FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 4:2
KJVAnd Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.
Read it in context
The Descendants of Judah
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 4:1 (1 Chronicles 4:1 to 1 Chronicles 4:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
- 4:1 The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.
- 4:2 And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.
- 4:3 And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:
- 4:4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.
- 4:5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
- 4:6 And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.
- 4:7 And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.
- 4:8 And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44): These genealogies and settlement lists identify ancestral families, tribes, priests, Levites, and returned inhabitants for the community's record. The people listed are not all participants in one contemporary gathering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Descendants of Judah. Read 1 Chronicles 4:1 through 1 Chronicles 4:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Descendants of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1 to 1 Chronicles 4:8). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 4:1, 1 Chronicles 4:8, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Related passages
- Reaiah 1 Chr 2:52
- Haroeh 1 Chr 2:53-54 Josh 15:33 Judg 13:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 4
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The Prayer of Jabez
1 Chronicles 4:9–10FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation More Descendants of Judah
1 Chronicles 4:11–23FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation The Descendants of Simeon
1 Chronicles 4:24–43FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation David's kingship established
1 Chronicles 10:1–12:40FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.