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1 Chronicles3

1 Chronicles 3 meticulously records the lineage of King David, beginning with his sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem. It then traces the royal line through Solomon and the kings of Judah, down to Josiah and his sons. The chapter concludes by detailing the descendants of Jeconiah, extending the Davidic genealogy several generations beyond the Babylonian exile.
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Sons of David Born in Hebron

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These were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second was Daniel by Abigail of Carmel; ​
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the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;
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the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah.
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These six sons were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, ​

Sons of David Born in Jerusalem

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and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. These four were born to him by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel. ​
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David’s other sons were Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,
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Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
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Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet—nine in all.
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These were all the sons of David, besides the sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister. ​

The Royal Line of Judah

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Solomon’s son was Rehoboam: ​
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Abijah was his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,
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Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
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Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,
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Amon his son, and Josiah his son.
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The sons of Josiah: Johanan was the firstborn, Jehoiakim the second, Zedekiah the third, and Shallum the fourth. ​
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The successors of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah. ​

The Post-Exilic Line

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The descendants of Jeconiah the captive: ​
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Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.
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The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The children of Zerubbabel: ​
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Meshullam and Hananiah, their sister Shelomith, and five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed.
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The descendants of Hananiah: Pelatiah, Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah, and of Shecaniah.
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The six descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat.
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The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam—three in all.
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The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all. ​

Study Notes for 1 Chronicles 3

Verse 1

This section lists David's six sons born during his initial reign in Hebron (seven years and six months). The first two, Amnon and Daniel (Chileab), and the third, Absalom, are notable figures in the historical narratives of 2 Samuel.

Verse 4

This verse summarizes David's time in Hebron, serving as a transition before listing the children born during his time as king over all Israel in Jerusalem (33 years).

Verse 5

Solomon's inclusion here is vital, as the subsequent royal genealogy follows his line. Bathshua is the Chronicler’s designation for Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah whom David took as his own (2 Sam 11).

Verse 9

The mention of 'sons of the concubines' acknowledges David’s larger family, but emphasizes that the legitimate, royal line is traced only through the named sons. Tamar is the only daughter mentioned, likely due to her significance in the tragic family history (2 Sam 13).

Verse 10

This verse transitions the genealogy from David to the continuous line of kings who ruled Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of the divine covenant promising David an enduring dynasty (2 Sam 7).

Verse 15

The four sons listed here include Jehoahaz (Shallum), Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, who were the final kings of Judah and ruled in rapid succession during the political crisis leading to the Babylonian Exile.

Verse 16

Jehoiakim's son, Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), ruled only three months before being exiled to Babylon, marking the virtual end of the independent monarchy.

Verse 17

Jeconiah was deported in 597 BC. Although Jeremiah prophesied that his line would be cut off (Jer. 22:30), the Chronicler shows the Davidic covenant surviving the exile and continuing through his son Salathiel.

Verse 19

Zerubbabel is a pivotal figure, serving as the appointed governor who led the first wave of returnees from Babylon and oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 3). His inclusion confirms the preservation of the Davidic line in the restored community.

Verse 24

This concluding list extends the genealogy several generations past Zerubbabel, demonstrating to the post-exilic community that the legitimate Davidic lineage remained intact and preserved, carrying the hope of future restoration.

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