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1 Chronicles 2

55 verses

TL;DR

1 Chronicles 2 records the genealogy of Judah and his descendants, culminating in King David and extending into the wider families of Israel.

Summary

The chapter opens with the sons of Israel and focuses on Judah’s family, tracing the line from Judah’s sons Er, Onan, and Shelah through Tamar’s twins Pharez and Zerah. It then follows the descendants of Pharez, especially Hezron, Ram, Nahshon, Salma, Boaz, Obed, and Jesse, leading to David, with mention of his brothers and sisters. The narrative expands to include collateral lines such as Caleb, Azubah, and others, noting their offspring and places of residence, including Gilead, Aram, and Geshur. Numerous intermarriages, migrations, and tribal affiliations are listed, reflecting the complex web of Israelite kinship. The genealogies emphasize lineage, leadership roles, and the covenantal significance of Judah’s descendants.

Outline
  1. Genealogical account of Judah’s immediate family and his brothers
  2. Traces the line from Hezron through David to the house of Judah
  3. Details collateral branches of Caleb and other families with place associations
Themes
Lineage and ancestryLeadership and covenant fidelityFamily and tribal identity
Keywords
genealogylineageJudahDavidcovenantfamilytribessettlement
People
JudahErOnanShelahTamarPharezZerahHezronRamNahshonSalmaBoazObedJesseDavidAbinadabAbishaiJoabAsahelAmasaCalebAzubahJeriothHurUriBezaleelSegubJairAshurJeremuelOnamShammaiNadabAbishurMolidSheshanAttaiNathanZabadEphlalJehuAzariahHelezEleasahSismaiShallumJekamiahElishamaMeshaHebronKorahTappuahRekemShemaRahamJorkoamMaonBethzurHaranGazezRegemJothamGeshamPeletShaaphMaachahSheberTirhanahAchsa
Places
IsraelGileadAramGeshurKenathCalebephratahJerusalemBethlehemBethgaderKirjathjearimTirathManat
Things
genealogylineagefamily treecovenanttribal affiliation
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 2:14: Shows David among his brothers, highlighting his lineage as king
  • 1 Chronicles 2:22: Mentions Jair’s 32 cities, indicating Israelite settlement patterns
  • 1 Chronicles 2:34: Introduces Sheshan’s daughter and a servant, illustrating marriage alliances
Questions
  • How does Judah’s lineage reinforce his covenantal role?
  • What does the inclusion of collateral families tell us about Israelite society?
  • In what ways do the genealogical details foreshadow David’s reign?
  • Why are so many places mentioned, and what does that reveal about Israel’s territorial spread?
  • How might the marital alliances depicted affect political alliances?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter presents factual genealogical data without explicit emotional language.