath. It serves as a meticulous record of the Davidic royal lineage, underscoring the chronicler's emphasis on the stability and continuity of the legitimate kingship in Judah, even amidst the political turmoil of the divided kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 11:18-23, a passage devoted to describing the extensive family of King Rehoboam. Following the catastrophic division of the kingdom detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Division of the Kingdom") and [2 Chronicles 10](/2-chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides"), the chronicler shifts focus to Rehoboam's personal life and the establishment of his royal household in Judah. Verses 18-20 introduce Rehoboam's wives, Mahalath and Abihail, and then Maacah, the daughter of Absalom. Verse 19 specifically lists three sons born to Mahalath, highlighting her contribution to the royal line. This detailed genealogical account contrasts with the political instability of the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasizing the chronicler's concern with the legitimate succession and stability of the Davidic dynasty in Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam's reign (c. 931-913 BC) immediately followed the death of his father, King Solomon, and was marked by the schism of the united monarchy. In the ancient Near East, a large family and numerous offspring were considered a significant sign of divine blessing, prosperity, and the strength of a dynasty. Genealogical records were not merely lists of names; they served crucial legal, historical, and theological purposes, establishing claims to inheritance, tribal identity, and royal legitimacy. The chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, meticulously preserves these records to reinforce the enduring covenant with David and to provide hope for the future restoration of the Davidic line, despite the challenges and exiles faced by the people of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 2 Chronicles 11:19 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. First, it underscores **Dynastic Continuity**, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of David, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come, as promised in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). Second, the mention of numerous children points to **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, indicating that despite Rehoboam's initial failures, God still granted him a measure of stability and fruitfulness, contrasting with the often-unstable successions in the northern kingdom. Finally, this verse exemplifies the **Chronicler's Meticulous Record-Keeping**, reflecting a theological purpose to demonstrate God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously tracing the thread of His redemptive plan through generations, even in seemingly minor details like the names of royal children.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeush (Hebrew, _Ye'ush'_):** This name, meaning "He will help" or "Hasty," is one of the three sons of Rehoboam mentioned. While its individual meaning doesn't carry significant theological weight in this context, its inclusion underscores the chronicler's commitment to a detailed and accurate historical record of the Davidic lineage, which was crucial for establishing legitimacy and continuity.
* **Shamariah (Hebrew, _Sh'maryah'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has guarded" or "Kept by Yahweh," this name reflects a common Hebrew naming convention that often incorporated elements of God's name (Yahweh) and attributes. It subtly points to divine providence and protection, even within the human family lines, aligning with the chronicler's overall theological perspective of God's active involvement in the history of His people.
* **Zaham (Hebrew, _Zaḥam'_):** This name, meaning "loathing" or "impure," is less common and its precise etymology is debated. Like the other names, its primary significance here is its role in completing the genealogical record, demonstrating the breadth of Rehoboam's family and the chronicler's comprehensive approach to documenting the royal household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which bare him children":** This phrase directly refers back to Mahalath, Rehoboam's wife, mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Chronicles 11:18). It highlights her role in continuing the royal line, emphasizing the importance of wives in ancient societies for ensuring dynastic succession and the perpetuation of the family name. The verb "bare" (from Hebrew _yalad_) signifies the act of giving birth, underscoring the physical reality of lineage.
* **"Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham":** These are the specific names of the three sons born to Rehoboam through Mahalath. The explicit listing of names, rather than a generic statement, demonstrates the chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in documenting the royal family. This precision serves to authenticate the historical record and reinforce the legitimacy and breadth of the Davidic dynasty, which was a central concern for the chronicler's post-exilic audience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 11:19, and indeed throughout this section of Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **List**. This device serves to establish and validate the lineage of King Rehoboam, connecting him directly to the Davidic covenant and reinforcing the legitimacy of the southern kingdom of Judah. The **Conciseness** of the verse, typical of genealogical entries, focuses on the factual transmission of information rather than elaborate narrative, highlighting the chronicler's emphasis on historical accuracy and the importance of record-keeping. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of names and family details across 2 Chronicles 11:18-23 underscores the theme of royal posterity and the divine blessing of a large family, which was crucial for the stability and continuation of the dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane listing of names in 2 Chronicles 11:19 carries profound theological weight. It serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, a lineage through which His ultimate redemptive plan would unfold. Even amidst the political and spiritual failures of kings like Rehoboam, God meticulously works through human families and historical events to ensure the continuity of His covenant promises. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical footnote but a subtle reminder of God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating His commitment to His promises across generations, culminating in the arrival of the promised Messiah.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 2 Chronicles 11:19 might appear to be a dry list of names, it offers a rich opportunity for reflection on God's character and our place within His grand narrative. The Bible's meticulous attention to detail, even in genealogical records, speaks volumes about God's intentionality and His sovereign involvement in every aspect of human history. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in the unfolding of God's purposes. This verse subtly encourages us to value our own family heritage, not just for personal pride, but as a testament to the ongoing story of humanity within God's creation. It also underscores the importance of legacy—what we pass on, not just genetically, but spiritually and morally—as we contribute to the tapestry of generations that God is weaving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous attention to detail, even in genealogies, speak to God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways do you see the importance of family and legacy reflected in your own life or community, in light of biblical examples?**
* **How can understanding the continuity of God's plan, even through seemingly minor verses, encourage your faith today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler spend so much time on genealogies and family lists like this?**

Answer: The Chronicler's extensive use of genealogies and family lists, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:19, serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, it establishes the **legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic kingship** in Judah. For a post-exilic audience, these records provided a vital link to their heritage and the covenant promises made to David. They underscored that despite the exile, God's promises were still valid, and the rightful line of kings was preserved. Furthermore, these lists highlighted the **stability and divine blessing** upon the southern kingdom of Judah, contrasting it with the often tumultuous and illegitimate successions in the northern kingdom of Israel. They also served as a **meticulous historical record**, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to accuracy and providing a foundation for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific individuals and families. Ultimately, these genealogies reinforce the idea that God is sovereign over history, working through human generations to bring about His purposes, including the ultimate arrival of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 11:19 lists sons of Rehoboam, a king often marked by failure, its true significance lies in its contribution to the unbroken chain of the Davidic lineage, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of these seemingly minor names underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an eternal throne and an everlasting kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Every name, including Jeush, Shamariah, and Zaham, is a testament to God's sovereign plan to preserve this royal line until the ultimate "Son of David" appeared. Jesus, as the true heir to David's throne, fulfills all these ancient promises, not merely as a human king, but as the divine King of kings and Lord of lords. The genealogies in the New Testament, such as [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), meticulously trace this very lineage, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed the promised "seed" of David ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")), the one whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, even a brief verse like 2 Chronicles 11:19 points to the divine faithfulness that meticulously prepared the way for the coming of our Savior, Jesus 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.