1 Chronicles 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher are the sons of Israel (vv. 1-2). Judah’s sons include Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er was wicked, and Yahweh killed him (v. 3). Tamar bore Perez and Zerah, making Judah's total sons five. The line continues with Perez, whose sons are Hezron and Hamul (vv. 4-5). Descendants of Judah include Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara (v. 6). The genealogy leads to David, with Jesse as his father and Eliab as his firstborn (vv. 10-15). Caleb's lineage follows, starting with his sons from Azubah and Jerioth (vv. 18-19). His son Hur became the father of Bezalel (v. 20). Caleb's family connections include several other sons and concubines, leading to important towns and families (vv. 42-55).

Key verse

“The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah; which three were born to him of Shua’s daughter the Canaanitess. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight; and he killed him.”
1 Chronicles 2:3 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 2:1–5 Sons of Israel and Judah's Lineage
1 Chronicles 2:6–15 Descendants of Judah and David's Line
1 Chronicles 2:16–55 Caleb's Lineage and Familial Connections

Discussion questions

In v6, who are the sons listed under Zerah?
What does the phrase 'the troubler of Israel' in v7 refer to?
The family line in v12: why is Boaz's inclusion essential to the genealogy?
In v23, why is Jair mentioned in relation to the cities?
When have you felt the weight of family legacy as seen in this chapter?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 2: 1 Chronicles 4, Genesis 46, Ruth 4.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 3.