Scripture reading – 1 Chronicles 3-4

The title of this book is Chronicles, and 1 Chronicles 3-4 gives us a genealogical record of the royal lineages of kings and the tribes of Israel. Some notable names are in our Scripture reading; however, most carry little meaning. Nevertheless, we can take joy in this: All were important enough to the LORD that He ensured their names would be remembered forever!

1 Chronicles 3

 

The Sons of David When He Lived in Hebron (1 Chronicles 3:1-4)

The names of the sons of David born in Hebron are recorded in 1 Chronicles 3:1-9. Six sons were born to him in Hebron, including David’s firstborn son, Amnon (3:1), and Absalom, his third son (who carried a significant part in Old Testament history, 3:2). As we will see, those sons will have important roles in our study of David’s life and reign (3:1-4).

The Sons of David Born in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 3:5-9)

1 Chronicles 3:5-9 then gave us the names of thirteen additional sons born to David in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 3:8) and a daughter named Tamar (sister of Absalom, 1 Chronicles 3:9). Of course, the most famous son of David was his heir, Solomon. He was the son of Bathsheba and David’s heir to the throne of Israel (1 Chronicles 3:5).

The Royal Lineage of David (1 Chronicles 3:10-16)

1 Chronicles 3:10-16 recorded the royal lineage of David’s heirs, beginning with Rehoboam, son of Solomon, who ruled Judah after Israel was divided. Jeconiah (3:16) was included in the list, who was removed from the throne and lived in exile in Babylon.

The Lineage of David During and After the Babylonian Captivity (1 Chronicles 3:17-24)

The balance of 1 Chronicles 3 gives us the record of David’s royal lineage born during the years of the Babylonian captivity (1 Chronicles 3:17-24). 

1 Chronicles 4

 

The Sons of the Tribe of Judah

1 Chronicles 4:1-23 continued the genealogical record of Judah, the fourth-born son of Jacob and the father of the royal tribe. 1 Chronicles 4:1 reads, “the sons of Judah,” and then proceeds to record the names of five men. Of the five, only Pharez (1 Chronicles 2:4) was a son of Judah. Still, Hezron was Judah’s grandson (4:1) and therefore named with the others as sons in a direct line of descent (1 Chronicles 4:2).

Other notable mentions in Judah’s lineage were skilled craftsmen (1 Chronicles 4:11-23) that lived in the “valley of Charashim (1 Chronicles 4:14). There were also weavers, who were said to have “wrought fine linen” (1 Chronicles 4:21). Also potters and gardeners were named among the men of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:22-23).

The Sons of the Tribe of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:24-43)

The lineage of Simeon, the second son of Jacob, was recorded, and the list includes the cities and villages assigned to the tribe (1 Chronicles 4:24-43).

Closing thoughts:

In closing, consider with me the testimony of a man named Jabez of whom we read, “Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow” (1 Chronicles 4:9). We are not told why his mother named him, “Jabez,” a “man of sorrow,” but it is not who he was, or the cloud of sorrow under which he was born that is essential.

Jabez was a man of prayer (1 Chronicles 4:10a). He “called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

What a powerful, heartfelt prayer! Jabez prayed for four things, and the LORD answered his prayer! He prayed for God to bless him, and He did! He prayed for God to prosper him, and the LORD answered. He prayed the hand of God would rest upon him and keep him from evil, “and God granted him that which he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

For what are you praying? James reminded believers in his epistle, “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).

Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith

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