1 Chronicles 3
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1Now these were the sons of David, who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess; 2the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital; the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife: 4six were born to him in Hebron; and he reigned there seven years and six months. He reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem; 5and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel; 6and Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, 7Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 9All these were the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines; and Tamar was their sister. 10Solomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 12Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 13Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14Amon his son, and Josiah his son. 15The sons of Josiah: the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, and the fourth Shallum. 16The sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah his son. 17The sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, 18Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. 19The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister; 20and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab Hesed, five. 21The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah. 22The son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 23The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. 24The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelite;”
1 Chronicles 3:1
Summary
1 Chronicles chapter 3 presents a genealogical record, tracing the lineage of King David through his sons. The chapter opens with a listing of David's children born in Hebron, emphasizing the establishment of his royal line. It details the names of his sons, including Amnon, Absalom, and Solomon, highlighting the importance of Solomon as the chosen successor. The latter part of the chapter continues with a genealogy that outlines the descendants of David through Solomon and other sons, connecting them to the overall promise of a lasting dynasty. This careful documentation underscores the significance of lineage in biblical history and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Key themes in this chapter include the importance of heritage and royal lineage, illustrating how God secures His covenant through generations. The chapter also emphasizes the divine choice in leadership, as seen in Solomon's selection over others. The genealogical record serves not only as a historical account but as a reminder of God's sovereignty in guiding the course of Israel's history, particularly through the line of David, ultimately leading to messianic fulfillment. The accurate recording of names reflects the deep connection between God's faithfulness and human history, reminding readers that every individual story contributes to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan.
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Chapter outline
How 1 Chronicles 3 unfolds
1 Chronicles 3:1–4 David's Sons Born in Hebron
This section lists David's sons born in Hebron, establishing his lineage and royal line during his seven-year reign there.
1 Chronicles 3:5–9 Sons Born in Jerusalem
Here, the text details additional sons born to David in Jerusalem, emphasizing Solomon's significance among them as the future king.
1 Chronicles 3:10–14 Genealogy of the Kings
The chapter transitions to the genealogy of David's descendants, tracing the kings of Judah from Solomon through Josiah.
1 Chronicles 3:15–24 Further Descendants of Josiah
This final section lists the descendants of Josiah and his son Jehoiakim, continuing the royal lineage through several generations.
Key verses
1 Chronicles 3:1The key verse highlights David's sons, marking the beginning of a crucial lineage that shapes Israel's history.
Main themes in 1 Chronicles 3
genealogy
The theme of genealogy is evident from the beginning of 1 Chronicles 3, where a detailed listing of David's sons is provided in verses 1-4. This record not only establishes the importance of ancestry but also serves to legitimize David's lineage and identity as Israel's king. Within the chapter's larger movement, the genealogical details underscore God's unfolding plan through the specific lineages that lead to the future hope of Israel.
covenant promise
The covenant promise is prominently featured as David's lineage is traced through Solomon and his descendants in verses 10-14. This genealogical record serves as a powerful affirmation of God's commitment to sustain a royal line, fulfilling His covenant with David. The chapter illustrates how these divine promises are intricately woven into the fabric of Israel’s history, ensuring continuity and hope for the nation.
divine selection
Divine selection is a key theme in this chapter, particularly regarding the choice of Solomon as David's successor, highlighted in verses 5-9. This selection illustrates God's sovereignty in determining who leads among David's sons, emphasizing that leadership is ultimately a divine decision. The narrative shows how this divine choice is crucial to the establishment and stability of Israel’s monarchy, reinforcing the significance of God's guidance in leadership.
royal lineage
The theme of royal lineage is prominently featured throughout 1 Chronicles 3, particularly in the genealogical account found in verses 10-14. This lineage traces the kings of Judah, emphasizing the continuity and legitimacy of David's house in Israel's history. The chapter reinforces the importance of royal descent, highlighting how God’s plan for Israel is closely tied to the lineage that emerges from David.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 3
- Matthew 1Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus connects to this chapter, echoing the royal lineage established through David.
- 2 Samuel 5This passage connects as it recounts David's anointing as king, a pivotal moment leading to his lineage's significance.
- 2 Samuel 13This chapter connects through the mention of Absalom, highlighting the complexities of David's family dynamics.
- Jeremiah 22Jeremiah’s reference to the kings of Judah develops the legacy of David's line and God’s judgment on it.
- 1 Chronicles 14This passage echoes the establishment of David’s reign and his family, which sets the stage for the genealogical record.
- 2 Kings 23This chapter connects by discussing the kings that followed Josiah, continuing the lineage established in this genealogy.
Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Chronicles 3
- Who were David's firstborn sons mentioned in this chapter?
- What significance does Solomon hold in the genealogy?
- How does the genealogy reflect the importance of lineage in Israel?
- What does the text reveal about David's reign in Hebron?
- How do the names listed demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant?
- What connections exist between the descendants mentioned and later biblical figures?
- In what way does this chapter prepare readers for understanding messianic fulfillment?
1 Chronicles 3: frequently asked questions
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