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1 Chronicles 3

24 verses

TL;DR

1 Chronicles 3 records King David’s sons, their descendants, and the royal line from Solomon through Josiah to the post‑exilic figures.

Summary

The chapter opens with a list of David’s sons born in Hebron, beginning with Amnon and including notable figures such as Absalom and Adonijah. It then lists the children born in Jerusalem, adding more names like Solomon’s son Rehoboam. The text continues with a genealogy that traces the line of kings from Solomon down through a long succession of monarchs, ending with the descendants of Josiah and the post‑exilic leaders. The focus is on establishing the dynastic lineage and the legitimacy of each king’s rule. Throughout, the narrative underscores the importance of ancestry, inheritance, and the continuity of God’s covenant through Israel’s monarchy.

Outline
  1. Listing David’s sons born in Hebron
  2. Listing sons born in Jerusalem
  3. Tracing the royal lineage from Solomon to the post‑exilic leaders
Themes
royal lineage and inheritancelegitimacy of kingshipcontinuity of the covenant
Keywords
sons of DavidkingsuccessionlineageHebronJerusalemGeshur
People
DavidAmnonDanielAbsalomAdonijahShephatiahIthreamShimeaShobabNathanSolomonBathshuaIbharElishamaElipheletNogahNpehehJaphiaEliadaRehoboamAbiaAsaJehoshaphatJoramAhaziahJoashAmaziahAzariahJothamAhazHezekiahManassehAmonJosiahJohananJehoiakimZedekiahShallumJeconiahSalathielMalchiramPedaiahShenazarJecamiahHoshamaNedabiahZerubbabelShimeiMeshullamHananiahShelomithHashubahOhelBerechiahHasadiahJushabhesedPelatiahJesaiahRephaiahArnanObadiahShechaniahShemaiahHattushIgealBariahNeariahShaphatElioenaiAzrikamHodaiahEliashibPelaiahAkkubDalaiahAnaniTamar
Places
HebronJerusalemGeshur
Things
sons of Davidroyal successioninheritancelineage
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 3:3: Introduces Absalom, a key figure whose rebellion shapes David’s reign.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:4: Names Rehoboam, the first king of the Davidic line, establishing the royal lineage.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:15: Highlights Zerubbabel, the leader of the returned exiles, linking the ancient line to post‑exilic restoration.
Questions
  • What does the detailed genealogy suggest about Israel’s view of kingship?
  • How might the inclusion of sons from concubines and Tamar affect the perception of legitimacy?
  • In what ways does the lineage emphasize God’s covenant with Israel?
  • Why is Zerubbabel’s mention significant in the context of the post‑exilic community?
  • How does the order of listing influence our understanding of David’s family dynamics?
Sentiment

neutral
Descriptive record of lineage without overt emotional tone